Ezra 7:17
That thou mayest buy speedily with this money bullocks, rams, lambs, with their meat offerings and their drink offerings, and offer them upon the altar of the house of your God which is in Jerusalem.
Original Language Analysis
כָּל
That
H3606
כָּל
That
Strong's:
H3606
Word #:
1 of 21
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
קֳבֵ֣ל
H6903
קֳבֵ֣ל
Strong's:
H6903
Word #:
2 of 21
(adverbially) in front of; usually (with other particles) on account of, so as, since, hence
וּתְקָרֵ֣ב
and offer
H7127
וּתְקָרֵ֣ב
and offer
Strong's:
H7127
Word #:
13 of 21
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
עַֽל
upon
H5922
עַֽל
upon
Strong's:
H5922
Word #:
15 of 21
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
דִּ֛י
H1768
דִּ֛י
Strong's:
H1768
Word #:
17 of 21
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
בֵּ֥ית
of the house
H1005
בֵּ֥ית
of the house
Strong's:
H1005
Word #:
18 of 21
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
Historical Context
The sacrifices specified correspond to various Mosaic offerings: burnt offerings (Leviticus
- , grain offerings (Leviticus
- , and drink offerings (Numbers 15).
The complete list shows comprehensive provision for prescribed worship. Artaxerxes' knowledge of these details suggests significant Jewish influence at court. The phrase 'altar of the house of your God' recognizes temple's unique function as legitimate worship site. Persian funding enabled immediate resumption of full sacrificial calendar.
Questions for Reflection
- How does pagan king's provision of sacrifice materials demonstrate God's ability to incline hearts toward supporting proper worship?
- What does Artaxerxes' knowledge of sacrificial requirements teach about God's influence extending to unexpected places?
Analysis & Commentary
The expenditure guidance—'That thou mayest buy speedily with this money bullocks, rams, lambs, with their meat offerings and their drink offerings, and offer them upon the altar of the house of your God which is in Jerusalem'—specifies proper use of funds. The word 'speedily' suggests urgency in establishing proper worship. The detailed list (bullocks, rams, lambs, grain and drink offerings) corresponds to Mosaic sacrificial requirements, showing Artaxerxes understood Torah prescriptions. Whether from Jewish advisors or his own study, his knowledge demonstrates divine influence on a pagan mind.