Ezra 7:21
And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers which are beyond the river, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done speedily,
Original Language Analysis
וּ֠מִנִּי
And I
H4481
וּ֠מִנִּי
And I
Strong's:
H4481
Word #:
1 of 24
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of
אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֤סְתְּא
Artaxerxes
H783
אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֤סְתְּא
Artaxerxes
Strong's:
H783
Word #:
3 of 24
artachshasta (or artaxerxes), a title (rather than name) of several persian kings
שִׂ֣ים
do make
H7761
שִׂ֣ים
do make
Strong's:
H7761
Word #:
5 of 24
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
טְעֵ֔ם
a decree
H2942
טְעֵ֔ם
a decree
Strong's:
H2942
Word #:
6 of 24
properly, flavor; figuratively, judgment (both subjective and objective); hence, account (both subjectively and objectively)
כָל
to all
H3606
כָל
to all
Strong's:
H3606
Word #:
7 of 24
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
דִּ֖י
H1768
דִּ֖י
Strong's:
H1768
Word #:
9 of 24
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
בַּֽעֲבַ֣ר
which are beyond
H5675
בַּֽעֲבַ֣ר
which are beyond
Strong's:
H5675
Word #:
10 of 24
properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning
דִּ֣י
H1768
דִּ֣י
Strong's:
H1768
Word #:
12 of 24
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
כָל
to all
H3606
כָל
to all
Strong's:
H3606
Word #:
13 of 24
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
דִּ֣י
H1768
דִּ֣י
Strong's:
H1768
Word #:
14 of 24
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
כָהֲנָ֜ה
the priest
H3549
כָהֲנָ֜ה
the priest
Strong's:
H3549
Word #:
17 of 24
one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
דִּֽי
H1768
דִּֽי
Strong's:
H1768
Word #:
20 of 24
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
Cross References
Ezra 7:6This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him.Ezra 4:16We certify the king that, if this city be builded again, and the walls thereof set up, by this means thou shalt have no portion on this side the river.Ezra 4:20There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto them.Ezra 6:6Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shethar-boznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence:
Historical Context
Treasurers 'beyond the river' (west of Euphrates) controlled provincial funds throughout Syria, Phoenicia, and Palestine. The decree gave Ezra authority to requisition resources from these officials, overriding potential local resistance. The requirement for 'speedily' execution prevented officials from stonewalling through procedural delays. This administrative thoroughness demonstrates Persian bureaucratic efficiency and God's providence in securing practical support.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's sovereignty extend to administrative details like treasury access and bureaucratic compliance?
- What does the command for speedy execution teach about God's purposes not being subject to human delays or obstruction?
Analysis & Commentary
Artaxerxes' decree to treasurers—'I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers which are beyond the river, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done speedily'—commands provincial officials to supply Ezra's needs. The emphatic 'I, even I' asserts personal royal authority. The command for speedy compliance prevented bureaucratic delays. God's sovereignty operates through governmental structures to facilitate His purposes.