The Decree of Darius 1Thus King Darius ordered a search of the archives stored in the treasury of Babylon. 2And a scroll was found in the fortress of Ecbatana, in the province of Media, with the following written on it: 3In the first year of King Cyrus, he issued a decree concerning the house of God in Jerusalem: Let the house be rebuilt as a place for offering sacrifices, and let its foundations be firmly laid. It is to be sixty cubits high and sixty cubits wide,a 4with three layers of cut stones and one of timbers. The costs are to be paid from the royal treasury. 5Furthermore, the gold and silver articles of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple in Jerusalem and carried to Babylon, must also be returned to the temple in Jerusalem and deposited in the house of God. 6Therefore Darius decreed: To Tattenai governor of the region west of the Euphrates,b Shethar-bozenai, and your associates and officials in the region: You must stay away from that place! 7Leave this work on the house of God alone. Let the governor and elders of the Jews rebuild this house of God on its original site. 8I hereby decree what you must do for these elders of the Jews who are rebuilding this house of God: The cost is to be paid in full to these men from the royal treasury out of the taxes of the provinces west of the Euphrates, so that the work will not be hindered. 9Whatever is needed—young bulls, rams, and lambs for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, as well as wheat, salt, wine, and oil, as requested by the priests in Jerusalem—must be given to them daily without fail. 10Then they will be able to offer sacrifices of a sweet aroma to the God of heaven and to pray for the lives of the king and his sons. 11I also decree that if any man interferes with this directive, a beam is to be torn from his house and raised up, and he is to be impaled on it. And his own house shall be made a pile of rubble for this offense.c 12May God, who has caused His Name to dwell there, overthrow any king or people who lifts a hand to alter this decree or to destroy this house of God in Jerusalem. I, Darius, have issued the decree. Let it be carried out with diligence. The Temple Completed 13In response, Tattenai the governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates diligently carried out what King Darius had decreed. 14So the Jewish elders built and prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah son of Iddo. They finished building according to the command of the God of Israel and the decrees of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes, kings of Persia. 15And this temple was completed on the third day of the month of Adar,d in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius. Dedication of the Temple 16Then the people of Israel—the priests, the Levites, and the rest of the exiles—celebrated the dedication of the house of God with joy. 17For the dedication of the house of God they offered a hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs, and a sin offering for all Israel of twelve male goats, one for each tribe of Israel. 18They also appointed the priests by their divisions and the Levites by their groups to the service of God in Jerusalem, according to what is written in the Book of Moses. The Returned Exiles Keep the Passover 19On the fourteenth day of the first month, the exiles kept the Passover. 20All the priests and Levites had purified themselves and were ceremonially clean. And the Levites slaughtered the Passover lamb for all the exiles, for their priestly brothers, and for themselves. 21The Israelites who had returned from exile ate it, together with all who had separated themselves from the uncleanness of the peoplese of the land to seek the LORD, the God of Israel. 22For seven days they kept the Feast of Unleavened Breadf with joy, because the LORD had made them joyful and turned the heart of the king of Assyria toward them to strengthen their hands in the work on the house of the God of Israel. Footnotes: 3 a The house was to be approximately 90 feet or 27.4 meters in height and width; Syriac (see also 1 Kings 6:2) It is to be sixty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high. 6 b Aramaic governor beyond the River; similarly in verses 8 and 13 11 c Literally shall be made a dunghill because of this 15 d Adar is the twelfth month of the Hebrew lunar calendar, usually occurring within the months of February and March. 21 e Or nations 22 f That is, the seven-day period after the Passover during which no leaven may be eaten; see Exodus 12:14–20. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Ezra 6 Summary The Decree of DariusVerses 1–5 – Darius Orders a Search Verses 6–12 – Darius’ Fresh Decree of Support Verses 13–15 – Temple Completed Verses 16–18 – Joyful Dedication Verses 19–22 – Passover and Unleavened Bread Ezra 6 provides a gripping narrative of God's faithfulness and intervention, illustrating how divine purposes cannot be thwarted by human endeavors. The chapter chronicles the decree of King Darius, which facilitates the completion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, and the subsequent celebrations. Historical Setting: Persia’s Policy Toward Conquered Peoples Cyrus the Great (559–530 B.C.) pioneered a policy of restoring captive peoples to their homelands and supporting their worship. The cuneiform Cyrus Cylinder tells of him returning Mesopotamian idols; Ezra 6 shows the same spirit toward Judah. Darius I (522–486 B.C.) upholds Cyrus’ policy to cement loyalty in the empire’s western provinces. Archaeological Insights: The Royal Archives at Ecbatana Ecbatana, modern-day Hamadan in Iran, served as a summer capital. Persian kings stored important decrees there. The discovery of a “scroll on which was written” (v. 2) fits known practice: leather or papyrus scrolls were rolled and tied with cords, preserved in clay jars or wooden boxes. While the Ezra 6 scroll itself has not been recovered, similar administrative texts have been unearthed, confirming the existence of extensive record offices. Persian Legal Language and the Beam Punishment Verse 11 threatens that a violator’s house will be pulled down and he impaled on a beam taken from it—a punishment mirrored in Persian inscriptions and Herodotus’ accounts. Darius’ strong wording underlines the authority behind the project and deters local interference. Prophetic Encouragement: Haggai and Zechariah Ezra 5:1–2 already mentioned these prophets; Ezra 6:14 says the work prospered “by the prophecy of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah.” • Haggai 1:8—“Go up into the hills, bring down lumber, and build the house.” • Zechariah 4:6—“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit.” Their messages ran parallel to Darius’ decrees, showing God using both heavenly word and earthly edict. Chronology and Dating • Foundation laid: 536 B.C. (Ezra 3:8). • Work stalls: c. 530–520 B.C. (Ezra 4). • Prophets stir action: 520 B.C. • Completion: 3 Adar, 6th year of Darius—March 12, 515 B.C. Thus the Second Temple stood 70 years after Solomon’s was destroyed in 586 B.C., matching Jeremiah 25:11–12’s promised span. Sacrificial Numbers and Their Meaning 100 bulls, 200 rams, 400 lambs—ascending multiples signal abundance. 12 goats—one for each tribe, affirming national unity even though only a remnant is present (cf. Leviticus 4:27–31). Comparably large dedication offerings appear in 1 Kings 8:5, 63 at Solomon’s temple. Passover as Covenant Renewal The exiles’ Passover echoes Exodus 12 and 2 Chronicles 30 (Hezekiah’s revival). Everyone who “had separated himself from the unclean practices of the peoples of the land” (v. 21) joins in—an early sign of the later emphasis on purity seen in Ezra 9–10 and Nehemiah 13. “King of Assyria” Title Verse 22 labels Darius “king of Assyria.” Persian rulers inherited the titles of conquered realms; Assyria had once dominated Judah. The phrase highlights how God turned the heart of the very empire that formerly crushed Israel (Isaiah 10:5–12) to now support her. Connections to Other Scriptures • Ezra 6 ⟷ Isaiah 44:28; 45:13—prophetic forecast of Cyrus aiding Jerusalem. • Ezra 6 ⟷ Proverbs 21:1—“The king’s heart is a watercourse in the hand of the LORD.” • Ezra 6 ⟷ Acts 5:38-39—Gamaliel’s advice that if a work is from God, rulers cannot overthrow it. • Ezra 6 ⟷ 1 Peter 2:13-17—honor governing authorities, trusting God’s sovereignty. Practical Lessons for Today 1. God can move secular leaders to fulfill His purposes. 2. Obedience to God’s word (prophets) works hand-in-hand with responsible engagement in civil processes (decrees). 3. Joyful worship follows perseverance; delays do not cancel divine promises. 4. Unity matters: all twelve tribes symbolically represented, and Gentile neighbors who separated from pagan ways were welcomed. 5. God completes what He begins—He who started the temple in 536 B.C. ensured its finish in 515 B.C.; likewise, Philippians 1:6 assures believers today. Summary Thought Ezra 6 shows a triumphant finish: God’s people, God’s house, and even a pagan king’s treasury converge so worship can flourish in Jerusalem. The chapter stands as a reminder that the Lord of history still writes the last word. Connections to Additional Scriptures Philippians 1:6being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. This verse echoes the theme of God's faithfulness to complete what He starts. Isaiah 55:11 so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it. This connects to the fulfillment of prophecy in Ezra 6. Romans 8:28 And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. This verse reassures us of God's sovereign plan. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in Historical EventsEzra 6:1-2 highlights how King Darius issued a decree to search the archives, leading to the discovery of Cyrus's original decree. This demonstrates God's control over historical events to fulfill His purposes. The Role of Obedience and Perseverance The Jewish leaders continued building despite opposition, as seen in Ezra 6:14, So the elders of the Jews continued to build and prosper under the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. The Fulfillment of Prophecy The completion of the temple in Ezra 6:15 fulfills the prophetic words spoken by Haggai and Zechariah, showing that God's word never returns void. The Importance of Worship and Dedication Ezra 6:16-18 describes the dedication of the temple with joy and sacrifices, emphasizing the importance of worship and dedication in the life of believers. God's Provision and Favor Ezra 6:22 illustrates how God turned the heart of the king of Assyria to strengthen the hands of the Jews, showing that God can use even unlikely sources to provide for His people. Practical Applications Trust in God's TimingJust as the temple was completed in God's perfect timing, we should trust that God is working in our lives according to His divine schedule. Persevere in the Face of Opposition When facing challenges, remain steadfast in your faith and continue the work God has called you to do, knowing that He is with you. Celebrate God's Faithfulness Take time to worship and give thanks for God's faithfulness in your life, just as the Israelites celebrated the completion of the temple. Seek God's Guidance in Leadership Like the Jewish leaders who prospered under prophetic guidance, seek wisdom and direction from Godly counsel and His Word. People 1. DariusKing of Persia who issued a decree to search the archives for the original decree of King Cyrus concerning the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. Upon finding it, he reaffirmed the decree and provided support for the project. The name "Darius" is derived from the Old Persian "Dārayavauš," meaning "he who holds firm the good." 2. Cyrus Former King of Persia who originally issued the decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. His decree is rediscovered and reaffirmed by Darius. The name "Cyrus" comes from the Old Persian "Kūruš," which may mean "sun" or "throne." 3. Tattenai Governor of the region beyond the River (Trans-Euphrates) who questioned the Jews about their authority to rebuild the temple. He is mentioned in the context of reporting to King Darius about the construction. The name "Tattenai" is of uncertain origin, possibly related to a Semitic root meaning "gift." 4. Shethar-bozenai An official who accompanied Tattenai in questioning the Jews and reporting to King Darius. The name "Shethar-bozenai" is of uncertain etymology, possibly of Persian origin. 5. The Elders of the Jews The leaders of the Jewish community who were responsible for overseeing the rebuilding of the temple. They are mentioned collectively rather than individually. Places 1. BabylonThis is where King Darius issued the decree to search the archives for the original decree of King Cyrus regarding the rebuilding of the temple. Babylon was a major city and the center of the Babylonian Empire, which had previously conquered Judah and taken the Israelites into exile. 2. Ecbatana Also known as Achmetha in some translations, this is the location where the scroll containing Cyrus's decree was found. Ecbatana was the capital of Media, located in modern-day Iran, and served as a summer residence for Persian kings. 3. Jerusalem The central location of the events in Ezra 6, Jerusalem is where the temple was being rebuilt. It is the holy city for the Jewish people and the site of the original temple built by Solomon. Events 1. Darius Issues a DecreeKing Darius issues a decree to search the archives in Babylon for the original decree of King Cyrus regarding the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. This reflects the Hebrew root "דָּרַשׁ" (darash), meaning to seek or inquire. 2. Discovery of the Scroll A scroll is found in the citadel of Ecbatana in the province of Media, containing the decree of Cyrus. This discovery is crucial for the continuation of the temple construction. 3. Cyrus' Decree Reaffirmed The decree of Cyrus is reaffirmed, which includes the dimensions of the temple and the provision of expenses from the royal treasury. The Aramaic term "טְעֵם" (ta'em) is used, meaning command or decree. 4. Darius' Instructions to Tattenai Darius instructs Tattenai, the governor of the region, and his associates not to interfere with the work on the temple. The Hebrew root "שָׁבַת" (shavat), meaning to cease or desist, is relevant here. 5. Provision for the Temple Darius orders that the expenses for the temple construction be fully paid from the royal revenues, and that animals and other offerings be provided for the sacrifices. This reflects the commitment to support the religious practices of the Jews. 6. Protection of the Temple Builders Darius decrees that anyone who alters his edict will have a beam pulled from their house and be impaled on it, ensuring the protection of the temple builders. The Aramaic term "שְׁלָם" (shelam), meaning peace or safety, is implied in the protection offered. 7. Completion of the Temple The temple is completed on the third day of the month of Adar, in the sixth year of King Darius' reign. This marks the fulfillment of the prophetic and royal decrees. 8. Dedication of the Temple The Israelites celebrate the dedication of the temple with joy, offering sacrifices to God. The Hebrew root "חָנַךְ" (chanak), meaning to dedicate, is significant here. 9. Passover Celebration The Israelites, including those who had separated themselves from the impurity of the nations, celebrate the Passover. This event underscores the theme of purification and renewal. 10. Observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread The Feast of Unleavened Bread is observed for seven days with joy, as the LORD had filled them with joy by changing the attitude of the king of Assyria toward them. The Hebrew root "שָׂמַח" (samach), meaning to rejoice, is central to this celebration. Topics 1. Decree of DariusIn Ezra 6, King Darius issues a decree to search the archives for the original decree of King Cyrus regarding the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. This decree reaffirms the authority and support for the Jewish people to continue their work on the temple. The Hebrew root for "decree" (טְעֵם, ^te'em^) emphasizes the authoritative command given by the king. 2. Discovery of the Scroll The search leads to the discovery of a scroll in the citadel of Ecbatana, which contains the original decree by Cyrus. This discovery is crucial as it validates the Jewish claim and provides the necessary legal backing for the continuation of the temple construction. 3. Support for the Temple Construction Darius not only confirms the decree of Cyrus but also orders that the expenses for the temple construction be fully covered by the royal treasury. This support underscores the providential care and provision for the Jewish people as they undertake this significant religious task. 4. Protection of the Builders The decree includes a command that no one should interfere with the work on the temple. This protection ensures that the Jewish builders can work without fear of opposition or interruption, highlighting the divine favor and protection over the project. 5. Provision for Sacrifices Darius orders that animals and other necessary items for sacrifices be provided to the priests in Jerusalem. This provision ensures that the religious practices and worship can be carried out according to the Law of Moses, emphasizing the importance of proper worship in the Jewish faith. 6. Completion and Dedication of the Temple The temple is completed and dedicated with great joy and celebration. The dedication includes offerings and the observance of the Passover, signifying a renewal of covenant faithfulness and worship among the returned exiles. 7. Observance of the Passover The chapter concludes with the observance of the Passover by the Israelites who had returned from exile. This observance is a significant act of remembrance and thanksgiving for God's deliverance and faithfulness, connecting the present generation with their historical and spiritual heritage. Themes 1. Divine Providence and SovereigntyEzra 6 highlights God's providence in the rebuilding of the temple. The decree of King Darius, which supports the construction, is seen as an act of divine intervention. The Hebrew root for "decree" (טְעֵם, ^ta'am^) emphasizes the authoritative command that aligns with God's sovereign plan. 2. Fulfillment of Prophecy The chapter underscores the fulfillment of prophetic words spoken by earlier prophets like Haggai and Zechariah. The successful completion of the temple is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. 3. Obedience to God's Commands The Jewish leaders' adherence to the decrees of both God and the Persian kings reflects a theme of obedience. The Hebrew word for "command" (מִצְוָה, ^mitzvah^) signifies the importance of following divine instructions. 4. Restoration and Renewal The rebuilding of the temple symbolizes spiritual and communal renewal for the Israelites. This theme is rooted in the Hebrew concept of "restoration" (שׁוּב, ^shuv^), which implies a return to a former state of blessing and favor. 5. Joy and Celebration in Worship The completion of the temple leads to a time of joy and celebration, as seen in the observance of the Passover. The Hebrew word for "joy" (שִׂמְחָה, ^simchah^) reflects the deep spiritual rejoicing that accompanies true worship. 6. Unity Among God's People The cooperation between the Israelites and the Persian authorities illustrates a theme of unity. The rebuilding project brings together diverse groups under a common purpose, highlighting the importance of communal harmony in achieving God's plans. 7. Provision and Support from God The chapter details the provision of resources and support from the Persian empire, which is seen as God's provision for His people. The Hebrew root for "provide" (סָפַק, ^saphak^) emphasizes God's role in supplying the needs of His people for His purposes. Answering Tough Questions 1. How reliable is the royal archive “found at Ecbatana” (Ezra 6:1–2) when no clear archaeological record of such a discovery exists? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does the response of King Darius to the construction of the Temple illustrate God's control over the hearts of kings? 2. How does the dedication of the Temple reflect the concept of corporate worship? 3. How might the celebration of Passover in the newly built Temple have impacted the faith of the Israelites? 4. How does this chapter demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises? 5. What can we learn about God's provision in this chapter? 6. How can we see the theme of obedience playing out in this chapter? 7. Compare the response of Tattenai and the other officials to King Darius' decree with their initial resistance to the building of the Temple. What changed and why? 8. In the context of Ezra 6, how does God's will align with the actions of secular rulers? How can this be applied to today's context? 9. How does the completion of the Temple inspire believers to persist in their God-given tasks today? 10. What does the celebration of the Passover in the newly completed Temple teach us about the importance of remembering and celebrating God's deliverance? 11. How do you see God's sovereignty displayed in your life as it was in the story of the rebuilding of the Temple? 12. How does God use people and circumstances in this chapter to accomplish His purposes? Can you recall a situation where you've seen this in your life? 13. How does this chapter show the connection between obedience to God and communal joy? 14. How can we apply the Israelites' dedication to the Temple's completion to our personal commitment to God's work today? 15. How does the funding of the Temple construction by a foreign king reflect God's provision, and how can we trust in that provision today? 16. How does the account of the Temple's completion encourage you in your personal faith journey? 17. What does the purified celebration of the Passover teach us about approaching God in worship and celebration? 18. What lessons about perseverance and hope can you apply from this chapter to any discouraging situations in your life? 19. In light of the leaders' obedience in Ezra 6, how can we foster a more obedient heart toward God's commands in our lives? 20. Considering the historical verification of God's actions in this chapter, how does it strengthen your trust in the accuracy and truth of the Bible? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
    |