Ezra - Chapter 6

Ezra 6.1 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. Ezra 6.2 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: Ezra 6.3 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; Ezra 6.4 With three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let the expenses be given out of the king’s house: Ezra 6.5 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. Ezra 6.6 Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence: Ezra 6.7 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 in his place. Ezra 6.8 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. Ezra 6.9 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: Ezra 6.10 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. Ezra 6.11 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. Ezra 6.12 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. Ezra 6.13 Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shetharboznai, and their companions, according to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did speedily. Ezra 6.14 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. Ezra 6.15 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. Ezra 6.16 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. Ezra 6.17 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. Ezra 6.18 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. Ezra 6.19 And the children of the captivity kept the passover upon the fourteenth day of the first month. Ezra 6.20 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. Ezra 6.21 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, Ezra 6.22 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 : Chapter 6

The Sovereignty of God and the Completion of the Temple

Chapter 6 of Ezra represents a climactic moment in the history of God's people, marked by the completion of the temple. This triumphant narrative reminds us how God ensures the completion of His work through His providence and sovereignty over kings. Indeed, this chapter reveals the discovery of Cyrus's original decree, Darius's order to continue construction, and the dedication of the new temple.

The Joy of the People and the Easter Celebration

This text highlights the joy of the people at celebrating Easter in the restored temple. Ezra 6 reveals how God uses even secular authorities to accomplish His purposes, inviting us to reflect on how He works throughout history.

Related Bible Passages

Let's consider five biblical passages that resonate with the themes of providence and celebration found in this important chapter:

Psalm 126:1-3

"When the Lord brought back the captives to Zion, it was like a dream. Then our mouths were filled with laughter and our tongues with joy. Even in other nations, they said, 'The Lord has done great things for this people.' Yes, the Lord has done great things for us, so we are happy."

This psalm reflects the joy of the people upon their return from exile and the rebuilding of the temple, as recounted in Ezra 6.

Haggai 1:14

"The Lord encouraged Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and Joshua son of Jehozadak the high priest, and all the remnant of the people. They began to work in the temple of the Lord Almighty, their God."

This verse shows divine encouragement to rebuild the temple, the central theme of Ezra 6.

Zechariah 4:9

"The hands of Zerubbabel laid the foundation of this temple; your hands also shall complete it. Then you shall know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you."

This prophecy relates directly to the completion of the temple recounted in Ezra 6.

Daniel 6:8

"Now, O king, publish the decree and sign it so that it cannot be changed, according to the laws of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed."

This verse illustrates the irrevocable nature of Persian decrees, similar to Darius' decree in Ezra 6.

2 Chronicles 36:22-23

"In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia, and he made a proclamation throughout his kingdom and also wrote it down: 'This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and has charged me to build him a temple at Jerusalem in Judah. ​​Whoever is among you, may the Lord his God be with him, and let him go up.'"

This passage refers to the decree of Cyrus mentioned in Ezra 6, showing historical continuity and the God's faithfulness to his promises.

Conclusion

Through these texts, we understand that the completion of the temple is not only a historical event, but a manifestation of God's faithfulness and his desire to dwell among his people. May this story inspire us to celebrate and recognize God's hand in our lives and communities.