You must deliver to the God of JerusalemThis phrase emphasizes the centrality of Jerusalem as the spiritual and religious heart of the Jewish people. Jerusalem is often referred to as the city of God, and it holds significant importance as the location of the Temple, the dwelling place of God's presence on earth. The directive to deliver to the "God of Jerusalem" underscores the recognition of Yahweh as the one true God, distinct from the gods of surrounding nations. This reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where Jerusalem is the chosen city for His name to dwell (
1 Kings 11:36). The phrase also highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, as Ezra is tasked with fulfilling a divine mandate.
all the articles given to you
The "articles" refer to the sacred vessels and items used in the worship and service of the Temple. These articles were essential for the proper conduct of religious rituals and sacrifices. Historically, these items had been taken to Babylon during the exile (2 Kings 24:13), and their return signifies the restoration of proper worship practices. The mention of these articles also connects to the broader theme of restoration and renewal found in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, as the Jewish people return from exile and reestablish their religious identity.
for the service of the house of your God
The "house of your God" refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, which was the center of Jewish worship and sacrificial system. The service of the Temple was a critical aspect of maintaining the covenant relationship with God, as it involved offerings, sacrifices, and rituals prescribed in the Law of Moses. This phrase underscores the importance of the Temple as the place where God meets with His people and where atonement for sin is made. The restoration of the Temple service is a key theme in Ezra, symbolizing the renewal of the covenant and the people's commitment to live according to God's laws. The phrase also foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of the Temple's purpose in Jesus Christ, who is described as the true Temple (John 2:19-21), where God's presence dwells fully and where the ultimate sacrifice for sin is made.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
EzraA scribe and priest, Ezra was a leader among the Jewish exiles returning from Babylon to Jerusalem. He was tasked with re-establishing the Law of Moses and the worship practices in the temple.
2.
ArtaxerxesThe Persian king who issued a decree allowing Ezra and other exiles to return to Jerusalem. He provided resources and support for the temple's restoration.
3.
JerusalemThe city where the temple of God was located, and the central place of worship for the Jewish people.
4.
The Temple ArticlesSacred items used in the worship and service of God in the temple. These articles were essential for the proper conduct of religious ceremonies.
5.
The ExilesThe Jewish people who had been taken captive to Babylon and were now returning to their homeland to rebuild their lives and religious practices.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Sacred ObjectsThe articles for the temple service were not just physical items but were consecrated for the worship of God. This reminds us of the importance of treating sacred things with reverence and respect.
God's Provision through Secular AuthoritiesArtaxerxes' support for the temple's restoration shows how God can use even non-believers to accomplish His purposes. We should be open to seeing God's hand in unexpected places.
Restoration and RenewalEzra's mission was not just about physical rebuilding but spiritual renewal. We should seek to restore and renew our own spiritual lives, focusing on worship and obedience to God.
Faithfulness in ServiceEzra's dedication to his task is a model of faithfulness. We are called to be diligent and faithful in whatever God has entrusted to us.
Community and WorshipThe return of the exiles and the restoration of the temple highlight the importance of community in worship. We should value and participate in our faith communities.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Ezra 7:19?
2.How does Ezra 7:19 emphasize the importance of proper stewardship of God's resources?
3.What role does obedience play in fulfilling God's commands in Ezra 7:19?
4.How can we ensure our actions align with God's will, as in Ezra 7:19?
5.In what ways does Ezra 7:19 connect to the broader theme of worship?
6.How can we apply the principles of Ezra 7:19 in our church community?
7.What is the significance of the vessels mentioned in Ezra 7:19 for temple worship?
8.How does Ezra 7:19 reflect the authority given to Ezra by the Persian king?
9.Why were the temple vessels important to the Jewish community in Ezra's time?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezra 7?
11.Why does Ezra 1 conflict with accounts in 2 Kings 24-25 that suggest more extensive destruction of Jerusalem's treasures than implied here?
12.Ezra 10:44 - How can a just God require separating from wives and children if some may have converted to the faith?
13.Jeremiah 19:7 -- How can a loving or just deity sanction such extreme disasters upon an entire city, including the innocent, as portrayed here?
14.What are the key events in Ezra's life?What Does Ezra 7:19 Mean
You must deliver“ ‘You must deliver …’ ” (Ezra 7:19) begins with a clear command.
• The verb carries the idea of decisive action, not suggestion (cf.1 Samuel 15:22—obedience over sacrifice).
• Faithful stewardship is always required of God’s people; Paul echoes this principle when he writes, “Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).
• Like Ezra, believers today are entrusted with something precious—the gospel itself (Matthew 28:19-20). God expects delivery, not delay.
to the God of JerusalemThe destination matters: “ ‘… to the God of Jerusalem …’ ”
• There is one specific, living, covenant-keeping God being honored (cf.2 Chronicles 36:23;Ezra 1:3).
• By naming Jerusalem, the decree underlines God’s historical presence in a real place, reinforcing Scripture’s literal reliability.
• Worship is never vague or generic; it is directed to the Lord who chose Zion (Psalm 132:13-14).
all the articlesThe command is comprehensive: “ ‘… all the articles …’ ”
• Nothing is to be withheld; partial obedience would be disobedience (Deuteronomy 12:32).
• These items had once been plundered (2 Kings 24:13) and are now fully restored, fulfilling God’s promise (Ezra 1:7).
• Our own service must likewise be wholehearted (Colossians 3:23).
given to you“ ‘… given to you …’ ” highlights stewardship.
• The vessels weren’t Ezra’s by ownership, only by trust (1 Peter 4:10—“each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve others”).
• Every good gift ultimately “comes down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17); gratitude guards against pride.
• Responsibility increases with the privilege of being chosen as a carrier of sacred things.
for the servicePurpose is explicit: “ ‘… for the service …’ ”
• These articles were tools, not trophies (Numbers 4:49 details Levite service assignments).
• Service centers on worship and sacrifice; Paul later urges, “present your bodies as a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1).
• God equips us not for display but for ministry (Ephesians 2:10).
of the houseThe location is the temple: “ ‘… of the house …’ ”
• The “house” signifies God’s dwelling among His people (1 Chronicles 29:3).
• Jesus called the temple “My Father’s house” (John 2:16), connecting Old Testament worship to New Testament fulfilment.
• Though the physical temple stood in Jerusalem, today believers collectively form a living temple (1 Corinthians 3:16), underscoring continuity in God’s plan.
of your GodPersonal relationship closes the verse: “ ‘… of your God.’ ”
• The Lord is not distant—He is “your God” (Exodus 20:2), inviting covenant intimacy.
• Ezra’s fidelity flowed from personal ownership of that relationship (Ezra 7:10).
• Believers echo Paul’s confidence: “My God will supply all your needs” (Philippians 4:19).
summaryEzra 7:19 showcases a chain of responsibility: God entrusts vessels to Ezra, Ezra must deliver every one of them to the Lord’s house, and the ultimate goal is faithful service that honors “the God of Jerusalem.” The verse affirms literal history, covenant faithfulness, and the ongoing call for God’s people to steward His gifts completely and obediently, always for worship and never for personal glory.
(19)
The vessels.--Offered (see
Ezra 8:25) to be added to those sent up by Zerubbabel.
Verse 19. -
Thevessels also. It does not appear that these were sacred vessels belonging to the temple, like those which Cyrus had intrusted to Zerubbabel for restoration to the house of God. Rather, it would seem, they were a part of the voluntary "offering" mentioned in ver. 15, in which they are distinctly included (Ezra 8:25-28). We may perhaps conclude that the vessels sent with Zerubbabel had proved insufficient in number for the great festivals.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
You must deliverהַשְׁלֵ֕ם(haš·lêm)Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 8000:To complete, to restoretoקֳדָ֖ם(qo·ḏām)Preposition
Strong's 6925:Beforethe Godאֱלָהָ֑ךְ(’ĕ·lā·hāḵ)Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 426:Godof Jerusalemיְרוּשְׁלֶֽם׃(yə·rū·šə·lem)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3390:Jerusalem -- the capital city of all Israelall the articlesוּמָֽאנַיָּא֙(ū·mā·nay·yā)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural determinate
Strong's 3984:Vessel, utensilgivenמִתְיַהֲבִ֣ין(miṯ·ya·hă·ḇîn)Verb - Hitpael - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 3052:To give, to put, imperatively, cometo youלָ֔ךְ(lāḵ)Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrewfor the serviceלְפָלְחָ֖ן(lə·p̄ā·lə·ḥān)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6402:Service, worshipof the houseבֵּ֣ית(bêṯ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1005:A houseof your God.אֱלָ֥הּ(’ĕ·lāh)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 426:God
Links
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OT History: Ezra 7:19 The vessels that are given you (Ezr. Ez)