Ezra 7:20
And whatsoever more shall be needful for the house of thy God, which thou shalt have occasion to bestow, bestow it out of the king's treasure house.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Persian administrative records show the empire maintained provincial treasuries throughout satrapies. The 'Beyond the River' province (Abar-Nahara in Aramaic) had administrative centers at Damascus and possibly other cities. Ezra could access these funds for legitimate temple expenses without traveling to Susa or Persepolis.
This unprecedented financial authorization shows Artaxerxes' high regard for Ezra and commitment to supporting Jewish religious practice. It also reflects Persian policy of gaining subject peoples' loyalty through religious tolerance and support. The stability this created benefited imperial interests.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's provision through imperial treasury encourage faith when facing resource limitations in ministry?
- What accountability structures should accompany discretionary authority over financial resources in Christian contexts?
- How should believers respond when God provides abundantly beyond minimum needs for His work?
Analysis & Commentary
And whatsoever more shall be needful for the house of thy God, which thou shalt have occasion to bestow, bestow it out of the king's treasure house. This verse represents blank-check authorization. The Aramaic shear (שְׁאָר, 'remainder/what is needed') covers unforeseen expenses. Needful for the house of thy God establishes broad category—anything legitimately required for temple function qualifies for royal funding.
The phrase which thou shalt have occasion to bestow grants Ezra authority to determine needs and authorize expenditures. The verb nephaq (נְפַק, 'to go out/expend') indicates actual disbursement, not merely requesting permission. Ezra could draw directly from imperial treasury for legitimate temple needs.
The designation king's treasure house (beit ginzaya di malka, בֵּית גִּנְזַיָּא דִּי מַלְכָּא) refers to provincial treasury, not distant Persian capital. This made access practical. Theologically, this demonstrates God's ability to open national treasuries for His purposes. When God commissions work, He provides resources—often through unexpected channels.