Ezra 4:19

4:19 So I gave orders, 1  and it was determined 2  that this city from long ago has been engaging in insurrection against kings. It has continually engaged in 3  rebellion and revolt.

Ezra 7:23

7:23 Everything that the God of heaven has required should be precisely done for the temple of the God of heaven. Why should there be wrath 4  against the empire of the king and his sons?

1 tn Aram “from me was placed a decree.”

2 tn Aram “and they searched and found.”

3 tn Aram “are being done.”

4 tn The Aramaic word used here for “wrath” (קְצַף, qÿtsaf; cf. Heb קָצַף, qatsaf) is usually used in the Hebrew Bible for God’s anger as opposed to human anger (but contra Eccl 5:17 [MT 5:16]; Esth 1:18; 2 Kgs 3:27). The fact that this word is used in v. 23 may have theological significance, pointing to the possibility of divine judgment if the responsible parties should fail to make available these provisions for the temple.