Ezra 7:23

Authorized King James Version

Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be diligently done for the house of the God of heaven: for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?

Word-by-Word Analysis

כָּל

H3606

Whatsoever

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

דִּֽי

H1768

for

that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of

מִן

H4481

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of

טַ֙עַם֙

H2941

is commanded

properly, a taste, i.e., a judicial sentence

אֱלָ֣הּ

H426

of the God

god

שְׁמַיָּ֑א

H8065

of heaven

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

יִתְעֲבֵד֙

H5648

done

to do, make, prepare, keep, etc

אַדְרַזְדָּ֔א

H149

let it be diligently

quickly or carefully

לְבֵ֖ית

H1005

for the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#10

אֱלָ֣הּ

H426

of the God

god

#11

שְׁמַיָּ֑א

H8065

of heaven

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

#12

דִּֽי

H1768

for

that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of

#13

לְמָ֤ה

H4101

why

what?, why?, how?

#14

לֶֽהֱוֵא֙

H1934

should there be

to exist; used in a great variety of applications (especially in connection with other words)

#15

קְצַ֔ף

H7109

wrath

rage

#16

עַל

H5922

against

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#17

מַלְכ֥וּת

H4437

the realm

dominion (abstractly or concretely)

#18

מַלְכָּ֖א

H4430

of the king

a king

#19

וּבְנֽוֹהִי׃

H1123

and his sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Ezra chapter 7 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?