Ezra 7:21 Meaning and Explanation
“And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers which are beyond the river, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done speedily,”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Artaxerxes decrees that all the treasurers west of the Euphrates must promptly supply whatever Ezra requires.
What Does Ezra 7:21 Mean?
The king issues a binding order to his officials. All the treasurers in the region beyond the river, the lands west of the Euphrates, are commanded to grant speedily whatever Ezra the priest and scribe requests of them. The full force of empire stands behind the request.
The emphatic 'I, even I Artaxerxes' lends royal weight to the command, and the word 'speedily' presses for prompt obedience. A network of officials across a vast region is bound to assist God's servant. The LORD can dispose the machinery of nations to serve His ends, directing distant officers to support a work they never planned. What God ordains, He also empowers, marshaling resources far beyond the reach of His servant's own hand.
Ezra 7:21 in the Original Language
beyond the river (avar nahara, עֲבַר נַהֲרָה) -- the Aramaic name for the Persian province west of the Euphrates, which included Judah.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezra 7:21
What does Ezra 7:21 mean?
Artaxerxes decrees that all the treasurers west of the Euphrates must promptly supply whatever Ezra requires.