Definition: Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be diligently done for the house of the God of heaven: for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezra 7:23. It's a really interesting passage about responsibility and divine authority. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God wants everything he commands to be done – absolutely everything – with the utmost care and attention. It’s emphasizing that He has ultimate control over the nation of Judah, and He expects everyone to follow His instructions precisely. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven…” - This is a really big phrase. It means everything that God tells us to do. It’s about following His will completely and faithfully. "...let it be diligently done for the house of the God of heaven..." – This refers to the people of Judah, which was a kingdom in ancient Israel. It’s saying that these tasks must be completed with care and seriousness. It's not just about doing them casually; it’s about making sure they are done correctly and responsibly. "...for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?" – This is the most complex part. It’s warning that if things go wrong, or if someone doesn't follow God’s instructions, God will be angry . It’s suggesting a potential consequence for disobedience. What does this mean practically? It’s about obedience: The verse emphasizes the importance of following God’s commands exactly. It's a call to be obedient to His leadership and not to stray from His path. It’s about responsibility: God is putting a huge amount of responsibility on the people of Judah. He’s expecting them to do what He says, and he’s warning them that if they fail to do so, there could be negative consequences. Important Context (Briefly): This verse comes after a time of upheaval in Israel when God was angered by their wickedness. It's essentially a statement of repentance and restoration – God is calling them back to the path He wants them on. In short, this verse is a powerful reminder that God’s will is absolute, and we have a serious responsibility to follow it. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Give you some examples of what “diligently done” might look like in practice?