Ezra decree verses

The Book of Ezra contains several key royal decrees from Persian kings like Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes, authorizing the return of exiled Jews to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the Temple, with specific verses detailing these permissions and penalties for defiance, such as Ezra 1:1-4 (Cyrus's decree), Ezra 6:1-12 (Darius's decree for Temple completion and punishment for interference), and Ezra 7:11-26 (Artaxerxes's decree supporting Ezra's mission with resources and authority). 

Here are some key decree verses:

Cyrus's Decree (Ezra 1)

• Ezra 1:1-4: King Cyrus of Persia proclaims that the Lord has appointed him to build a house for God in Jerusalem and permits all Israelites in his kingdom to return and rebuild the Temple, restoring the sacred vessels. 

Darius's Decree (Ezra 6)

• Ezra 6:8-10: King Darius decrees that the elders of the Jews should be provided with royal funds, supplies (bulls, rams, lambs, wheat, salt, wine, oil) for sacrifices, and that these offerings should be made pleasing to God, praying for the king.
• Ezra 6:11: A severe penalty is issued: anyone who alters this decree shall have a beam taken from their house and be impaled on it, with the house made rubble. 

Artaxerxes's Decree (Ezra 7)

• Ezra 7:13: King Artaxerxes decrees that any Israelite, priest, or Levite who freely wishes to go to Jerusalem with Ezra may go.
• Ezra 7:21-23: Artaxerxes commands all treasurers west of the Euphrates to provide Ezra with whatever he requests from the royal treasury for the Temple's needs, including gold, wheat, wine, oil, and salt, to be given promptly.
• Ezra 7:25-26: Artaxerxes authorizes Ezra to appoint magistrates and judges to enforce the law of God and the king, with penalties up to death, banishment, confiscation, or imprisonment for those who disobey.