Ezra 6:10

Then they will be able to offer sacrifices of a sweet aroma to the God of heaven and to pray for the lives of the king and his sons.

Study Bible

so that they may offer sacrifices
The phrase "offer sacrifices" refers to the ancient practice of presenting offerings to God, which was central to Jewish worship. The Hebrew root for "sacrifices" is "זֶבַח" (zevach), which encompasses various types of offerings, including burnt offerings, peace offerings, and sin offerings. These sacrifices were a means of atonement and worship, symbolizing the people's devotion and obedience to God. In the context of Ezra, the rebuilding of the temple was crucial for restoring these sacrificial practices, which were essential for maintaining the covenant relationship with God.

pleasing to the God of heaven
The term "pleasing" indicates that the sacrifices were meant to be acceptable and favorable in the sight of God. The Hebrew word "נִיחוֹחַ" (nihoach) often describes the aroma of sacrifices that are satisfying to God. "The God of heaven" is a title that emphasizes God's sovereignty and authority over all creation. This title is significant in the post-exilic period, highlighting God's supremacy even over earthly rulers. The phrase underscores the importance of offering sacrifices with the right heart and intention, aligning with God's will and purpose.

and pray for the well-being
Prayer is a fundamental aspect of the Jewish faith, serving as a means of communication with God. The Hebrew root "פָּלַל" (palal) for "pray" conveys the idea of interceding or making supplication. In this context, the prayers were for the "well-being" or peace (שָׁלוֹם, shalom) of the king and his sons. This reflects the biblical principle of seeking the welfare of the governing authorities, as seen in Jeremiah 29:7, where the exiles are instructed to pray for the peace of the city where they live.

of the king and his sons
The mention of "the king and his sons" refers to the Persian monarch and his heirs. During the time of Ezra, the Persian Empire was the dominant power, and the Jewish people were under its rule. The king mentioned here is likely Darius I, who supported the rebuilding of the temple. Praying for the king and his sons was not only a gesture of loyalty but also a recognition of God's providence in using foreign rulers to accomplish His purposes. It reflects the biblical teaching that all authority is established by God (Romans 13:1), and believers are called to pray for those in leadership positions.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezra
A scribe and priest who led the second group of exiles back to Jerusalem. He played a crucial role in the spiritual and religious restoration of the Jewish people.

2. The God of Heaven
A title used for God, emphasizing His sovereignty and authority over all creation. This title is often used in the context of acknowledging God's supreme power.

3. Sacrifices of Pleasing Aroma
Refers to the offerings made to God, which were meant to be a fragrant and acceptable act of worship. This practice was central to the Jewish faith and worship.

4. The King and His Sons
Refers to the Persian king, likely Darius, and his descendants. The Jews were instructed to pray for the king's well-being, reflecting a relationship of respect and intercession.

5. Rebuilding of the Temple
The context of this verse is the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem, a significant event for the Jewish people as it symbolized the restoration of their worship and covenant relationship with God.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Worship
The sacrifices offered were a central part of worship, reminding us of the importance of dedicating our lives to God in worship and obedience.

Intercession for Leaders
Praying for those in authority is a biblical mandate. It reflects our trust in God's sovereignty and our desire for His will to be done through earthly leaders.

Restoration and Renewal
The rebuilding of the Temple signifies God's faithfulness in restoring His people. We can trust God to restore and renew our lives when we turn to Him.

Sacrificial Living
Just as the sacrifices were a pleasing aroma to God, our lives should be lived in a way that is pleasing to Him, marked by holiness and dedication.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of offering "sacrifices of pleasing aroma" apply to our modern-day worship practices?

2. In what ways can we actively pray for our leaders today, and why is this important according to biblical teaching?

3. How does the rebuilding of the Temple in Ezra's time parallel the spiritual renewal God desires in our lives?

4. What are some practical ways we can live sacrificially, offering our lives as a "pleasing aroma" to God?

5. How do the themes of restoration and intercession in Ezra 6:10 connect with the broader account of God's redemptive plan in the Bible?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 1:9
This verse describes the burnt offering as a "pleasing aroma" to the Lord, connecting the sacrificial system in Ezra to the established Levitical practices.

1 Timothy 2:1-2
Paul instructs believers to pray for kings and all those in authority, echoing the call in Ezra to pray for the king and his sons.

Romans 12:1
Paul urges believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the physical sacrifices in Ezra as a form of spiritual worship.