Definition: That thou mayest buy speedily with this money bullocks, rams, lambs, with their meat offerings and their drink offerings, and offer them upon the altar of the house of your God which [is] in Jerusalem.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezra 7:17. It’s a really important passage about rebuilding a temple – specifically, the Temple in Jerusalem! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: “That thou mayest buy speedily…” - This is saying “You are to buy quickly.” It emphasizes urgency. “…with this money bullocks…” - “Money bulls” was a type of cattle used for trade and offerings. So, they’re using animal products as currency. "...rams, lambs..." – These are types of sheep. They were important sacrifices in the Jewish faith. "...with their meat offerings and their drink offerings…” - This means offering these animals (sheep) as a way to show devotion and gratitude to God. "...and offer them upon the altar of the house of your God which [is] in Jerusalem.” – This is the key part. The offering is specifically to be brought to the Temple in Jerusalem. It’s a symbolic act of returning to God and rebuilding what was lost. Putting it all together: Ezra, a leader in the time period, was instructing people to buy these animals (sheep) – and their meat offerings and drink offerings – and bring them to the Temple in Jerusalem. It’s a clear instruction to return to God with a renewed focus and to rebuild something sacred. Why is this important? This verse is a pivotal moment in Jewish history, because it's part of the story of the rebuilding of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after a period of exile. It highlights the importance of returning to God, offering sacrifices, and restoring a place of worship. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you more context about the time period this verse came from? Talk about what this passage might symbolize in general?