Ezra 7:13

13 A decree is made by me, that every one who is willing in my kingdom of the people of Israel, and of the priests and Levites, to go to Jerusalem, to go with thee.

Ezra 7:13 Meaning and Commentary

Ezra 7:13

I make a decree
Which, according to the laws of the Medes and Persians, when signed, might not be changed, ( Daniel 6:8 ) ,

that all they of the people of Israel, and of his priests and Levites,
in my realm;
who remained there, and took not the benefit of the edict of Cyrus, which gave them leave to go; but neglecting the opportunity, it seems as if they could not now go out of the realm without a fresh grant, which is hereby given:

which are minded of their own freewill to go up to Jerusalem, go with
thee;
this decree did not oblige them to go whether they would or not; for they might, notwithstanding this, continue if they pleased; it only gave them leave to make use of the present opportunity of going along with Ezra, if they chose it.

Ezra 7:13 In-Context

11 And this the copy of the order which Arthasastha gave to Esdras the priest, the scribe of the book of the words of the commandments of the Lord, and of his ordinances to Israel.

12 Arthasastha, king of kings, to Esdras, the scribe of the law of the Lord God of heaven, Let the order and the answer be accomplished.

13 A decree is made by me, that every one who is willing in my kingdom of the people of Israel, and of the priests and Levites, to go to Jerusalem, to go with thee.

14 has been sent from the king and the seven councillors, to visit Judea and Jerusalem, according to the law of their God that is in thine hand.

15 And for the house of the Lord silver and gold, which the king and the councillors have freely given to the God of Israel, who dwells in Jerusalem.