I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and of his priests and Levites, in my realm, which are minded of their own freewill to go up to Jerusalem, go with thee.
My Notes
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
Gill's Exposition
Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king, and of his seven counsellors,.... Such a number the kings of Persia used to have from the times of Darius Hystaspis, who was chosen out of seven nobles to be…
Adam Clarke
Their own free-will - None shall be forced either to go or to stay. He who loves his God will avail himself of this favorable opportunity.
We have here the commission which the Persian emperor granted to Ezra, giving him authority to act for the good of the Jews; and it is very ample and full, and beyond what could have been expected.…
Cambridge Bible
Permission to Jews to return with Ezra to Jerusalem.
I make a decree The same phrase as in Ezr 4:19; Ezr 6:8; Ezr 6:11.
all they of the people of Israel Cf. Cyrus's decree Ezr 1:3 -Whosoever there is…
Cross References
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