Ezra 6:10
That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.
Original Language Analysis
דִּֽי
H1768
דִּֽי
Strong's:
H1768
Word #:
1 of 10
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
לֶהֱוֹ֧ן
That they may offer
H1934
לֶהֱוֹ֧ן
That they may offer
Strong's:
H1934
Word #:
2 of 10
to exist; used in a great variety of applications (especially in connection with other words)
מְהַקְרְבִ֛ין
H7127
מְהַקְרְבִ֛ין
Strong's:
H7127
Word #:
3 of 10
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
שְׁמַיָּ֑א
of heaven
H8065
שְׁמַיָּ֑א
of heaven
Strong's:
H8065
Word #:
6 of 10
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
Cross References
Jeremiah 29:7And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.Ezra 7:23Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be 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?
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern belief held that gods blessed kingdoms that honored them and cursed those who neglected their worship. Darius's concern for securing divine blessing through Jewish prayers was common royal theology. Similar concepts appear in Persian inscriptions invoking various deities' favor. Pragmatic or not, this belief provided incentive for religious tolerance and material support that benefited God's people.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God use even imperfect or self-interested human motivations to accomplish His redemptive purposes?
- What does Darius's concern about divine blessing teach about general revelation and human awareness of divine power?
Analysis & Commentary
The purpose for provision—'that they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons'—reveals Darius's motivation. He sought divine blessing through support of proper worship. Whether this reflects genuine belief or pragmatic insurance, God uses it for His purposes. The text doesn't require pagan rulers' pure motives—God accomplishes His will even through mixed motivations and self-interest.