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.