Ezra's genealogy traces back seven generations to Aaron through Zadok, establishing both priestly legitimacy and political authority that bridges Israel's pre-exilic and post-exilic leadership structures.
Ezra 7
Introduction of Ezra the Scribe
1Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah,
2the son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub,
3the son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth,
4the son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki,
5the son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest—
6this Ezra went up from Babylon. He was a skilled scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD, the God of Israel, had given; and the king granted him all his request, according to the LORD his God’s hand on him.
7Some of the children of Israel, including some of the priests, the Levites, the singers, the gatekeepers, and the temple servants went up to Jerusalem in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.
8He came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king.
9For on the first day of the first month he began to go up from Babylon; and on the first day of the fifth month he came to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God on him.
10For Ezra had set his heart to seek the LORD’s law, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.
Artaxerxes' Commission to Ezra
11Now 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:
12Artaxerxes, king of kings, To Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the perfect God of heaven. Now
13I make a decree that all those of the people of Israel and their priests and the Levites in my realm, who intend of their own free will to go to Jerusalem, go with you.
14Because you are sent by the king and his seven counselors to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of your God which is in your hand,
15and to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counselors have freely offered to the God of Israel, whose habitation is in Jerusalem,
16and all the silver and gold that you will find in all the province of Babylon, with the free will offering of the people and of the priests, offering willingly for the house of their God which is in Jerusalem.
17Therefore you shall with all diligence buy with this money bulls, rams, and lambs with their meal offerings and their drink offerings, and shall offer them on the altar of the house of your God which is in Jerusalem.
18Whatever seems good to you and to your brothers to do with the rest of the silver and the gold, do that according to the will of your God.
19The vessels that are given to you for the service of the house of your God, deliver before the God of Jerusalem.
20Whatever more will be needed for the house of your God, which you may have occasion to give, give it out of the king’s treasure house.
21I, even I, Artaxerxes the king, make a decree to all the treasurers who are beyond the River, that whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, requires of you, it shall be done with all diligence,
22up to one hundred talents of silver, and to one hundred cors of wheat, and to one hundred baths of wine, and to one hundred baths of oil, and salt without prescribing how much.
23Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be done exactly for the house of the God of heaven; for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?
24Also we inform you that it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, custom, or toll on any of the priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, temple servants, or laborers of this house of God.
25You, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God that is in your hand, appoint magistrates and judges who may judge all the people who are beyond the River, who all know the laws of your God; and teach him who doesn’t know them.
26Whoever will not do the law of your God and the law of the king, let judgment be executed on him with all diligence, whether it is to death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment.
Ezra's Praise and Preparation
27Blessed be the LORD, the God of our fathers, who has put such a thing as this in the king’s heart, to beautify the LORD’s house which is in Jerusalem;
28and has extended loving kindness to me before the king and his counselors, and before all the king’s mighty princes. I was strengthened according to the LORD my God’s hand on me, and I gathered together chief men out of Israel to go up with me.
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Theme
Ezra Chapter 7 introduces Ezra the scribe, a priest descended from Aaron who was skilled in the Law of Moses. King Artaxerxes of Persia commissioned Ezra to lead a second group of exiles back to Jerusalem, providing him with extensive authority, financial resources, and official support to restore proper worship and teach God's law. The chapter emphasizes God's providential hand in moving the king's heart and Ezra's wholehearted commitment to studying, obeying, and teaching Scripture.
Context
This chapter marks a transition from the temple rebuilding narrative of chapters 1-6 to Ezra's mission of spiritual and legal reform, occurring approximately 60 years later.
Key Themes
Outline
- 1-10 Ezra's Lineage and Calling Introduces Ezra's priestly heritage, his expertise in the Law, and his journey from Babylon to Jerusalem with divine favor.
- 11-20 The Royal Commission Letter King Artaxerxes grants Ezra broad authority to lead willing exiles to Jerusalem and provides substantial financial support for temple worship.
- 21-28 Royal Decree and Ezra's Response The king commands provincial treasurers to support Ezra's mission, and Ezra responds with praise for God's faithfulness and begins gathering leaders.
Introduction of Ezra the Scribe
7:1–7:10 narrative narration solemn
Introduces Ezra as a skilled scribe and priest descended from Aaron who returns from Babylon to Jerusalem with divine favor to teach God's law. The passage establishes Ezra's credentials and calling as a teacher of the law in Israel.
person_contrast
Ezra's genealogy traces back seven generations to Aaron through Zadok, establishing both priestly legitimacy and political authority that bridges Israel's pre-exilic and post-exilic leadership structures.
Artaxerxes' Commission to Ezra
7:11–7:26 narrative instruction solemn
King Artaxerxes issues a royal decree commissioning Ezra to lead willing Israelites back to Jerusalem and providing extensive resources for temple worship. The decree demonstrates foreign royal support for the restoration of Jewish religious life.
person_contrast
Artaxerxes transforms from typical royal commander into temple benefactor, using economic language ("silver," "gold," "offerings") seventeen times while delegating religious authority to Ezra.
Ezra's Praise and Preparation
7:27–7:28 narrative doxology joyful
Ezra blesses God for moving the king's heart to support the temple restoration and for showing him favor before royal officials. This brief doxology expresses gratitude for divine providence in enabling the mission.
person_contrast
Ezra's doxology uniquely attributes both the Persian king's temple-beautification decree and his own royal favor to divine "loving kindness" (hesed), linking political success directly to covenant faithfulness.
Insights
Artaxerxes transforms from typical royal commander into temple benefactor, using economic language ("silver," "gold," "offerings") seventeen times while delegating religious authority to Ezra.
Ezra's doxology uniquely attributes both the Persian king's temple-beautification decree and his own royal favor to divine "loving kindness" (hesed), linking political success directly to covenant faithfulness.
Cross-References
Connected passages across Scripture
Ezra 7:3 1 reference
Ezra 7:5 5 references
Lexicals 5
Judges 20:28 Lexical
and Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, stood before it in those days), saying, “Shall I yet again go out to…
Numbers 25:7 Lexical
When Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw it, he rose up from the middle of the congregation,…
Numbers 25:11 Lexical
“Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned my wrath away from the children of Israel, in tha…
Exodus 6:25 Lexical
Eleazar Aaron’s son took one of the daughters of Putiel as his wife; and she bore him Phinehas. These are the heads of t…
Joshua 24:33 Lexical
Eleazar the son of Aaron died. They buried him in the hill of Phinehas his son, which was given him in the hill country…
Ezra 7:6 3 references
Lexicals 3
Nehemiah 8:13 Lexical
On the second day, the heads of fathers’ households of all the people, the priests, and the Levites were gathered togeth…
Nehemiah 8:1 Lexical
All the people gathered themselves together as one man into the wide place that was in front of the water gate; and they…
Nehemiah 8:9 Lexical
Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people…
Ezra 7:7 5 references
Lexicals 5
Ezra 2:70 Lexical
So the priests and the Levites, with some of the people, the singers, the gatekeepers, and the temple servants, lived in…
2 Chronicles 35:15 Lexical
The singers, the sons of Asaph, were in their place, according to the commandment of David, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun t…
Nehemiah 13:5 Lexical
had prepared for him a great room, where before they laid the meal offerings, the frankincense, the vessels, and the tit…
Nehemiah 7:1 Lexical
Now when the wall was built and I had set up the doors, and the gatekeepers and the singers and the Levites were appoint…
Nehemiah 12:47 Lexical
All Israel in the days of Zerubbabel and in the days of Nehemiah gave the portions of the singers and the gatekeepers, a…
Ezra 7:8 1 reference
Ezra 7:9 2 references
Ezra 7:10 5 references
Lexicals 5
Deuteronomy 17:19 Lexical
It shall be with him, and he shall read from it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to…
Deuteronomy 6:1 Lexical
Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the ordinances, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that y…
Deuteronomy 4:1 Lexical
Now, Israel, listen to the statutes and to the ordinances which I teach you, to do them, that you may live and go in and…
Deuteronomy 5:1 Lexical
Moses called to all Israel, and said to them, “Hear, Israel, the statutes and the ordinances which I speak in your ears…
Deuteronomy 4:5 Lexical
Behold, I have taught you statutes and ordinances, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that you should do so in the mi…
Ezra 7:11 1 reference
Ezra 7:12 5 references
Lexicals 5
Ezra 4:17 Lexical
Then the king sent an answer to Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions wh…
Ezra 4:11 Lexical
This is the copy of the letter that they sent: To King Artaxerxes, from your servants, the people beyond the River.
Ezra 6:9 Lexical
That which they have need of, including young bulls, rams, and lambs, for burnt offerings to the God of heaven; also whe…
Ezra 6:10 Lexical
that they may offer sacrifices of pleasant aroma to the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king and of his sons…
Daniel 2:28 Lexical
but there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latte…
Ezra 7:13 5 references
Lexicals 5
Ezra 6:12 Lexical
May the God who has caused his name to dwell there overthrow all kings and peoples who stretch out their hand to alter t…
Daniel 3:29 Lexical
Therefore I make a decree that every people, nation, and language which speak anything evil against the God of Shadrach,…
Ezra 6:8 Lexical
Moreover I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of God:…
Ezra 5:17 Lexical
Now therefore, if it seems good to the king, let a search be made in the king’s treasure house, which is there at Babylo…
Ezra 6:11 Lexical
I have also made a decree that whoever alters this message, let a beam be pulled out from his house, and let him be lift…
Ezra 7:14 5 references
Lexicals 5
Ezra 5:17 Lexical
Now therefore, if it seems good to the king, let a search be made in the king’s treasure house, which is there at Babylo…
Ezra 6:12 Lexical
May the God who has caused his name to dwell there overthrow all kings and peoples who stretch out their hand to alter t…
Ezra 4:14 Lexical
Now because we eat the salt of the palace and it is not appropriate for us to see the king’s dishonor, therefore we have…
Daniel 2:45 Lexical
Because you saw that a stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze…
Daniel 2:15 Lexical
He answered Arioch the king’s captain, “Why is the decree so urgent from the king?” Then Arioch made the thing known to…
Ezra 7:15 5 references
Lexicals 5
Ezra 5:14 Lexical
The gold and silver vessels of God’s house, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem and brough…
Ezra 6:5 Lexical
Also let the gold and silver vessels of God’s house, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple which is at Jerusalem a…
Daniel 5:2 Lexical
Belshazzar, while he tasted the wine, commanded that the golden and silver vessels which Nebuchadnezzar his father had t…
Daniel 2:45 Lexical
Because you saw that a stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze…
Daniel 5:3 Lexical
Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of God’s house which was at Jerusalem; and the ki…
Ezra 7:16 5 references
Lexicals 5
Ezra 6:5 Lexical
Also let the gold and silver vessels of God’s house, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple which is at Jerusalem a…
Ezra 5:14 Lexical
The gold and silver vessels of God’s house, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem and brough…
Ezra 6:12 Lexical
May the God who has caused his name to dwell there overthrow all kings and peoples who stretch out their hand to alter t…
Daniel 5:23 Lexical
but have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before you, and y…
Daniel 2:35 Lexical
Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were broken in pieces together, and became like the chaff…
Ezra 7:17 5 references
Lexicals 5
Ezra 6:17 Lexical
They offered at the dedication of this house of God one hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a s…
Ezra 6:9 Lexical
That which they have need of, including young bulls, rams, and lambs, for burnt offerings to the God of heaven; also whe…
Daniel 3:29 Lexical
Therefore I make a decree that every people, nation, and language which speak anything evil against the God of Shadrach,…
Ezra 5:14 Lexical
The gold and silver vessels of God’s house, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem and brough…
Daniel 2:45 Lexical
Because you saw that a stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze…
Ezra 7:18 5 references
Lexicals 5
Daniel 2:45 Lexical
Because you saw that a stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze…
Daniel 5:23 Lexical
but have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before you, and y…
Ezra 5:17 Lexical
Now therefore, if it seems good to the king, let a search be made in the king’s treasure house, which is there at Babylo…
Ezra 6:5 Lexical
Also let the gold and silver vessels of God’s house, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple which is at Jerusalem a…
Ezra 5:14 Lexical
The gold and silver vessels of God’s house, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem and brough…
Ezra 7:19 5 references
Lexicals 5
Ezra 5:16 Lexical
Then the same Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundations of God’s house which is in Jerusalem. Since that time even until…
Ezra 5:14 Lexical
The gold and silver vessels of God’s house, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem and brough…
Ezra 6:5 Lexical
Also let the gold and silver vessels of God’s house, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple which is at Jerusalem a…
Daniel 5:3 Lexical
Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of God’s house which was at Jerusalem; and the ki…
Ezra 5:15 Lexical
He said to him, ‘Take these vessels, go, put them in the temple that is in Jerusalem, and let God’s house be built in it…
Ezra 7:20 5 references
Lexicals 5
Ezra 5:17 Lexical
Now therefore, if it seems good to the king, let a search be made in the king’s treasure house, which is there at Babylo…
Ezra 6:8 Lexical
Moreover I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of God:…
Ezra 5:14 Lexical
The gold and silver vessels of God’s house, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem and brough…
Ezra 5:12 Lexical
But after our fathers had provoked the God of heaven to wrath, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Baby…
Daniel 5:3 Lexical
Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of God’s house which was at Jerusalem; and the ki…
Ezra 7:21 5 references
Lexicals 5
Ezra 6:8 Lexical
Moreover I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of God:…
Ezra 6:12 Lexical
May the God who has caused his name to dwell there overthrow all kings and peoples who stretch out their hand to alter t…
Ezra 6:13 Lexical
Then Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and their companions did accordingly with all diligence, b…
Ezra 4:17 Lexical
Then the king sent an answer to Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions wh…
Ezra 5:8 Lexical
Be it known to the king that we went into the province of Judah, to the house of the great God, which is being built wit…
Ezra 7:22 5 references
Lexicals 5
Ezra 6:9 Lexical
That which they have need of, including young bulls, rams, and lambs, for burnt offerings to the God of heaven; also whe…
Daniel 5:23 Lexical
but have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before you, and y…
Daniel 5:2 Lexical
Belshazzar, while he tasted the wine, commanded that the golden and silver vessels which Nebuchadnezzar his father had t…
Ezra 4:14 Lexical
Now because we eat the salt of the palace and it is not appropriate for us to see the king’s dishonor, therefore we have…
Daniel 5:15 Lexical
Now the wise men, the enchanters, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known to…
Ezra 7:23 5 references
Lexicals 5
Ezra 6:8 Lexical
Moreover I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of God:…
Ezra 6:11 Lexical
I have also made a decree that whoever alters this message, let a beam be pulled out from his house, and let him be lift…
Daniel 3:29 Lexical
Therefore I make a decree that every people, nation, and language which speak anything evil against the God of Shadrach,…
Daniel 2:28 Lexical
but there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latte…
Ezra 6:12 Lexical
May the God who has caused his name to dwell there overthrow all kings and peoples who stretch out their hand to alter t…
Ezra 7:24 5 references
Lexicals 5
Daniel 3:29 Lexical
Therefore I make a decree that every people, nation, and language which speak anything evil against the God of Shadrach,…
Ezra 4:20 Lexical
There have also been mighty kings over Jerusalem who have ruled over all the country beyond the River; and tribute, cust…
Ezra 4:13 Lexical
Be it known now to the king that if this city is built and the walls finished, they will not pay tribute, custom, or tol…
Daniel 5:23 Lexical
but have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before you, and y…
Daniel 2:10 Lexical
The Chaldeans answered the king and said, “There is not a man on the earth who can show the king’s matter, because no ki…
Ezra 7:25 5 references
Lexicals 5
Ezra 6:8 Lexical
Moreover I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of God:…
Daniel 5:23 Lexical
but have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before you, and y…
Daniel 2:45 Lexical
Because you saw that a stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze…
Ezra 4:16 Lexical
We inform the king that if this city is built and the walls finished, then you will have no possession beyond the River.
Daniel 2:30 Lexical
But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but to the intent that…
Ezra 7:26 5 references
Lexicals 5
Ezra 6:8 Lexical
Moreover I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of God:…
Daniel 3:15 Lexical
Now if you are ready whenever you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music to…
Ezra 6:12 Lexical
May the God who has caused his name to dwell there overthrow all kings and peoples who stretch out their hand to alter t…
Ezra 5:8 Lexical
Be it known to the king that we went into the province of Judah, to the house of the great God, which is being built wit…
Daniel 2:5 Lexical
The king answered the Chaldeans, “The thing has gone from me. If you don’t make known to me the dream and its interpreta…
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