Ezra's commission from Artaxerxes.
After giving a general account of the exodus of Israel from Babylon under his leadership, Ezra transcribes the letter of the king of Persia containing his commission. In considering this very remarkable document, we notice—
I. THE GREETING.
1. The monarch announces himself. "Artaxerxes king of kings."
2. He addresses his letter:
II. THE FAVOURS. Verse 13, etc. The particulars are—
1. Permission to go up to Jerusalem.
2. Permission to the Jews to go up with him.
3. Authority to set things in order in Judaea.
4. Authority over the Persian deputies beyond the river.
5. Commission to carry offerings to God.
1. The wonderful accuracy of the knowledge of this heathen king of the religion of the Jews.
2. The largeness of his liberality in the service of the God of heaven.
3. The enlightened judgment which he formed of the true principles of civil government. In these things he is not an unworthy pattern even to Christians.—J.A.M.