Definition: Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect [peace], and at such a time.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Ezra 7:12. It's a really interesting and somewhat surprising verse! Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, Artaxerxes, the king of all the nations, was giving Ezra a special gift – he wanted peace. Let’s unpack that a little further: “Ezra the priest” : This refers to a scribe (a writer) who was responsible for maintaining the laws and traditions of God. “A scribe of the law of the God of heaven” : Ezra was a religious leader, dedicated to preserving the rules and teachings of the Jewish people based on God’s word. “Perfect peace” : This is the key part. Artaxerxes King wanted peace – he wanted to restore order and tranquility to the land after a period of turmoil. “At such a time” : This is crucial. It means that this peace was happening at a specific moment , likely after a conflict or a difficult situation where chaos had reigned. So, the whole verse paints a picture of Artaxerxes King recognizing the importance of restoring peace and allowing Ezra to fulfill his role in upholding those laws. It’s a bit symbolic – it suggests a moment of restoration and reconciliation. Important Note: It's important to understand this verse within its historical context. The biblical text itself doesn’t fully explain why Artaxerxes King desired peace, but it speaks to the idea that sometimes, even powerful leaders need to recognize the value of tranquility and allow for a period of rest. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Ezra 7? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Explore the deeper meaning or symbolism behind it?