
Ezra 6
Ezra 6 focuses on the decree of King Darius to continue the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem, which had been halted due to opposition. The chapter highlights the completion of the temple, the dedication ceremony, and the celebration of the Passover. This chapter demonstrates God's sovereignty in the affairs of nations and His faithfulness to His people.
Ezra 6:1-2 (NKJV)
1 Then King Darius issued a decree, and a search was made in the archives, where the treasures were stored in Babylon.
2 And at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province of Media, a scroll was found, and in it a record was written thus:
Darius orders a search for the original decree of King Cyrus regarding the rebuilding of the temple. The discovery of the scroll in Achmetha, the summer palace in Media, confirms the authorization for the temple's reconstruction, ensuring that the work would continue under royal support.
Ezra 6:3-5 (NKJV)
3 In the first year of King Cyrus, King Cyrus issued a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem: "Let the house be rebuilt, the place where they offered sacrifices; and let the foundations of it be firmly laid, its height sixty cubits and its width sixty cubits,
4 with three rows of heavy stones and one row of new timber. Let the expenses be paid from the king’s treasury.
5 Also let the gold and silver articles of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple which is in Jerusalem and brought to Babylon, be restored and taken back to the temple which is in Jerusalem, each to its place; and deposit them in the house of God."
The decree from King Cyrus provides detailed instructions for the temple's reconstruction, including its dimensions and materials. He also orders the return of the sacred articles that Nebuchadnezzar had taken to Babylon. This decree not only confirms the legitimacy of the temple's restoration but also ensures financial support from the royal treasury, underscoring the involvement of the Persian kings in supporting the Jews' worship.
Ezra 6:6-7 (NKJV)
6 Now therefore, Tattenai, governor of the region beyond the River, and Shethar-Boznai, and your companions the Persians who are beyond the River, keep yourselves far from there.
7 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 on its site.
Darius instructs the local officials, including Tattenai and Shethar-Boznai, to stop interfering with the temple construction. They are explicitly told to allow the Jews to continue their work without obstruction. This royal command further protects the project and removes the opposition from local authorities, emphasizing the king’s authority and support for the Jews.
Ezra 6:8-10 (NKJV)
8 Moreover I issue a decree as to what you shall do for the elders of these Jews, for the building of this house of God: Let the cost be paid at the king’s expense from taxes on the region beyond the River; this is to be given immediately to these men, so that they are not hindered.
9 And whatever they need—young bulls, rams, and lambs for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the request of the priests who are in Jerusalem—let it be given them day by day without fail,
10 that they may offer sacrifices of sweet aroma to the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king and his sons.
Darius extends his decree, ensuring not only financial support for the building but also provision for sacrifices. The Persian government funds the temple operations and provides the necessary materials for daily offerings. In return, the Jewish priests are expected to pray for the king and his family, which reflects the mutual benefit between the Persian government and the Jewish community.
Ezra 6:11-12 (NKJV)
11 Also I issue a decree that whoever alters this edict, let a timber be pulled from his house and erected, and let him be hanged on it; and let his house be made a refuse heap because of this.
12 And may the God who causes His name to dwell there destroy any king or people who put their hand to alter it, or to destroy this house of God which is in Jerusalem. I Darius issue a decree; let it be done diligently.
To prevent further opposition, Darius issues a stern warning that anyone who attempts to hinder the temple's construction will face severe punishment, including execution and the destruction of their property. The decree demonstrates the seriousness with which Darius supports the temple project and recognizes the God of Israel as the protector of the temple.
Ezra 6:13 (NKJV)
13 Then Tattenai, governor of the region beyond the River, Shethar-Boznai, and their companions diligently did according to what King Darius had sent.
Tattenai and Shethar-Boznai, along with their companions, faithfully carry out King Darius' orders. Their prior opposition is replaced by obedience, and the construction of the temple proceeds unhindered. This compliance highlights the authority of the Persian king and the providence of God in ensuring the temple's completion.
Ezra 6:14-15 (NKJV)
14 So the elders of the Jews built, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they built and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the decree of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.
15 Now the temple was finished on the third day of the month of Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius.
The Jewish leaders complete the temple under the guidance of the prophets Haggai and Zechariah. The project prospers because of God's command and the decrees of the Persian kings. The temple is finished in the sixth year of Darius’ reign, marking the culmination of years of effort and divine intervention. The collaboration between prophecy and royal authority demonstrates God’s sovereignty in using foreign rulers for His purpose.
Ezra 6:16-18 (NKJV)
16 Then the children of Israel, the priests and the Levites and the rest of the descendants of the captivity, celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy.
17 And they offered sacrifices at the dedication of this house of God, one hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs, and as a sin offering for all Israel, twelve male goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.
18 They assigned the priests to their divisions and the Levites to their divisions, over the service of God in Jerusalem, as it is written in the Book of Moses.
With the temple complete, the people celebrate its dedication with great joy. The large number of sacrifices reflects the magnitude of the occasion and the restoration of worship in the newly rebuilt temple. The sin offering for all Israel and the reestablishment of the priestly and Levitical divisions signal a return to proper religious order, as prescribed in the Law of Moses.
Ezra 6:19-22 (NKJV)
19 And the descendants of the captivity kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month.
20 For the priests and the Levites had purified themselves; all of them were ritually clean. And they slaughtered the Passover lambs for all the descendants of the captivity, for their brethren the priests, and for themselves.
21 Then the children of Israel who had returned from the captivity ate together with all who had separated themselves from the filth of the nations of the land in order to seek the Lord God of Israel.
22 And they kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with joy; for the Lord made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria toward them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.
The celebration of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread marks a spiritual renewal for the returned exiles. The priests and Levites purify themselves, ensuring proper worship. The emphasis on separation from the nations highlights the importance of holiness in seeking God. The people's joy is a direct result of God's intervention in turning the heart of the king, reminding them of His faithfulness throughout the rebuilding process.