Ezra 6
Since Ezra 6 records that during the reign of King Darius of Persia, the people of Judah resume rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem and complete the construction. This chapter can be divided into three main parts:
- Verses 1–12: Verification of the king’s decree and permission to build the temple
- Verses 13–18: Completion of the temple and dedication
- Verses 19–22: Observing Passover
1verseThen Darius the king made a decree, and the house of the archives, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon, was searched.
2verseA scroll was found at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province of Media, and in it this was written for a record:
3verseIn the first year of Cyrus the king, Cyrus the king made a decree: Concerning God’s house at Jerusalem, let the house be built, the place where they offer sacrifices, and let its foundations be strongly laid, with its height sixty cubits and its width sixty cubits;
4versewith three courses of great stones and a course of new timber. Let the expenses be given out of the king’s house.
5verseAlso let the gold and silver vessels of God’s house, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple which is at Jerusalem and brought to Babylon, be restored and brought again to the temple which is at Jerusalem, everything to its place. You shall put them in God’s house.
6verseNow therefore, Tattenai, governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and your companions the Apharsachites, who are beyond the River, you must stay far from there.
7verseLeave 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 its place.
8verseMoreover I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king’s goods, even of the tribute beyond the River, expenses must be given with all diligence to these men, that they not be hindered.
9verseThat which they have need of, including young bulls, rams, and lambs, for burnt offerings to the God of heaven; also wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the word of the priests who are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail,
10versethat they may offer sacrifices of pleasant aroma to the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king and of his sons.
11verseI have also made a decree that whoever alters this message, let a beam be pulled out from his house, and let him be lifted up and fastened on it; and let his house be made a dunghill for this.
12verseMay the God who has caused his name to dwell there overthrow all kings and peoples who stretch out their hand to alter this, to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree. Let it be done with all diligence.
13verseThen Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and their companions did accordingly with all diligence, because Darius the king had sent a decree.
14verseThe elders of the Jews built and prospered, through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. 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.
15verseThis house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.
16verseThe children of Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy.
17verseThey offered at the dedication of this house of God one hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve male goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.
18verseThey 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.
19verseThe children of the captivity kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month.
20verseBecause the priests and the Levites had purified themselves together, all of them were pure. They killed the Passover for all the children of the captivity, for their brothers the priests, and for themselves.
21verseThe children of Israel who had returned out of the captivity, and all who had separated themselves to them from the filthiness of the nations of the land to seek the LORD, the God of Israel, ate,
22verseand kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy; because the LORD had made them joyful, and had turned the heart of the king of Assyria to them, to strengthen their hands in the work of God, the God of Israel’s house.
The Decree and Protection of King Darius
In the previous chapter, there were obstacles from surrounding nations regarding the rebuilding of the temple, but King Darius verifies the earlier decree of King Cyrus. As a result, the king orders the Jews to build the temple freely and clearly instructs them not to be hindered. He also commands that the necessary materials be provided, warning that anyone who violates this will face severe punishment. In this way, under the king’s protection, the Israelite community is able to establish the temple, the center of faith.
Temple Dedication and Sacrifices
When the temple is finally completed, the people of Israel rejoice greatly and hold a dedication ceremony. Priests and Levites, the religious leaders, divide up new responsibilities and offer burnt offerings and sin offerings. This shows that, according to the traditions of their ancestors, all of Israel desires to come before God with renewed sincerity.
Passover and Obedience
After the temple dedication, the people of Israel cleanse themselves and keep Passover. Those who returned from exile and those who lived in the land worship God together and rejoice. In response to the Lord turning the hearts of many nations and making his will happen, you can see the entire nation worshiping God and obeying him.
Meditation Points
- In this chapter, we can see that God’s work is sometimes carried out through the rulers and institutions of the world.
- Even if there is opposition and obstruction, it helps you develop trust that God’s promises will not change and will be fulfilled.
- The dedication of the temple and the observance of Passover are moments of grace in which the entire community together obeys God’s will and rejoices, which you can reflect on.
Applying It to Myself
- Despite life’s difficulties and obstacles, you can look forward to the restoration and joy that come when you trust in God and obey him.
- Let’s remember that when you take on your assigned role and devote yourself within the community of faith, you can bring glory to God.
- When you experience God’s help, you can apply the truth that you need to respond by giving thanks for that grace and living a life of worship and obedience.
