Lexical Summary reuth: Friendship, companionship Original Word: רְעוּת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance pleasure, will (Aramaic) corresponding to r'uwth; desire -- pleasure, will. see HEBREW r'uwth NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originsee reu. Brown-Driver-Briggs [רְעוּ] noun feminine good pleasure, will; — construct רְעוּת of king Ezra 5:17, of God Ezra 7:18. Topical Lexicon Occurrences and Literary Setting• Twice in Ezra: the governor’s letter to Darius about the halted temple work (Ezra 5:17) and Artaxerxes’ decree delivered to Ezra (Ezra 7:18). In both places the term marks a decision made freely yet reverently. Sense within Context Expresses “pleasure,” “purpose,” or “what seems best.” When the Persian court uses it, the phrase “if it pleases the king” frames respectful petition. When addressed to Ezra, it widens to “according to the will of your God,” binding human discretion to divine desire. Historical Background Ezra 5:17 (circa 520 BC) reflects imperial inquiry under Darius I; Ezra 7:18 (458 BC) shows Artaxerxes I entrusting Ezra with temple funds. The same word thus traverses two reigns, illustrating God’s steady hand over shifting political scenes. Theological Themes Authority: Earthly rulers possess legitimate, but delegated, authority (compare Romans 13:1). The repetition underscores God’s governance over kings’ “good pleasure.” Stewardship: Silver and gold left over from offerings are to be used only “according to the will of your God” (Ezra 7:18), highlighting accountable management of sacred resources. Providence: Cyrus’ earlier decree (Ezra 1:1) and these later edicts reveal continuity in God’s plan despite opposition, fulfilling prophecies such as Isaiah 44:28. Humility in Petition: “If it pleases the king” models respectful engagement with civil authority while trusting God for favor. Ministry Applications • Decisions in church or mission finance should echo Ezra 7:18—spent for what accords with God’s pleasure, not mere expedience. Christological Horizon The Son’s ministry fulfills the pattern: “I do always what pleases Him” (John 8:29). Just as Ezra dispensed resources for temple worship, Jesus administers the riches of grace to build a living temple (Ephesians 2:21). Summary Strong’s 7470 underscores purposeful decision-making under God’s sovereign oversight. Whether on a royal throne or in temple courts, what truly “seems good” is what accords with the will and pleasure of the Lord. Forms and Transliterations כִּרְע֥וּת כרעות kir‘ūṯ kir·‘ūṯ kirUt ureUtLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 5:17 HEB: דֵ֖ךְ בִּירוּשְׁלֶ֑ם וּרְע֥וּת מַלְכָּ֛א עַל־ KJV: send his pleasure to us concerning INT: this Jerusalem his pleasure the king concerning Ezra 7:18 2 Occurrences |
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