Definition: Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king’s goods, [even] of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expences be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ezra 6:8. It’s a pretty significant and somewhat surprising passage in the Bible! Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Situation: Ezra was rebuilding a temple. The Jewish people were facing a crisis – they had lost their religious traditions, and the Temple (the central place of worship) was neglected. God is sending a message. God is telling the leaders to take action to restore the temple and rebuild it according to His will. The Elders are being punished. Ezra’s decree is essentially saying that the elders of the Jewish community – those who were responsible for managing the temple – need to pay some money back. This money was intended for use in the temple itself, as a special “gift” to God. What the Verse Says (in simpler terms): “Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king’s goods, [even] of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expences be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.” “I make a decree…” – Ezra is officially announcing a rule. “…what ye shall do to the elders…” – This refers to the leaders who were responsible for managing the temple's finances. "...of these Jews..." – This specifies the group of people being targeted. "...for the building of this house of God...” - This is a very important part. Ezra is saying he’s giving them money to help rebuild the temple, which is a sacred place for worship and remembrance of God. "[even] of the tribute beyond the river..." – This means they need to pay back some money that was previously collected as a special offering (a “tribute” beyond the river). It’s a way to ensure the temple can continue to function properly. "...for forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.” – This is the key part. Ezra wants to ensure that these elders don't stop working on the rebuilding project. He wants them to have enough money to continue their work without being blocked or delayed. It’s a practical directive designed to keep the temple building moving forward. What it means overall: This verse is about responsibility and ensuring the continuation of a vital religious undertaking. It's a command from God to restore the temple and ensure its continued use for worship and remembrance. --- To help me explain further, could you tell me: Are you curious about the historical context? Are you interested in understanding why this verse is important in biblical history?