עזרא, פרק ז׳, פסוק כ״א

A direct royal decree from the Persian empire sets into motion an urgent mission to support the Temple in Jerusalem. The official order is issued by King Artaxerxes, though there is a perspective that identifies this monarch as King Darius [רש״י]. The command carries the full weight of the crown, demanding immediate action and compliance from regional leaders.

The mandate is directed toward the officials stationed across the river in the direction of the land of Israel. Commentators offer different views on their exact roles, identifying them either as the officials in charge of the royal treasuries [אבן עזרא] or as the overseers managing the physical labor [רס״ג]. In practice, these men serve as the king's tax collectors, gathering revenue from the foreign nations living in that territory [רש״י].

These regional leaders are given a clear instruction to provide whatever is asked of them by Ezra [רס״ג]. The decree recognizes Ezra's high standing, acknowledging him as a priest, a wise man, and a scribe devoted to the Torah and the religion of God [מצודת דוד, רס״ג, רש״י]. Because of his esteemed position and divine mission, the officials are strictly obligated to fulfill his requests.

The king concludes his order by insisting on absolute efficiency. Every request made by Ezra must be carried out swiftly and without any delay [מצודת דוד, רלב״ג, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This urgency is required to ensure that the Temple is fully supplied with all its necessities. The prompt response guarantees that Ezra will have the funds to purchase animal offerings, alongside the wheat, salt, wine, and oil needed for the various Temple rituals [רש״י].