Ezra 6:10
What does Ezra 6:10 mean?
A plain-English look at Ezra 6:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ezra 6:10 means
The purpose of the generous provisions is that sacrifices of pleasing aroma be offered to the God of heaven, and that the priests pray for the life of the king and his sons. Darius acts in line with Persian policy: seeking the favor of local deities for imperial welfare. Yet through this, the true God advances His worship. The king expects intercession; the people receive sustained support. This verse shows a mutual benefit under God’s sovereignty: earthly rulers are instruments in the Lord’s hand, and the temple’s ministry of prayer has public as well as sacred significance.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000that they may offer sacrifices of sweet savor unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.
KJV
King James Version · 1611That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901that they may offer sacrifices of sweet savor unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So that they may make offerings of a sweet smell to the God of heaven, with prayers for the life of the king and of his sons.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862that they be bringing near sweet savours to the God of heaven, and praying for the life of the king, and of his sons.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And let them offer oblations to the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his children.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890that they may present sweet odours to theGod of the heavens, and pray for the life of the king and of his sons.
Context
After detailing what is to be supplied, the text explains why: worship and intercession. This rationale strengthens Darius’s commitment to the project. Next, he will attach severe civil penalties (v. 11) and invoke divine judgment (v. 12) against anyone who dares to reverse or destroy the temple. With this, the legal and spiritual protections are complete, setting up the swift compliance of local officials and the successful completion of the building recorded in the following verses.
v.9And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for burnt-offerings to the God of heaven; also wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the word of the priests that are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail;
v.10This passage
v.11Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let a beam be pulled out from his house, and let him be lifted up and fastened thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this:
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ezra 7:23
Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be done exactly for the house of the God of heaven; for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?
- Genesis 8:21
And Jehovah smelled the sweet savor; and Jehovah said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake, for that the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more everything living, as I have done.
- 1 Timothy 2:1
I exhort therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made for all men;
- Ephesians 5:2
and walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for an odor of a sweet smell.
- Leviticus 1:13
but the inwards and the legs shall he wash with water. And the priest shall offer the whole, and burn it upon the altar: it is a burnt-offering, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savor unto Jehovah.
- Jeremiah 29:7
And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray unto Jehovah for it; for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.