Definition: Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king, and of his seven counsellers, to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of thy God which [is] in thine hand;

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ezra 7:14. It’s a really important piece of scripture with a few layers of meaning. Here’s what it says in simpler terms: Basically, it’s asking for guidance on a specific situation. Here’s the breakdown: “Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king…” – This means that someone has asked Ezra (a leader) for help and direction. It's like saying, “Hey Ezra, we need your expertise.” “…and of his seven counsellers…” - This refers to a group of advisors or people who helped Ezra with this task. “to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem…” – This tells us the problem is about two places: Judah (a region in Israel) and Jerusalem (the capital city). It’s a specific area of concern. “…according to the law of thy God which [is] in thine hand” - This is the most important part. It means that Ezra needs someone to help him understand and follow God's laws, specifically the laws established by God (the "law of thy God"). Importantly, it’s saying his understanding of those laws – he has the power to apply them. So, putting it all together: Ezra is asking for guidance from a group of advisors to understand and follow God's rules for the people in Judah and Jerusalem. He needs someone to help him interpret and apply those laws effectively. Why is this important? This verse is often seen as a moment where God is showing himself through his messengers – the leaders. It’s a call for accountability, responsibility, and a focus on righteousness. In short, it's a request for wise counsel and leadership to ensure the people of Judah and Jerusalem live in accordance with God’s laws. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Give you an example of how this principle might be applied today?