Lexical Summary rishyon: Permission, license, authorization Original Word: רִשְׁיוֹן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance grant From an unused root meaning to have leave; a permit -- grant. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition permission NASB Translation permission (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs רִשְׁיוֺן noun [masculine] permission; — construct ׳ר Ezra 3:7. רֵשִׁית see רֵאשִׁית below ראשׁ. Topical Lexicon Occurrences and Translationרִשְׁיוֹן appears once in the Old Testament, in Ezra 3:7, where most English versions render it “permission,” “authorization,” or “grant.” The Berean Standard Bible reads, “according to the grant they had received from Cyrus king of Persia.” The single usage confines the term to the post-exilic context, yet its theological implications extend far beyond that solitary verse. Historical Context in Ezra 3:7 After the first return from Babylon (Ezra 1–2), the remnant faced the enormous task of rebuilding the Temple. Construction materials had to be imported from Lebanon by sea, echoing the partnership Solomon forged centuries earlier (1 Kings 5:6, 9). Under Persian rule no such enterprise could proceed without explicit royal approval. רִשְׁיוֹן thus denotes an official document or verbal authorization issued by Cyrus. Archaeological discoveries, such as the Cyrus Cylinder, corroborate Persian policy of supporting local cultic projects, illustrating how God providentially turned imperial policy toward His redemptive ends. Theological Themes 1. Divine Sovereignty over Civil Authority Proverbs 21:1 declares, “The king’s heart is a watercourse in the hand of the LORD; He directs it wherever He pleases.” רִשְׁיוֹן embodies this truth. Cyrus’s decree was ultimately God’s instrument to fulfill His word spoken through Jeremiah (Jeremiah 29:10) and Isaiah (Isaiah 44:28; 45:13). 2. Restoration and Continuity The term links the Second Temple community to Israel’s earlier golden age. As Solomon once imported cedars for the first Temple, so the exiles now import them under Persian license. רִשְׁיוֹן becomes a hinge tying the past glory to the promised future glory (Haggai 2:9). 3. Obedience within Structure While Israel owed ultimate allegiance to God, the nation still operated within human legal frameworks (compare Nehemiah 2:7–9). רִשְׁיוֹן models the principle of honoring rightful governmental authority without compromising devotion to the Lord (Romans 13:1; Acts 4:19). Practical Ministry Insights • Vision Often Requires Legitimate Access Just as rebuilding needed official sanction, modern ministry initiatives may require permits, visas, or licenses. Securing such “permissions” is not contrary to faith; rather, it reflects wisdom and integrity (Colossians 4:5). • Encouragement for Those in Secular Roles Believers serving in government or administrative posts can view their positions as potential channels of רִשְׁיוֹן—opening doors for gospel advance, relief work, or church planting (Esther 4:14). • Prayer for Favor with Authorities Ezra 6:22 records that “the Lord had turned the heart of the king of Assyria toward them to strengthen their hands.” Churches today rightly pray that God will move officials’ hearts, granting peaceful conditions for worship and witness (1 Timothy 2:1–2). Connections to Wider Biblical Revelation • Old Testament Parallels – The “letters to Asaph” handed to Nehemiah (Nehemiah 2:8) – Persian decrees concerning Passover celebration (Ezra 6:6–12) – Pharaoh’s release of Israel at the Exodus (Exodus 12:31–32) as a divinely compelled רִשְׁיוֹן on a national scale • New Testament Resonance – Paul’s use of official travel letters before his conversion (Acts 9:2) and later appeal to Caesar (Acts 25:11–12) – The church’s need for peaceful permission “that we may live peaceful and quiet lives” (1 Timothy 2:2) Summary Though occurring only once, רִשְׁיוֹן encapsulates the intersection of divine purpose and human authority. It reminds believers that God orchestrates events—even bureaucratic approvals—to rebuild what is ruined, advance His kingdom, and display His faithfulness from generation to generation. Forms and Transliterations כְּרִשְׁי֛וֹן כרשיון kə·riš·yō·wn kerishYon kərišyōwnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 3:7 HEB: יָ֣ם יָפ֔וֹא כְּרִשְׁי֛וֹן כּ֥וֹרֶשׁ מֶֽלֶךְ־ NAS: at Joppa, according to the permission they had from Cyrus KJV: of Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus INT: the sea Joppa to the permission Cyrus king 1 Occurrence |
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