Verse 1

Artaxerxes = the great king: i.e. Darius (Hystaspis). See notes on p. 618. App-57and App-58.

Ezra. By this genealogy (verses: Ezra 7:1-5), compared with 1 Chronicles 6:15, Ezra was brother to Jehozadak and uncle to the high priest Joshua. Ezra was deported with Zedekiah.

son = descendant.

Seraiah. Slain at Riblah (2 Kings 25:18-21).

Verse 6

ready = skilful.

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4.

Verse 7

children = sons.

and. Note the Figure of speech Polysyndeton (App-6) in this verse.

Nethinims. See note on Ezra 2:43.

Verse 8

fifth month. Nisan (March-April). App-51.

Verse 9

the first day of the first month. See note on Genesis 8:13.

first month. Ab (July-August). App-51.

Verse 10

to teach in Israel. This was the chief duty of priests. See note on Deuteronomy 33:10.

Israel. Judah contained representatives of the whole Nation. See note on 1 Kings 12:7.

Verse 11

the scribe . . . a scribe = a perfect scribe. Figure of speech Epizeuxis (App-6).

Verse 12

GOD Chaldee. "eldh. Same as Hebrew Eloah. App-4.

GOD of heaven. See note on 2 Chronicles 36:23.

Verse 13

decree. This decree (verses: Ezra 7:12-26) is in Clialdee. not in Hebrew. An inscription found at Susa commences with the same words.

Verse 14

seven counsellors. Compare Esther 1:10, Esther 1:14.

Verse 15

Israel. See note on 1 Kings 12:17.

Verse 17

meat offerings = meal offerings. Hebrew gift offerings. App-43.

Verse 19

vessels. See note on Ezra 1:1.

Verse 20

bestow, bestow. Figure of speech Anadiplosis (App-6), for emphasis.

Verse 21

I, even I. Figure of speech Epizeuxis, for emphasis.

Verse 22

wine. Compare Ezra 6:9. Hebrew. chemer. App-27.

without prescribing how much = without measure.

Verse 23

diligently = quickly, exactly. A Persian word, , adrazda Occurs only here.

Why . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6.

Verse 24

GOD Chaldee. "elahah = Hebrew Eloah (emph.) See App-4.

Verse 26

to banishment: or exclusion from the assembly. Chaldee = to rooting out. Occurs only here.

Verse 27

Blessed, &c. These two verses (27, 28) resume the Hebrew language.

Verse 28

mercy = lovingkindness, or grace.

mighty. Hebrew. gibbor. App-14.

chief = heads.