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Prophets and Kings
was the king’s confidence in the integrity of Ezra that he showed him
marked favor, granting his request and bestowing on him rich gifts
for the temple service. He made him a special representative of the
Medo-Persian kingdom and conferred on him extensive powers for the
carrying out of the purposes that were in his heart.
The decree of Artaxerxes Longimanus for the restoring and build-
ing of Jerusalem, the third issued since the close of the seventy years’
captivity, is remarkable for its expressions regarding the God of heaven,
for its recognition of the attainments of Ezra, and for the liberality of
the grants made to the remnant people of God. Artaxerxes refers to
Ezra as “the priest, the scribe, even a scribe of the words of the com-
mandments of the Lord, and of His statutes to Israel;” “a scribe of the
law of the God of heaven.” The king united with his counselors in of-
fering freely “unto the God of Israel, whose habitation is in Jerusalem;”
and in addition he made provision for meeting many heavy expenses
by ordering that they be paid “out of the king’s treasure house.”
Verses
11, 12, 15, 20
.
“Thou art sent of the king, and of his seven counselors,” Artax-
erxes declared to Ezra, “to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem,
according to the law of thy God which is in thine hand.” And he further
decreed: “Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be
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diligently done for the house of the God of heaven: for why should
there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?”
Verses 14,
23
.
In giving permission to the Israelites to return, Artaxerxes arranged
for the restoration of the members of the priesthood to their ancient
rites and privileges. “We certify you,” he declared, “that touching any
of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers
of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or
custom, upon them.” He also arranged for the appointment of civil
officers to govern the people justly in accordance with the Jewish code
of laws. “Thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, that is in thine
hand,” he directed, “set magistrates and judges, which may judge all
the people that are beyond the river, all such as know the laws of thy
God; and teach ye them that know them not. And whosoever will not
do the law of thy God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed
speedily upon him, whether it be unto death, or to banishment, or to
confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment.”
Verses 24-26
.