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Book of Ezra - Chapter 8 - Verse 36

8:36
And they delivered the king's commissions unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors on this side the river: and they furthered the people, and the house of God.

Meaning

When looking at the verse 'And they delivered the king's commissions unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors on this side the river: and they furthered the people, and the house of God.', we see a significant moment in the biblical narrative where King Darius's decrees are being carried out by his appointed officials. The king's commissions were instructions or orders given by the king that needed to be followed. In this case, they were delivered to the king's lieutenants and governors, who were responsible for implementing them. By doing so, they were not only carrying out the will of the king, but also ensuring that the people and the house of God were supported and helped. This verse highlights the importance of obedience to authority and the promotion of the well-being of the community, including the worship place of God. It serves as a reminder of the role of earthly rulers in upholding justice and supporting the spiritual needs of the people.

Theological Overview

In this verse, we see the king's commissions being delivered to his lieutenants and governors on the side of the river. The word "commissions" in this context refers to official documents or instructions given by the king for a specific purpose. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the importance of obedience to authority and the proper execution of tasks assigned to individuals. By delivering the king's commissions, the people were ensuring that they were following the orders of their ruler and carrying out their responsibilities diligently. This act can be seen as a reflection of the biblical principle of submitting to authority figures, as outlined in Romans 13:1-2. Furthermore, the mention of furthering the people and the house of God emphasizes the idea of prioritizing the well-being of the community and the place of worship. By fulfilling their duties, the people were contributing to the growth and prosperity of both the society and the religious institution.

American Standard Version

And they delivered the king's commissions unto the king's satraps, and to the governors beyond the River: and they furthered the people and the house of God.
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