Ezra 7:13
I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and of his priests and Levites, in my realm, which are minded of their own freewill to go up to Jerusalem, go with thee.
Original Language Analysis
שִׂ֣ים
make
H7761
שִׂ֣ים
make
Strong's:
H7761
Word #:
2 of 16
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
טְעֵם֒
a decree
H2942
טְעֵם֒
a decree
Strong's:
H2942
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, flavor; figuratively, judgment (both subjective and objective); hence, account (both subjectively and objectively)
דִּ֣י
H1768
דִּ֣י
Strong's:
H1768
Word #:
4 of 16
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
כָל
that all
H3606
כָל
that all
Strong's:
H3606
Word #:
5 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מִתְנַדַּ֣ב
which are minded of their own freewill
H5069
מִתְנַדַּ֣ב
which are minded of their own freewill
Strong's:
H5069
Word #:
6 of 16
be (or give) liberal(-ly)
עַמָּ֨ה
the people
H5972
עַמָּ֨ה
the people
Strong's:
H5972
Word #:
9 of 16
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וְכָֽהֲנ֣וֹהִי
and of his priests
H3549
וְכָֽהֲנ֣וֹהִי
and of his priests
Strong's:
H3549
Word #:
11 of 16
one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
Historical Context
By 458 BC, most Jews had lived in Babylon for three or four generations. Many had established successful lives, businesses, and community ties. Artaxerxes' permission allowed but didn't require return. Approximately 1,500 men responded (Ezra 8:1-14)—a small fraction of Babylon's Jewish population. This selective response demonstrates that genuine faith requires costly choice. Those who went abandoned security for uncertainty, showing faith in God's promises over present comfort.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the voluntary nature of return teach about authentic faith versus cultural or coerced religious affiliation?
- How does the small response demonstrate that true discipleship requires costly choice, not just convenient participation?
Analysis & Commentary
The decree—'I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and of his priests and Levites, in my realm, which are minded of their free will to go up to Jerusalem, go with thee'—grants permission for voluntary emigration. The phrase 'of their free will' emphasizes that participation must be voluntary, not coerced. This respects human agency while providing divine authorization and imperial permission. True spiritual response requires willing hearts, not forced compliance.