Ezra 6:9
And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail:
Original Language Analysis
חַשְׁחָ֡ן
they have need of
H2818
חַשְׁחָ֡ן
they have need of
Strong's:
H2818
Word #:
2 of 25
to be necessary (from the idea of convenience) or (transitively) to need
וּבְנֵ֣י
both young
H1123
וּבְנֵ֣י
both young
Strong's:
H1123
Word #:
3 of 25
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense
שְׁמַיָּ֟א
of heaven
H8065
שְׁמַיָּ֟א
of heaven
Strong's:
H8065
Word #:
9 of 25
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
כְּמֵאמַ֨ר
according to the appointment
H3983
כְּמֵאמַ֨ר
according to the appointment
Strong's:
H3983
Word #:
14 of 25
something (authoritatively) said, i.e., an edict
כָּֽהֲנַיָּ֤א
of the priests
H3549
כָּֽהֲנַיָּ֤א
of the priests
Strong's:
H3549
Word #:
15 of 25
one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
דִי
H1768
דִי
Strong's:
H1768
Word #:
16 of 25
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
לֶֽהֱוֵ֨א
let it be
H1934
לֶֽהֱוֵ֨א
let it be
Strong's:
H1934
Word #:
18 of 25
to exist; used in a great variety of applications (especially in connection with other words)
מִתְיְהֵ֥ב
given
H3052
מִתְיְהֵ֥ב
given
Strong's:
H3052
Word #:
19 of 25
to give (whether literal or figurative); generally, to put; imperatively (reflexive) come
Historical Context
The listed items correspond to Mosaic sacrificial requirements: animals for various offerings (Leviticus 1-7), wheat for grain offerings (Leviticus 2), salt for all offerings (Leviticus 2:13), wine for drink offerings (Numbers 15:5-10), and oil for anointing and lamps (Exodus 27:20). Darius's knowledge of these specifics suggests Jewish advisors informed his decree. Persian funding of religious institutions throughout the empire was standard policy promoting stability.
Questions for Reflection
- How does provision of worship materials demonstrate that God supplies what He commands, removing excuses for disobedience?
- What does a pagan king's funding of Jewish worship teach about God's ability to turn hearts and open treasuries for His purposes?
Analysis & Commentary
Darius's provision command is comprehensive: 'that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil.' This supplies all necessities for sacrificial system as prescribed in Torah. The purpose clause 'that they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven' shows Darius understood worship requirements. Whether from genuine piety or political prudence, his support enabled comprehensive covenant worship.