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.
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:
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;
4 [With] three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let the expences be given out of the king’s house:
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.
6 Now [therefore], Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which [are] beyond the river, be ye far from thence:
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.
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 expences be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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,
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.
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.
19 And the children of the captivity kept the passover upon the fourteenth [day] of the first month.
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.
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,
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.
Overview of Ezra Chapter 6
Ezra Chapter 6 details the continuation of the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. It highlights the challenges faced by the Jewish people, the political dynamics of the time, and the divine support that ultimately leads to the successful completion of the Temple.
Key Themes
- Divine Providence: The chapter emphasizes God’s role in guiding the events surrounding the rebuilding of the Temple.
- Authority and Governance: The interaction between the Jewish leaders and the Persian authorities showcases the complexities of governance during this period.
- Community and Identity: The rebuilding of the Temple is not just a physical reconstruction but also a restoration of Jewish identity and worship.
Structure of the Chapter
- Search for the Royal Decree (Verses 1-5):
The chapter begins with King Darius ordering a search for the original decree of Cyrus, which permitted the Jews to rebuild the Temple. This search underscores the importance of legal authority in the reconstruction efforts.
- Discovery of the Decree (Verses 6-12):
The decree is found in Ecbatana, confirming Cyrus’s orders. Darius reaffirms the decree, emphasizing that the rebuilding should not only continue but also be supported by the local authorities.
- Support for the Temple (Verses 13-15):
Local officials, upon receiving the king’s orders, expedite the rebuilding process. This section illustrates the cooperation between the Persian government and the Jewish community.
- Completion of the Temple (Verses 16-18):
Once completed, the Temple is dedicated, and the priests and Levites are appointed to their roles, signifying a return to religious practices.
- Celebration of Passover (Verses 19-22):
The chapter concludes with the celebration of Passover, marking a significant moment in the restoration of Jewish worship and community life.
Analysis of Key Verses
Verses 1-5: The Search for the Decree
This section highlights the significance of legal documents in the ancient world. The search for Cyrus’s decree demonstrates the importance of legitimacy in the eyes of the Persian authorities. It also reflects the Jewish leaders’ reliance on historical documents to assert their rights.
Verses 6-12: Darius’s Affirmation
Darius’s affirmation of Cyrus’s decree is crucial. It not only validates the Jews’ efforts but also shows the continuity of policy from Cyrus to Darius, reinforcing the idea of divine orchestration in the political realm. Darius’s command for support from local governors illustrates the interconnectedness of governance and religious practice.
Verses 13-15: The Role of Local Authorities
The cooperation of local officials in expediting the building process signifies a shift in attitudes towards the Jewish community. This collaboration is essential for the successful completion of the Temple, indicating a broader acceptance of the Jewish people within the Persian Empire.
Verses 16-18: Dedication of the Temple
The dedication of the Temple and the appointment of priests and Levites are pivotal moments that restore the religious life of the Jewish community. This act symbolizes not only the physical rebuilding but also the spiritual renewal of the people.
Verses 19-22: Celebration of Passover
The celebration of Passover marks a significant return to tradition and community identity. It signifies the culmination of the rebuilding efforts and the re-establishment of Jewish worship, highlighting the importance of communal rituals in maintaining identity after exile.
Conclusion
Ezra Chapter 6 serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the Jewish people and their faith in God’s providence. The chapter encapsulates themes of authority, community, and divine support, illustrating the complex interplay between politics and religion during a pivotal moment in Jewish history.
