For you are sent by the king and his seven counselors to make inquiries about Judah and Jerusalem according to the Law of your God, which is in your hand,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The most striking thing here is that Ezra's mission isn't just to enforce the king's decrees, but to investigate Judah and Jerusalem according to the Law of God. This indicates the Persian king recognized Ezra's divine authority and entrusted him with upholding God's standards for his people, acknowledging the sacred text he carried as the ultimate guide.
For you are sent by the king and his seven counselors to make inquiries about Judah and Jerusalem according to the Law of your God, which is in your hand,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Ezra has just received an official decree from the Persian king, Artaxerxes, authorizing his return to Jerusalem. This decree isn't just a rubber stamp; it's a formal commission, backed by the king's most trusted advisors, to investigate the state of affairs in Judah and Jerusalem. Ezra is explicitly empowered to ensure things are being conducted according to the laws of God, highlighting the unique position he holds, armed with both royal authority and divine instruction.
Imagine getting a royal decree outlining your mission! Ezra's isn't just from one person, but from the king and his inner circle. What does this tell us about how God works through earthly powers?
Ezra's authority to investigate Judah and Jerusalem comes directly from the Persian king and his seven chief counselors. This wasn't a minor appointment; the 'seven counselors' were likely the highest officials in the empire, similar to the princes mentioned in Esther who had direct access to the king.
Royal Mandate
This royal backing was crucial. It meant Ezra's mission had the full weight of the Persian government behind it. He wasn't just a private citizen acting on his own; he was an official envoy.
Divine Connection
While commissioned by a pagan king, Ezra's task was divinely inspired. His purpose was to uphold 'the Law of your God.' This highlights a fascinating dynamic: God can use even secular authorities and structures to advance His purposes, anointing His chosen servants for specific tasks.
Ezra is sent to 'inquire... according to the law of your God.' What does this reveal about the heart of God and the purpose of His Law?
Ezra's commission wasn't to spy or to impose foreign laws. His mission was specific: to investigate the state of Judah and Jerusalem 'according to the Law of your God.' The phrase 'which is in your hand' signifies not just possession, but mastery and readiness.
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Law as a Guide
Ezra was highly skilled in the Mosaic Law. His commission meant he was to use this divine knowledge as the standard for his inquiry. The Persian government, though likely not fully understanding the Law itself, delegated the authority to Ezra to interpret and apply it.
God's Concern for His People
This underscores that God deeply cares about the practical, day-to-day lives of His people and their adherence to His ways. The Law wasn't just abstract principles; it was meant to govern their society, their rebuilding, and their relationship with God. Ezra’s role was to ensure this standard was being met.
Understand the original words
dath · Aramaic/Hebrew Noun
The specific instruction of God, particularly the Mosaic Torah, which acts as the foundation for the life, faith, and judicial practice of the people of Israel.
Ezra's commission wasn't just a personal journey but a formal decree from the heart of the Persian Empire, involving the king's highest advisors, highlighting the political and administrative structures of the time and Ezra's unique position.
c. 538 BC
Cyrus's Edict for Return
Cyrus the Great, king of Persia, issues a decree allowing exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple, marking the first wave of returnees.
c. 522-486 BC
Reign of Darius I
Darius I consolidates the Persian Empire, including Judah, which is organized as a province. This period sees the Temple rebuilding completed under his reign.
c. 486-465 BC
Reign of Xerxes I
The reign of Xerxes I, known in the book of Esther, continues Persian rule over Judah. His court included prominent figures who influenced royal decrees.
c. 465-458 BC
Reign of Artaxerxes I
Artaxerxes I succeeds Xerxes. His reign is marked by a significant decree concerning Jerusalem and the Jewish community.
c. 458 BC— this verse
Ezra's Commission and Return
King Artaxerxes I, influenced by Ezra's wisdom and favor, grants him a royal commission and resources to travel to Jerusalem to implement the Law of God. This is the specific context for Ezra 7:14.
This passage mentions the 'seven princes of Persia and Media, who saw the king's face and sat first in the kingdom,' providing historical context for the 'seven counselors' mentioned in Ezra's commission and highlighting their significant influence.
2 Chronicles 17:9This verse describes Jehoshaphat sending out officials with the book of the Law of the Lord to teach in Judah, paralleling Ezra's mission to 'inquire... according to the Law of your God' and emphasizing the importance of divine law in governance.
Nehemiah 8:1-3Following Ezra's return, this passage shows Ezra publicly reading the Law of God to the assembled people, demonstrating the practical outworking of his commission to uphold and teach God's statutes to Judah and Jerusalem.
Proverbs 1:1-6This passage speaks about gaining wisdom, understanding, and discretion through the instruction of the Law, echoing the foundational purpose of Ezra's commission to inquire and apply God's Law in Judah and Jerusalem.
pulpitEzra 7:14: "Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king, and of his seven counsellers, to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of thy God which is in thine hand;"
Verse 14. - Ezra received his commission from the king, and from his seven counsellors, who thus seem to occupy an important position in the Persian state. They are commonly identified with the "seven princes of Persia and Media," mentioned in Esther (Esther 1:14), "which saw the king's face," and "sate first in the…
clarkeEzra 7:14: "Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king, and of his seven counsellers, to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of thy God which is in thine hand;"
His seven counsellors - It is very likely that the privy counsel of the king consisted of seven persons simply. The names of these seven counsellors or chamberlains may be found in the book of Esther, Esther 1:10 .
The most striking thing here is that Ezra's mission isn't just to enforce the king's decrees, but to investigate Judah and Jerusalem according to the Law of God. This indicates the Persian king recognized Ezra's divine authority and entrusted him with upholding God's standards for his people, acknowledging the sacred text he carried as the ultimate guide.
Ezra has just received an official decree from the Persian king, Artaxerxes, authorizing his return to Jerusalem. This decree isn't just a rubber stamp; it's a formal commission, backed by the king's most trusted advisors, to investigate the state of affairs in Judah and Jerusalem. Ezra is explicitly empowered to ensure things are being conducted according to the laws of God, highlighting the unique position he holds, armed with both royal authority and divine instruction.
Ezra has just received an official decree from the Persian king, Artaxerxes, authorizing his return to Jerusalem. This decree isn't just a rubber stamp; it's a formal commission, backed by the king's most trusted advisors, to investigate the state of affairs in Judah and Jerusalem. Ezra is explicitly empowered to ensure things are being conducted according to the laws of God, highlighting the unique position he holds, armed with both royal authority and divine instruction.
"For you are sent by the king and his seven counselors to make inquiries about Judah and Jerusalem according to the Law of your God, which is in your hand," — The most striking thing here is that Ezra's mission isn't just to enforce the king's decrees, but to investigate Judah and Jerusalem according to the Law of God. This indicates the Persian king rec…
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Last reviewed October 2026