Ezra 7:23

Whatsoeveris commanded&c. literally, "Whatsoever is from the commandment", same word as in Ezra 6:14.

let it be diligently done R.V. Let it be done exactly. The word in the original -adrazda", occurs only here; if, as is very probable, of Babylonian origin, it will mean "strenuously", being compounded of two words -adar" abundance or excellence, -azda" strength or firmness. Others assign it a Persian origin.

The A.V. follows on the line of the Vulgate -tribuatur diligenter".

The LXX. προσέχετε μή τις ἐπιχειρήση missed the meaning altogether.

for why should there be wrath&c. Wrath -q"çaph", like the Hebrew -qeçeph", especially of Divine displeasure, cf. Joshua 9:20; 1 Chronicles 27:24; 2Ch 19:2; 2 Chronicles 19:10; Zechariah 1:2; Zechariah 1:15.

It is natural to connect this allusion to the Divine displeasure with the disasters which had overtaken the Persian Empire since the days of Marathon, and more especially with the revolt of Egypt in the year 460 b.c. It was in this very year 458 that a Persian army was marched into Egypt to attempt its pacification.

The king desired to propitiate the wrath of the gods, and more especially to conciliate Divine favour upon the S.W. frontier.

the king and his sons see note on Ezra 6:10. The reference is to the dynasty generally, but Artaxerxes left sons behind him, and they may have been born at this time.