“Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king’s goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.”
The decree specifies that daily offerings of cattle, sheep, and lambs, along with wheat, salt, wine, and oil, are to be provided by the provincial government to the priests in Jerusalem. These provisions enable the continuous sacrifice and worship mandated by Torah, restoring the cultic practices that were interrupted by the exile. The detailed specification of necessary items demonstrates the comprehensive nature of Persian support and the careful attention to ritual requirements. This verse illustrates that worship of the true God requires material resources and that God provides these through his providence, while also showing that even pagan rulers could recognize the importance of maintaining a people\'s religious practices.
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