Ezra 3:7
They gaue money also vnto the masons, and to the carpenters, and meate, and drinke, and oyle, vnto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring Cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea of Ioppa: according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia. Ezra 3:7 (KJV)
The book of Ezra records the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylonian captivity and the subsequent restoration of worship in Jerusalem. After years of exile, King Cyrus of Persia issued a decree that permitted the Jews to go back to their homeland and rebuild the temple of God. Ezra 3:7 occurs in this period of renewal, illustrating how the community mobilized resources for the sacred task.
The verse highlights several layers of participation. First, the people contributed money to the masons and carpenters who were directly engaged in the construction work. This financial support demonstrates a tangible commitment to restoring the house of worship. Second, the community provided essential provisions—meat, drink, and oil—to those laborers, caring for their physical needs as they toiled on the temple site. Such generosity reflects a compassionate concern for the well‑being of those involved in God’s work.
A notable aspect of the passage is the involvement of foreigners. The people of Zidon (the Sidonians) and Tyre supplied cedar trees from Lebanon, transporting them to the sea of Joppa. Their participation shows that the rebuilding effort was not solely a local affair but received valuable assistance from neighboring regions, underscoring the broader cooperation that facilitated the project.
All of these activities were carried out “according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia.” Cyrus’ decree provided the legal and material foundation for the restoration, serving as a concrete example of divine providence working through an unexpected source. The grant reminds readers that God can fulfill His promises by using the resources and goodwill of foreign powers.
Overall, Ezra 3:7 portrays a collective endeavor marked by unity, generosity, and divine provision. The Jewish community’s determination, the compassionate care for workers, and the collaborative support of neighboring peoples together illustrate how God’s purposes are accomplished when believers cooperate faithfully and trust in His providential guidance.
