Lexical Summary adrazda: "with care" or "diligently" Original Word: אַדְרַזְדָּא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance diligently (Aramaic) probably of Persian origin; quickly or carefully -- diligently. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) of foreign origin Definition correctly, exactly NASB Translation zeal (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs אַדְרַזְדָּא adverb correctly, exactly (according to HaugJBW 1853, 152 f. Scheft68f. from Zend derez, make firm, whence Sanskrit participle passive drdha, firm, sure, suitable, Zend dere´ta, holding firm, Persian durust, whole, complete, correct; > NöKAT 2 617 from אַזְדָּא, q. v.); — Ezra 7:23 ׳יִתְעֲבֵד א. אֶדְרַע see דרע. אוה (√ of following; see Biblical Hebrew אוֺת, אוה). Topical Lexicon AdrazdaScriptural Setting Adrazda appears once, in Ezra 7:23, within the Aramaic text of Artaxerxes’ letter authorizing Ezra’s return and the further support of the Jerusalem temple. The king instructs the provincial treasurers: “Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven must be done fully for the house of the God of heaven, so that wrath will not fall on the kingdom of the king and of his sons” (Ezra 7:23). The term expresses the idea of a strict mandate that must be carried out without delay or dilution. Historical Context Ezra’s journey (circa 458 BC) occurs after the temple’s completion under Zerubbabel (Ezra 6). Artaxerxes, ruling the Persian Empire, was no passive observer of local affairs. His empire depended on the loyalty of diverse peoples, so he often ratified native cults and priesthoods. Adrazda encapsulates this imperial policy: a royal endorsement that the worship of the “God of heaven” receive unfettered support. The decree obligated regional officials “beyond the River” (west of the Euphrates) to supply silver, wheat, wine, oil, salt, and to exempt temple personnel from taxation (Ezra 7:21–24). Thus, a single occurrence of Adrazda marks a pivotal moment in the post-exilic community’s restoration, granting them economic security and governmental protection. Theological Significance 1. Divine Sovereignty Recognized by Gentile Power A pagan monarch acknowledges the supremacy of Israel’s God. The phrase “whatever is commanded by the God of heaven” places the divine fiat above royal prerogative. This anticipates truths later declared explicitly, such as Daniel 4:37 and Romans 13:1, that earthly rulers are subject to heaven’s rule. 2. Seriousness of Obedience Adrazda conveys a decree that brooks no compromise. The warning—“so that wrath will not fall on the kingdom of the king and of his sons”—links human obedience with divine blessing or judgment, echoing earlier covenant warnings (Deuteronomy 28:15–20) and affirming that God’s standards transcend national boundaries. 3. Provision for Worship By mandating generous contributions, the decree ensures that sacrificial worship may proceed without interruption. Compare the law’s call to supply oil for the continual lamp (Exodus 27:20–21) and the New Testament exhortation to “excel in this grace of giving” (2 Corinthians 8:7). God moves even foreign treasuries to resource His purposes. Ministry Applications • Leadership and Intercession: Ezra’s faithful character (Ezra 7:10) precedes the issuance of Adrazda. Spiritual leaders today nurture private devotion that yields public favor and breakthroughs. Related Biblical Themes Decree and Command—Psalm 33:9; Isaiah 55:11 Gentile Favor Toward God’s People—Exodus 12:36; Nehemiah 2:8 Fear of Divine Wrath as Motivator—Joshua 22:18–20; Revelation 15:1 Diligence in Sacred Service—2 Chronicles 31:21; Colossians 3:23 Summary Though Adrazda appears only once, it crystallizes a larger biblical principle: when God issues a directive, He can marshal the resources of nations to see it accomplished. The term stands as a reminder that kings and kingdoms rise and fall under His hand, and that wholehearted obedience—whether from a Persian monarch or a modern disciple—ushers in blessing and averts judgment. Forms and Transliterations אַדְרַזְדָּ֔א אדרזדא ’aḏ·raz·dā ’aḏrazdā adrazDaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 7:23 HEB: שְׁמַיָּ֔א יִתְעֲבֵד֙ אַדְרַזְדָּ֔א לְבֵ֖ית אֱלָ֣הּ NAS: let it be done with zeal for the house KJV: of heaven, let it be diligently done INT: of heaven it be done zeal the house of the God 1 Occurrence |
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