עזרא, פרק ו׳, פסוק ט׳

The royal decree regarding the rebuilding of the Temple extends far beyond mere construction costs. The king's order dictates that the royal treasury will also shoulder the ongoing daily expenses for the sacrificial service [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This remarkable generosity is driven by a specific goal: to enable the Jews to offer sacrifices to God and to pray for the well-being of the king and his sons [מלבי״ם].

The mandate requires supplying whatever the Jews might need and fear they could lack [רש״י, אבן עזרא, רב סעדיה גאון]. This comprehensive support covers both the physical building materials and the daily ritual requirements [רלב״ג]. Specifically, the treasury must provide young bulls, rams, and lambs to be used as burnt offerings. Alongside the animals, the decree ensures a steady supply of wheat, salt, wine, and oil. Each of these items serves a distinct purpose in the Temple service: the wheat is milled into fine flour, salt is a required addition to all sacrifices, wine is poured as a libation, and oil is mixed into the meal offerings [רש״י]. Rather than setting a fixed royal budget, the exact amounts of these supplies are left to the discretion of the priests serving in Jerusalem, who will determine the required daily measure [מצודת דוד].

The decree emphasizes that these provisions must be delivered continuously, day after day. Regarding the exact nature of this concluding command, some explain it as an order to deliver the supplies immediately and without any delay [רש״י, מלבי״ם]. However, the primary approach among commentators is that it serves as a strict warning against error, forgetfulness, or negligence, demanding that the royal officials supply everything fully and flawlessly, without any oversight [מצודת דוד, רלב״ג, רב סעדיה גאון, ביאור שטיינזלץ].