Book of Ezra - Chapter 6 - Verse 11

This verse from the book of Esther in the Bible demonstrates the seriousness and importance placed on preserving the integrity of written decrees and laws. In this specific context, the decree was issued by King Xerxes of Persia and concerned the fate of the Jewish people. The king's decree was unchangeable, and anyone who dared to alter it risked severe consequences. The language used in this verse reflects the harsh punishment awaiting anyone who dared to tamper with the king's words. The mention of pulling down timber from the offender's house, hanging them on it, and turning their house into a dunghill was meant to serve as a deterrent to prevent anyone from altering the decree. This verse highlights the significance of respecting and upholding the law, as well as the consequences that may follow if one chooses to disobey or manipulate it.

In this verse, we see a strong warning against altering the word of God. The consequences for doing so are severe, with the punishment being the destruction of one's house and ultimately being hanged on the timber that was removed. This serves as a reminder of the importance of treating the word of God with reverence and not distorting its meaning. The imagery used in this verse is quite vivid, emphasizing the seriousness of changing or misinterpreting God's message. It highlights the belief that the word of God is sacred and should not be tampered with. This decree serves as a deterrent against those who might attempt to manipulate or misrepresent the divine teachings. It showcases the seriousness with which the biblical text should be approached, demanding accuracy and faithfulness in its interpretation and transmission.