Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.
And there was found at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province of the Medes, a roll, and therein was a record thus written:
In the first year of Cyrus the king the same Cyrus the king made a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be builded, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid; the height thereof threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof threescore cubits;
With three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let the expenses be given out of the king’s house:
And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto the temple which is at Jerusalem, every one to his place, and place them in the house of God.
Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shethar–boznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence:
Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place.
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 expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.
And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail:
That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.
Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this.
And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed.
Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shethar–boznai, and their companions, according to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did speedily.
And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.
And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.
And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy,
And offered at the dedication of this house of God an hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.
And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem; as it is written in the book of Moses.
And the children of the captivity kept the passover upon the fourteenth day of the first month.
For the priests and the Levites were purified together, all of them were pure, and killed the passover for all the children of the captivity, and for their brethren the priests, and for themselves.
And the children of Israel, which were come again out of captivity, and all such as had separated themselves unto them from the filthiness of the heathen of the land, to seek the Lord God of Israel, did eat,
And kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for the Lord had made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.
Ezra 6 marks a triumphant conclusion to the initial phase of the Jewish exiles' return to Jerusalem under Zerubbabel's leadership. This chapter details the completion of the temple and the joyous celebration that followed, a testament to God's faithfulness and the power of perseverance.
The Decree of Darius (Ezra 6:1-12)
The narrative pivots on King Darius's intervention. Prompted by the inquiries of Jewish leaders, Darius ordered a thorough search for the original decree issued by Cyrus (Ezra 6:1). To their immense relief, the scroll was discovered, reaffirming Cyrus's command to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem and restore its sacred vessels (Ezra 6:2-5). This discovery ignited a series of events that propelled the temple's construction toward completion.
Darius not only confirmed Cyrus's decree but also issued his own, reinforcing its stipulations with unwavering authority (Ezra 6:6-12). He sternly warned Tattenai, the governor of the region, and his officials to refrain from interfering with the temple's construction (Ezra 6:6-7). Moreover, Darius mandated that the rebuilding costs be fully covered from the royal revenues, specifically from the taxes collected in the region west of the Euphrates River, the very region under Tattenai's jurisdiction (Ezra 6:8). This meant Tattenai was not only ordered to leave the Jews alone but also to provide them with all the necessary funds from his own treasury.
Furthermore, Darius decreed that all provisions necessary for offering sacrifices to God should be supplied to the Jews (Ezra 6:9-10). This act highlights a profound truth: God can utilize the resources of even the unrighteous to accomplish His purposes. While Darius may not have been a devout follower of the God of Israel, he recognized the value of the Jews' prayers on his behalf (Ezra 6:10).
Darius concluded his decree with a powerful warning: anyone who dared to obstruct the temple's construction would face severe consequences (Ezra 6:11). They would be impaled on a beam from their own house, and their house would be turned into a garbage dump. The king's message was unmistakable: any interference would be met with swift and decisive punishment. He ended with a prayer for God to overthrow anyone who would oppress His people (Ezra 6:12). This account serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness and should have greatly encouraged Ezra's readers.
Completion and Dedication (Ezra 6:13-22)
Faced with Darius's unequivocal decree, Tattenai and his officials had no choice but to execute the king's orders diligently (Ezra 6:13). The fear of God, instilled by Darius's command, compelled them to comply. The completion of the temple was paramount in God's plan for His returning people, and no human agenda could stand in its way.
The success of the work was also significantly influenced by the prophetic ministry of Haggai and Zechariah (Ezra 6:14). Their prophecies served as a constant source of encouragement and focus for the workers, preventing them from becoming discouraged or losing sight of the importance of their task. These prophets faithfully reminded the people of the urgency and significance of their work in God's eyes. As a result, the temple was finally completed in the spring of 515 BC, twenty-one years after the initial work had begun (Ezra 6:15).
The dedication of the temple was a momentous occasion filled with immense joy and celebration (Ezra 6:16). The sheer number of animals sacrificed (Ezra 6:17) underscores the people's desire to offer their best to the Lord, demonstrating that nothing was too precious for Him.
The celebration included not only the returning exiles but also those who had separated themselves from the uncleanness of the Gentiles to worship the Lord (Ezra 6:21). These may have been Jews who remained in the land during the exile, who turned away from the pagan practices of the surrounding nations and rededicated themselves to God.
The people also observed the Festival of Unleavened Bread for seven days (Ezra 6:22). This festival served as a reminder to separate themselves from sin and defilement by removing all leaven from their bread and homes.
The chapter concludes with a powerful affirmation of God's sovereignty. He had changed the king's attitude toward them (Ezra 6:22), illustrating the truth found in Proverbs 21:1: "A king's heart is like channeled water in the LORD's hand: He directs it wherever he chooses." This underscores that God is in control, regardless of who sits on the earthly throne. His hand guides events and leaders to accomplish His purposes for His people.
Ezra 6 stands as a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness, His power to move even the hearts of kings, and the importance of obedience to His Word. It serves as an encouragement to all who seek to rebuild and restore in His name.
Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.
And there was found at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province of the Medes, a roll, and therein was a record thus written:
In the first year of Cyrus the king the same Cyrus the king made a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be builded, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid; the height thereof threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof threescore cubits;
With three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let the expenses be given out of the king’s house:
And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto the temple which is at Jerusalem, every one to his place, and place them in the house of God.
Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shethar–boznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence:
Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place.
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 expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.
And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail:
That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.
Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this.
And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed.
Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shethar–boznai, and their companions, according to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did speedily.
And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.
And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.
And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy,
And offered at the dedication of this house of God an hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.
And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem; as it is written in the book of Moses.
And the children of the captivity kept the passover upon the fourteenth day of the first month.
For the priests and the Levites were purified together, all of them were pure, and killed the passover for all the children of the captivity, and for their brethren the priests, and for themselves.
And the children of Israel, which were come again out of captivity, and all such as had separated themselves unto them from the filthiness of the heathen of the land, to seek the Lord God of Israel, did eat,
And kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for the Lord had made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.
Ezra 6 marks a triumphant conclusion to the initial phase of the Jewish exiles' return to Jerusalem under Zerubbabel's leadership. This chapter details the completion of the temple and the joyous celebration that followed, a testament to God's faithfulness and the power of perseverance.
The Decree of Darius (Ezra 6:1-12)
The narrative pivots on King Darius's intervention. Prompted by the inquiries of Jewish leaders, Darius ordered a thorough search for the original decree issued by Cyrus (Ezra 6:1). To their immense relief, the scroll was discovered, reaffirming Cyrus's command to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem and restore its sacred vessels (Ezra 6:2-5). This discovery ignited a series of events that propelled the temple's construction toward completion.
Darius not only confirmed Cyrus's decree but also issued his own, reinforcing its stipulations with unwavering authority (Ezra 6:6-12). He sternly warned Tattenai, the governor of the region, and his officials to refrain from interfering with the temple's construction (Ezra 6:6-7). Moreover, Darius mandated that the rebuilding costs be fully covered from the royal revenues, specifically from the taxes collected in the region west of the Euphrates River, the very region under Tattenai's jurisdiction (Ezra 6:8). This meant Tattenai was not only ordered to leave the Jews alone but also to provide them with all the necessary funds from his own treasury.
Furthermore, Darius decreed that all provisions necessary for offering sacrifices to God should be supplied to the Jews (Ezra 6:9-10). This act highlights a profound truth: God can utilize the resources of even the unrighteous to accomplish His purposes. While Darius may not have been a devout follower of the God of Israel, he recognized the value of the Jews' prayers on his behalf (Ezra 6:10).
Darius concluded his decree with a powerful warning: anyone who dared to obstruct the temple's construction would face severe consequences (Ezra 6:11). They would be impaled on a beam from their own house, and their house would be turned into a garbage dump. The king's message was unmistakable: any interference would be met with swift and decisive punishment. He ended with a prayer for God to overthrow anyone who would oppress His people (Ezra 6:12). This account serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness and should have greatly encouraged Ezra's readers.
Completion and Dedication (Ezra 6:13-22)
Faced with Darius's unequivocal decree, Tattenai and his officials had no choice but to execute the king's orders diligently (Ezra 6:13). The fear of God, instilled by Darius's command, compelled them to comply. The completion of the temple was paramount in God's plan for His returning people, and no human agenda could stand in its way.
The success of the work was also significantly influenced by the prophetic ministry of Haggai and Zechariah (Ezra 6:14). Their prophecies served as a constant source of encouragement and focus for the workers, preventing them from becoming discouraged or losing sight of the importance of their task. These prophets faithfully reminded the people of the urgency and significance of their work in God's eyes. As a result, the temple was finally completed in the spring of 515 BC, twenty-one years after the initial work had begun (Ezra 6:15).
The dedication of the temple was a momentous occasion filled with immense joy and celebration (Ezra 6:16). The sheer number of animals sacrificed (Ezra 6:17) underscores the people's desire to offer their best to the Lord, demonstrating that nothing was too precious for Him.
The celebration included not only the returning exiles but also those who had separated themselves from the uncleanness of the Gentiles to worship the Lord (Ezra 6:21). These may have been Jews who remained in the land during the exile, who turned away from the pagan practices of the surrounding nations and rededicated themselves to God.
The people also observed the Festival of Unleavened Bread for seven days (Ezra 6:22). This festival served as a reminder to separate themselves from sin and defilement by removing all leaven from their bread and homes.
The chapter concludes with a powerful affirmation of God's sovereignty. He had changed the king's attitude toward them (Ezra 6:22), illustrating the truth found in Proverbs 21:1: "A king's heart is like channeled water in the LORD's hand: He directs it wherever he chooses." This underscores that God is in control, regardless of who sits on the earthly throne. His hand guides events and leaders to accomplish His purposes for His people.
Ezra 6 stands as a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness, His power to move even the hearts of kings, and the importance of obedience to His Word. It serves as an encouragement to all who seek to rebuild and restore in His name.