Ezra 6:12

Authorized King James Version

And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֱלָהָ֥א

H426

And the God

god

דִּ֣י

H1768

that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of

שַׁכִּ֧ן

H7932

to dwell

שְׁמֵ֣הּ

H8036

that hath caused his name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

תַּמָּ֗ה

H8536

there

יְמַגַּ֞ר

H4049

destroy

to overthrow

כָּל

H3606

all

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מֶ֤לֶךְ

H4430

kings

a king

וְעַם֙

H5972

and people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#10

דִּ֣י׀

H1768

that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of

#11

יִשְׁלַ֣ח

H7972

that shall put

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

#12

יְדֵ֗הּ

H3028

to their hand

hand (indicating power)

#13

לְהַשְׁנָיָ֛ה

H8133

to alter

#14

לְחַבָּלָ֛ה

H2255

and to destroy

to ruin

#15

בֵּית

H1005

house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#16

אֱלָהָ֥א

H426

And the God

god

#17

דֵ֖ךְ

H1791

this

#18

דִּ֣י

H1768

that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of

#19

בִירֽוּשְׁלֶ֑ם

H3390

which is at Jerusalem

jerusalem

#20

אֲנָ֤ה

H576

#21

דָֽרְיָ֙וֶשׁ֙

H1868

Darius

darejavesh, a title (rather than name) of several persian kings

#22

שָׂ֣מֶת

H7761

have made

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

#23

טְעֵ֔ם

H2942

a decree

properly, flavor; figuratively, judgment (both subjective and objective); hence, account (both subjectively and objectively)

#24

אָסְפַּ֖רְנָא

H629

with speed

diligently

#25

יִתְעֲבִֽד׃

H5648

let it be done

to do, make, prepare, keep, etc

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Ezra Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Ezra chapter 6 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?