Esdras - Caput 6

Esdras 6.1 tunc Darius rex praecepit et recensuerunt in bibliotheca librorum qui erant repositi in Babylone Esdras 6.2 et inventum est in Ecbathanis quod est castrum in Madena provincia volumen unum talisque scriptus erat in eo commentarius Esdras 6.3 anno primo Cyri regis Cyrus rex decrevit ut domus Dei quae est in Hierusalem aedificaretur in loco ubi immolent hostias et ut ponant fundamenta subportantia altitudinem cubitorum sexaginta et latitudinem cubitorum sexaginta Esdras 6.4 ordines de lapidibus inpolitis tres et sic ordines de lignis novis sumptus autem de domo regis dabuntur Esdras 6.5 sed et vasa templi Dei aurea et argentea quae Nabuchodonosor tulerat de templo Hierusalem et adtulerat ea in Babylonem reddantur et referantur in templo Hierusalem in locum suum quae et posita sunt in templo Dei Esdras 6.6 nunc ergo Tatannai dux regionis quae est trans Flumen Starbuzannai et consiliarii vestri Apharsacei qui estis trans Flumen procul recedite ab illis Esdras 6.7 et dimittite fieri templum Dei illud a duce Iudaeorum et a senioribus eorum domum Dei illam aedificent in loco suo Esdras 6.8 sed et a me praeceptum est quid oporteat fieri a presbyteris Iudaeorum illis ut aedificetur domus Dei scilicet ut de arca regis id est de tributis quae dantur de regione trans Flumen studiose sumptus dentur viris illis ne inpediatur opus Esdras 6.9 quod si necesse fuerit et vitulos et agnos et hedos in holocaustum Deo caeli frumentum sal vinum et oleum secundum ritum sacerdotum qui sunt in Hierusalem detur eis per dies singulos ne sit in aliquo querimonia Esdras 6.10 et offerant oblationes Deo caeli orentque pro vita regis et filiorum eius Esdras 6.11 a me ergo positum est decretum ut omnis homo qui hanc mutaverit iussionem tollatur lignum de domo ipsius et erigatur et configatur in eo domus autem eius publicetur Esdras 6.12 Deus autem qui habitare fecit nomen suum ibi dissipet omnia regna et populum qui extenderit manum suam ut repugnet et dissipet domum Dei illam quae est in Hierusalem ego Darius statui decretum quod studiose impleri volo Esdras 6.13 igitur Tatannai dux regionis trans Flumen et Starbuzannai et consiliarii eius secundum quod praeceperat Darius rex sic diligenter exsecuti sunt Esdras 6.14 seniores autem Iudaeorum aedificabant et prosperabantur iuxta prophetiam Aggei prophetae et Zacchariae filii Addo et aedificaverunt et construxerunt iubente Deo Israhel et iubente Cyro et Dario et Artarxerse regibus Persarum Esdras 6.15 et conpleverunt domum Dei istam usque ad diem tertium mensis adar qui est annus sextus regni Darii regis Esdras 6.16 fecerunt autem filii Israhel sacerdotes et Levitae et reliqui filiorum transmigrationis dedicationem domus Dei in gaudio Esdras 6.17 et obtulerunt in dedicationem domus Dei vitulos centum arietes ducentos agnos quadringentos hircos caprarum pro peccato totius Israhel duodecim iuxta numerum tribuum Israhel Esdras 6.18 et statuerunt sacerdotes in ordinibus suis et Levitas in vicibus suis super opera Dei in Hierusalem sicut scriptum est in libro Mosi Esdras 6.19 fecerunt autem filii transmigrationis pascha quartadecima die mensis primi Esdras 6.20 purificati enim fuerant sacerdotes et Levitae quasi unus omnes mundi ad immolandum pascha universis filiis transmigrationis et fratribus suis sacerdotibus et sibi Esdras 6.21 et comederunt filii Israhel qui reversi fuerant de transmigratione et omnis qui se separaverat a coinquinatione gentium terrae ad eos ut quaererent Dominum Deum Israhel Esdras 6.22 et fecerunt sollemnitatem azymorum septem diebus in laetitia quoniam laetificaverat eos Dominus et converterat cor regis Assur ad eos ut adiuvaret manus eorum in opere domus Domini Dei Israhel

Esdras : Caput 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.