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Book of Ezra - Chapter 7 - Verse 11

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.

Meaning

In this verse, King Artaxerxes grants Ezra the priest and scribe authority to enforce the commandments of the Lord and his statutes to Israel. This letter symbolizes the official recognition and support of the king for Ezra's mission to restore and strengthen the religious laws and practices among the Jewish community. Ezra's role as a scribe highlights the importance of preserving and obeying the divine laws revealed to Israel. The king's endorsement of Ezra's authority underscores the significance of upholding religious teachings and moral values within the community. This letter serves as a reminder of the divine commandments and statutes that guide believers in their relationship with God and with one another.

Theological Overview

Upon examining the theological interpretation of the verse from the book of Ezra, it is clear that King Artaxerxes's letter to Ezra holds a significant importance. In this passage, Ezra is described as a priest and scribe of the commandments of the Lord, entrusted with preserving and transmitting God's statutes to Israel. This highlights the role of religious leadership and the importance of upholding and obeying divine laws. Furthermore, the mention of Ezra as a scribe emphasizes the significance of written records in preserving religious teachings and ensuring their continuity. This verse underscores the central role of scripture in guiding the spiritual life of the people and emphasizes the value of faithful transcription and transmission of God's word. Through this letter, King Artaxerxes recognizes the authority and responsibility of Ezra as a custodian of the divine commandments, illustrating the intersection of secular and spiritual power in the ancient world.

American Standard Version

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:
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