Artaxerxes and Jerusalem

Synopsis     Ezra 7:11-25     6/17/2020 

The scribes copied the commissioning letter give to Ezra by King Artaxerxes. In it, the king specifically delineated the scope of Ezra authority. Additionally, Artaxerxes authorized a large amount of provisions that he committed in support of Ezra’s mission. Finally, he made Ezra and the other Temple servants free from taxation.  

Artaxerxes and Jerusalem 

King Artaxerxes honored God. So much so, that he put significant resources into re-establishing the knowledge of God amongst the people. 

Wisdom of God in Culture 

The wisdom of God’s law is evident in the justice and compassion it evokes from the people who follow God. These are, after all, universally desirable. Everyone seeks justice in defense of their cause. And everyone who really thinks about it wants goodness for the commonwealth. 

In seeking justice and compassion, we serve as light and salt in an otherwise dark and tasteless world.  

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.” Matt 5:14