MPV Commentary

11. This is the copy of the letter that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra. The significance of this document and the royal interest in the Jews can be attributed to the influence of Esther, who had recently become queen. Alternatively, it may have been prompted by Ezra himself, who, like Daniel, presented prophecies to the king, or by leading Jews who recommended a commission to reform abuses and enforce the law after the deaths of Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Haggai, and Zechariah.

12. Artaxerxes, king of kings, was a title that might have been assumed due to his vast empire, where many tributary princes still held royal authority. However, it was likely an Orientalism, signifying a great and powerful prince. This title was also used by the Assyrian and Persian monarchs.

13. To Ezra, a priest and scribe of the law of God, the king appointed him to this influential mission. This appointment was crucial for the Hebrew people, as many had become strangers to their language and institutions.

14. The document describes Ezra's commission with great clarity and precision. He was sent by the king and his seven counselors, a fixed number in the Persian privy council (Esther 1:10, 14). The commission gave him authority to organize the colony in Judea, establish a regular government according to Hebrew laws, and appoint magistrates and rulers from their own nation (Ezra 7:25-26). He was empowered to punish offenders with fines, imprisonment, exile, or death, depending on their crimes. Additionally, he was tasked with carrying a large donation in money, partly from the royal treasury and partly raised by voluntary contributions among his countrymen, to maintain the regular worship of God in Jerusalem (Ezra 7:16-17).

15. The Persian officers in Syria were commanded to provide him with gifts of money within a specified limit to support his mission.

22-24. A hundred talents of silver (£22,000) was one of the provisions made for Ezra's commission. Artaxerxes also gave his royal sanction to the divine law, exempting priests and Levites from taxation and confirming their exclusive right to officiate in the sacred services of the sanctuary. The king expressed his desire for the divine blessing upon himself and his government (Ezra 7:23), demonstrating the strong persuasion that pervaded the Persian court regarding the being and directing providence of God.

25-26. However, it's worth noting that the commission was limited to rebuilding the temple, not the walls. The Samaritans had successfully alarmed the Persian court by representing the danger to the empire of fortifying a city notorious for its turbulent character and prowess.

27-28. Ezra Blesses God for This Favor

27. Blessed be the Lord God of our fathers, who discerns the hand of God in every event and is always ready to express gratitude for divine goodness.