Ezra 7:11

Ezra 7:11 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

This is the text of the letter King Artaxerxes had given to Ezra the priest and scribe, an expert in the commandments and statutes of the LORD to Israel:

King James Version KJV

¶ Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the scribe, even a scribe of the words of the commandments of the LORD, and of his statutes to Israel.

American Standard Version ASV

Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the scribe, even the scribe of the words of the commandments of Jehovah, and of his statutes to Israel:

Bible in Basic English BBE

Now this is a copy of the letter which King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra, the priest and the scribe, who put into writing the words of the orders of the Lord, and of his rules for Israel:

Free Bible Version FBV

This is a copy of the letter King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest and scribe, who had studied the Lord's commandments and regulations given to Israel:

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And this is the copie of the letter that King Artahshashte gaue vnto Ezra the Priest and scribe, euen a writer of the words of the commadements of ye Lord, and of his statutes ouer Israel.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And this [is] a copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest, the scribe, a scribe of the words of the commands of Jehovah, and of His statutes on Israel:

World English Bible WEB

Now this is the copy of the letter that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest, the scribe, even the scribe of the words of the LORD’s commandments, and of his statutes to Israel:

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest, the scribe, even a scribe of the words of the commandments of the LORD, and of his statutes to Israel.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And this is the copy of the letter of the edict, which king Artaxerxes gave to Esdras the priest, the scribe instructed in the words and commandments of the Lord, and his ceremonies in Israel.

Translation for Translators T4T

King Artaxerxes knew that I am a priest who knows the Jewish laws very well. He knew that for many years I had studied those laws and had taught all the rules and regulations of those laws to the Israeli people. So before I left Babylon to come to Jerusalem, he wrote a letter, and gave a copy to me. This is what he wrote:

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezra 7:11

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Ezra 7:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/זֶ֣ה פַּרְשֶׁ֣גֶן הַֽ/נִּשְׁתְּוָ֗ן אֲשֶׁ֤ר נָתַן֙ הַ/מֶּ֣לֶךְ אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֔סְתְּא לְ/עֶזְרָ֥א הַ/כֹּהֵ֖ן הַ/סֹּפֵ֑ר סֹפֵ֞ר דִּבְרֵ֧י מִצְוֺת יְהוָ֛ה וְ/חֻקָּ֖י/ו עַל יִשְׂרָאֵֽל

וְ/זֶ֣ה zeh H2088 this Conj | Pron

פַּרְשֶׁ֣גֶן parshegen H6572 copy N-ms

הַֽ/נִּשְׁתְּוָ֗ן nishtᵉvân H5406 letter Art | N-ms

אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

נָתַן֙ nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal-Perf-3ms

הַ/מֶּ֣לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms

אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֔סְתְּא ʼArtachshashtâʼ H783 Artaxerxes N-proper

לְ/עֶזְרָ֥א ʻEzrâʼ H5830 Ezra Prep | N-proper

הַ/כֹּהֵ֖ן kôhên H3548 priest Art | N-ms

הַ/סֹּפֵ֑ר çâphar H5608 to recount Art | N-ms

סֹפֵ֞ר çâphar H5608 to recount N-ms

דִּבְרֵ֧י dâbâr H1697 Chronicles N-mp

מִצְוֺת mitsvâh H4687 commandment N-fp

יְהוָ֛ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

וְ/חֻקָּ֖י/ו chôq H2706 statute Conj | N-mp | Suff

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezra 7:11

וְ/זֶ֣ה zeh H2088 "this" Conj | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.

פַּרְשֶׁ֣גֶן parshegen H6572 "copy" N-ms

This Hebrew word means a copy or transcript, often referring to a written document. It appears in the Bible as a translation of a written record. The term is used to describe an exact replica.

Definition: copy Another spelling of pat.she.gen (פַּתְשֶׁ֫גֶן "copy" H6572B)

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: copy. See also: Ezra 7:11; Esther 4:8; Esther 8:13.

הַֽ/נִּשְׁתְּוָ֗ן nishtᵉvân H5406 "letter" Art | N-ms

In the Bible, this word refers to a written letter, like the ones the apostle Paul wrote to early churches. It appears in 2 Kings 5:6 and Ezra 4:7, where kings and officials send letters to each other. This word is also used in Ezra 7:11.

Definition: letter Aramaic equivalent: nish.te.van (נִשְׁתְּוָן "document" H5407)

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: letter. See also: Ezra 4:7; Ezra 7:11.

אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

נָתַן֙ nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.

Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon

Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.

הַ/מֶּ֣לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms

This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.

Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)

Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.

אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֔סְתְּא ʼArtachshashtâʼ H783 "Artaxerxes" N-proper

Artaxerxes was a title given to several Persian kings, including the one who ruled during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah. He played a significant role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.4.7 Also named: ar.tach.shash.ta (אַרְתַּחְשַׁשְׂתְּא "Artaxerxes" H0783B) § Artaxerxes = "I will make the spoiled to boil: I will stir myself (in) winter" son and successor of Xerxes as emperor of Persia, 465-424 BC

Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: Artaxerxes. See also: Ezra 4:7; Ezra 7:11; Nehemiah 13:6.

לְ/עֶזְרָ֥א ʻEzrâʼ H5830 "Ezra" Prep | N-proper

Ezra was an Israelite priest and scribe who led reforms in Jerusalem after the Exile, working with Nehemiah. His name means 'help'.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Neh.12.1 § Ezra = "help" 1) the priest and scribe who led the reforms of the returned exiles in Jerusalem; co-worker with Nehemiah 2) a priest with Zerubbabel 3) another post-exilic Jew

Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: Ezra. See also: Ezra 7:1; Nehemiah 8:2; Nehemiah 12:36.

הַ/כֹּהֵ֖ן kôhên H3548 "priest" Art | N-ms

In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.

Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)

Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.

הַ/סֹּפֵ֑ר çâphar H5608 "to recount" Art | N-ms

This word refers to a scribe or secretary who records or inscribes information. It is used in the Bible to describe someone who counts or enumerates things. The KJV translates it as 'scribe, tell, writer'.

Definition: v 1) to count, recount, relate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to count (things) 1a2) to number, take account of, reckon 1b) (Niphal) to be counted, be numbered 1c) (Piel) to recount, rehearse, declare 1c1) to recount (something), rehearse 1c2) to talk 1c3) to count exactly or accurately 1d) (Pual) to be recounted, be rehearsed, be related

Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: commune, (ac-) count; declare, number, [phrase] penknife, reckon, scribe, shew forth, speak, talk, tell (out), writer. See also: Genesis 15:5; Esther 8:9; Psalms 2:7.

סֹפֵ֞ר çâphar H5608 "to recount" N-ms

דִּבְרֵ֧י dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" N-mp

A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.

Definition: This name means word, speaking

Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.

מִצְוֺת mitsvâh H4687 "commandment" N-fp

This Hebrew word means a command or law given by God or humans, as seen in the Bible's rules and guidelines. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy. The commandments guide people's actions.

Definition: 1) commandment 1a) commandment (of man) 1b) the commandment (of God) 1c) commandment (of code of wisdom)

Usage: Occurs in 177 OT verses. KJV: (which was) commanded(-ment), law, ordinance, precept. See also: Genesis 26:5; 1 Chronicles 28:8; Psalms 19:9.

יְהוָ֛ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

וְ/חֻקָּ֖י/ו chôq H2706 "statute" Conj | N-mp | Suff

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a decree or law given by God, like the Ten Commandments. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy, guiding the Israelites' actions. This concept is essential to understanding God's expectations.

Definition: : decree 1) statute, ordinance, limit, something prescribed, due 1a) prescribed task 1b) prescribed portion 1c) action prescribed (for oneself), resolve 1d) prescribed due 1e) prescribed limit, boundary 1f) enactment, decree, ordinance 1f1) specific decree 1f2) law in general 1g) enactments, statutes 1g1) conditions 1g2) enactments 1g3) decrees 1g4) civil enactments prescribed by God

Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: appointed, bound, commandment, convenient, custom, decree(-d), due, law, measure, [idiom] necessary, ordinance(-nary), portion, set time, statute, task. See also: Genesis 47:22; Nehemiah 1:7; Psalms 2:7.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

Study Notes — Ezra 7:11

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Ezra 7:11 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Ezra 7:11
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 7:11
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezra 7:11
Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 7:11
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 7:11
Cambridge Bible on Ezra 7:11
Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 7:11
Sermons on Ezra 7:11

Context — Artaxerxes’ Letter for Ezra

9He had begun the journey from Babylon on the first day of the first month, and he arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month, for the gracious hand of his God was upon him. 10For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, to practice it, and to teach its statutes and ordinances in Israel.

11This is the text of the letter King Artaxerxes had given to Ezra the priest and scribe, an expert in the commandments and statutes of the LORD to Israel:

12Artaxerxes, king of kings. To Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven: Greetings. 13I hereby decree that any volunteers among the Israelites in my kingdom, including the priests and Levites, may go up with you to Jerusalem.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ezra 5:6	This is the text of the letter that Tattenai the governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates, the officials in the region, sent to King Darius.
2	Ezra 7:6	this Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses, which the LORD, the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted Ezra all his requests, for the hand of the LORD his God was upon him.
3	Matthew 23:2	“The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat.
4	Ezra 4:11	(This is the text of the letter they sent to him.) To King Artaxerxes, From your servants, the men west of the Euphrates:
5	Mark 7:1–13	Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus, and they saw some of His disciples eating with hands that were defiled—that is, unwashed. Now in holding to the tradition of the elders, the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat until they wash their hands ceremonially. And on returning from the market, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other traditions for them to observe, including the washing of cups, pitchers, kettles, and couches for dining. So the Pharisees and scribes questioned Jesus: “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders? Instead, they eat with defiled hands.” Jesus answered them, “Isaiah prophesied correctly about you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’ You have disregarded the commandment of God to keep the tradition of men. ” He went on to say, “You neatly set aside the command of God to maintain your own tradition. For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ But you say that if a man says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever you would have received from me is Corban’ (that is, a gift devoted to God), he is no longer permitted to do anything for his father or mother. Thus you nullify the word of God by the tradition you have handed down. And you do so in many such matters.”
6	Matthew 23:13	Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter.

Ezra 7:11 Summary

This verse, Ezra 7:11, tells us about a letter that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra, a priest and scribe who was an expert in God's commands and laws. Ezra's role was to study, practice, and teach God's Word, as seen in Ezra 7:10, similar to the importance of knowing and obeying God's Word emphasized in Psalm 119:1-8. Just like Ezra, we can seek to be experts in God's Word by studying and obeying it, and we can trust that God's favor will be upon us as we do, as seen in Ezra 7:9. By being faithful to God's Word, we can be a blessing to those around us, just like Ezra was to the Israelites.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the role of Ezra as described in Ezra 7:11?

Ezra was a priest and scribe, an expert in the commandments and statutes of the LORD to Israel, as seen in Ezra 7:11, and his role was to study, practice, and teach the Law of the LORD, as mentioned in Ezra 7:10.

Who gave Ezra the letter mentioned in Ezra 7:11?

The letter was given to Ezra by King Artaxerxes, as stated in Ezra 7:11, and its contents are described in the following verses, starting with Ezra 7:12.

What was the significance of King Artaxerxes' letter to Ezra?

The letter from King Artaxerxes, as mentioned in Ezra 7:11, was a decree allowing volunteers from Israel to go up to Jerusalem with Ezra, as seen in Ezra 7:13, and it demonstrated the king's favor towards the Israelites, similar to the favor shown by King Cyrus in Ezra 1:1-4.

How did Ezra's expertise in the Law relate to his mission?

Ezra's expertise in the commandments and statutes of the LORD, as described in Ezra 7:11, was essential to his mission to teach the Law in Israel, as mentioned in Ezra 7:10, and it reflects the importance of knowing and obeying God's Word, as emphasized in Psalm 119:1-8.

Reflection Questions

What does it mean to be an expert in the commandments and statutes of the LORD, and how can I apply this to my own life?
How did Ezra's heart being set to study the Law of the LORD, as mentioned in Ezra 7:10, prepare him for his mission, and what can I learn from his example?
In what ways can I, like Ezra, be a vessel for God's Word and a teacher of His statutes and ordinances to those around me?
What role does the favor of God, as seen in Ezra 7:9, play in our lives and ministries, and how can we seek to have God's gracious hand upon us?

Gill's Exposition on Ezra 7:11

Now this is the copy of the letter that the King Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest,.... This title relating to his office is justly given him, since he was the son of an high priest, and lineally

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 7:11

Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the scribe, even a scribe of the words of the commandments of the LORD, and of his statutes to Israel.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezra 7:11

A scribe of the words of the commandments, the phrase seems emphatical, noting that he explained both the words and the things; for the Jews in the land of their captivity had in a great measure lost both their language, and the knowledge of God’ s commands, and therefore Ezra and his companions instruct them in both; of which see more on .

Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 7:11

Ezra 7:11 Now this [is] the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the scribe, [even] a scribe of the words of the commandments of the LORD, and of his statutes to Israel.Ver. 11. Even a scribe of the words of the commandments] This showeth Ezra was not an ordinary scribe (called a scribe of the people), nor a public notary, or king’ s secretary, such as were called for, Esther 3:13, but Scriba sacer, legis peritus, et interpres, a teacher of the words of the commandments of the Lord and his statutes to Israel. This is a high and honourable employment.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 7:11

(11-26) Credentials and commission of Ezra. After the general statement the particulars are given, beginning with the letter of authorisation, in which we discern throughout the hand of Ezra.

Cambridge Bible on Ezra 7:11

11–26. Artaxerxes’ Commission to Ezra11. Now] Cf. Ezra 7:1. This verse serves as a brief introduction. the copy of the letter] See on Ezra 4:7; Ezra 4:11; Ezra 4:23. Ezra the priest, the scribe] See note on Ezra 7:1-5 for Ezra’s priestly lineage. He is called ‘the priest’ ch. Ezra 10:10; Ezra 10:16; Nehemiah 8:2; and so commonly was this designation given him, that the title of 1 Esdras appears in the Alexandrian MS. (Cod. A) as ὁἱερεύς ‘the priest’. He is called ‘the scribe’, Nehemiah 8:4; Nehemiah 8:13; Nehemiah 12:36. He receives the twofold appellation here and elsewhere in Ezra 7:12; Ezra 7:21; Nehemiah 8:9; Nehemiah 12:26. even a scribe] R.V. even the scribe. The LXX. rendering ‘the scribe of the book of the words of the commandments of the Lord’ (τῷγραμματεῖβιβλίουλόγωνἐντολῶντοῦκυρίου) was due to its misunderstanding the repetition of the word ‘scribe’, and reading ‘sκpher’ ‘a book’, instead of ‘sophκr’ ‘scribe’.

Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 7:11

’S LETTER AND DECREE, Ezra 7:11-26. 12. King of kings — See note on 2 Kings 18:19. Unto Ezra — So this decree was at the same time a letter of authority to Ezra.

Sermons on Ezra 7:11

	Sermon	Description
	Prayer That Is Pleasing to the Lord by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of complicated prayer and emphasizes the importance of delighting in the Lord. He criticizes the idea of filling up prayer time with
	From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Ezra) ch.7 - ch.10 by Zac Poonen	Zac Poonen explores the transition of Ezra and the people from Babylon to Jerusalem, emphasizing the significance of Ezra's leadership and his commitment to God's Word. He highligh
	Recovery - Part 2 of 4 by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being committed to God's purpose. He highlights the need for a specific and personal vision of God's plan in the present ti
	The Greatest Danger This World Faces Today by Keith Daniel	This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God desperately for revival, drawing parallels from the stories of King Josiah and Ezra in the Bible. It highlights the need for th
	(Through the Bible) 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra by Zac Poonen	The sermon covers the journey of the children of Israel from Babylon back to Jerusalem after 70 years of captivity, focusing on the building of the temple and the challenges faced.
	Ezra 7:6 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of experiencing the good hand of the Lord in our lives, highlighting that true favor with God leads to favor with man. He explains that our
	Bible Survey - Ezra by Peter Hammond	Peter Hammond preaches on the life of Ezra, a skilled scribe in the Law of Moses, who led the second expedition from Babylon to reinforce and inspire the struggling Judeans in rebu