Ezra 6:1
New International Version
King Darius then issued an order, and they searched in the archives stored in the treasury at Babylon.

New Living Translation
So King Darius issued orders that a search be made in the Babylonian archives, which were stored in the treasury.

English Standard Version
Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in Babylonia, in the house of the archives where the documents were stored.

Berean Standard Bible
Thus King Darius ordered a search of the archives stored in the treasury of Babylon.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Then King Darius issued a decree, and a search was made in the archives, where the treasures were stored in Babylon.

New American Standard Bible
Then King Darius issued a decree, and a search was conducted in the archives, where the treasures were stored in Babylon.

NASB 1995
Then King Darius issued a decree, and search was made in the archives, where the treasures were stored in Babylon.

NASB 1977
Then King Darius issued a decree, and search was made in the archives, where the treasures were stored in Babylon.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then King Darius issued a decree, and a search was made in the archives, where the treasures were deposited in Babylon.

Amplified Bible
Then King Darius issued a decree, and a search was conducted in Babylon in the archives where the treasures [and records] were stored.

Christian Standard Bible
King Darius gave the order, and they searched in the library of Babylon in the archives.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
King Darius gave the order, and they searched in the library of Babylon in the archives.

American Standard Version
Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the archives, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.

Contemporary English Version
King Darius ordered someone to go through the old records kept in Babylonia.

English Revised Version
Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the archives, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then King Darius gave the order to search the library where the archives were stored in Babylon.

Good News Translation
So Emperor Darius issued orders for a search to be made in the royal records that were kept in Babylon.

International Standard Version
Then King Darius issued an order to search the Hall of Records where the Babylonian archives were stored.

Majority Standard Bible
Thus King Darius ordered a search of the archives stored in the treasury of Babylon.

NET Bible
So Darius the king issued orders, and they searched in the archives of the treasury which were deposited there in Babylon.

New Heart English Bible
Then Darayavush the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the archives, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
Then Darius the king made a decree, and the house of the archives, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon, was searched.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Then Darius the king made a decree, and they sought in the house of the scrolls of the treasuries placed there in Babylon,

Young's Literal Translation
Then Darius the king made a decree, and they sought in the house of the books of the treasuries placed there in Babylon,

Smith's Literal Translation
At that time Darius the king set up a decree, and they searched in the house of books, the treasures being deposited there in Babel.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Then king Darius gave orders, and they searched in the library of the books that were laid up in Babylon,

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then king Darius instructed, and they searched in the library of books that were deposited in Babylon.

New American Bible
Thereupon King Darius issued an order to search the archives in which the treasures were stored in Babylon.

New Revised Standard Version
Then King Darius made a decree, and they searched the archives where the documents were stored in Babylon.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
THEN Darius the king issued a decree, and search was made in the scrolls that were in the house of treasure there in Babylon.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Then Darius the King commanded and he read in the books that are in the house of treasure there in Babel.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the archives, where the treasures were laid up, in Babylon.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Then Darius the king made a decree, and caused a search to be made in the record-offices, where the treasure is stored in Babylon.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
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: Memorandum:…

Cross References
Ezra 1:1-4
In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to send a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing as follows: / “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. / Whoever among you belongs to His people, may his God be with him, and may he go to Jerusalem in Judah and build the house of the LORD, the God of Israel; He is the God who is in Jerusalem. ...

2 Chronicles 36:22-23
In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to send a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing as follows: / “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. Whoever among you belongs to His people, may the LORD his God be with him, and may he go up.’”

Daniel 6:25-28
Then King Darius wrote to the people of every nation and language throughout the land: “May your prosperity abound. / I hereby decree that in every part of my kingdom, men are to tremble in fear before the God of Daniel: For He is the living God, and He endures forever; His kingdom will never be destroyed, and His dominion will never end. / He delivers and rescues; He performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth, for He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.” ...

Haggai 1:1-2
In the second year of the reign of Darius, on the first day of the sixth month, the word of the LORD came through Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, stating / that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “These people say, ‘The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the LORD.’”

Zechariah 1:1
In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to the prophet Zechariah son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, saying:

Nehemiah 2:7-8
I also said to him, “If it pleases the king, may letters be given to me for the governors west of the Euphrates, so that they will grant me safe passage until I reach Judah. / And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the king’s forest, so that he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel to the temple, for the city wall, and for the house I will occupy.” And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests.

Isaiah 44:28
who says of Cyrus, ‘My shepherd will fulfill all that I desire,’ who says of Jerusalem, ‘She will be rebuilt,’ and of the temple, ‘Let its foundation be laid.’”

Isaiah 45:1-4
This is what the LORD says to Cyrus His anointed, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him, to disarm kings, to open the doors before him, so that the gates will not be shut: / “I will go before you and level the mountains; I will break down the gates of bronze and cut through the bars of iron. / I will give you the treasures of darkness and the riches hidden in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by name. ...

Jeremiah 29:10
For this is what the LORD says: “When Babylon’s seventy years are complete, I will attend to you and confirm My promise to restore you to this place.

Jeremiah 25:12
But when seventy years are complete, I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation, the land of the Chaldeans, for their guilt, declares the LORD, and I will make it an everlasting desolation.

1 Kings 6:1
In the four hundred and eightieth year after the Israelites had come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv, the second month, he began to build the house of the LORD.

2 Kings 17:6
In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and carried away the Israelites to Assyria, where he settled them in Halah, in Gozan by the Habor River, and in the cities of the Medes.

2 Kings 25:1-21
So in the ninth year of Zedekiah’s reign, on the tenth day of the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his entire army. They encamped outside the city and built a siege wall all around it. / And the city was kept under siege until King Zedekiah’s eleventh year. / By the ninth day of the fourth month, the famine in the city was so severe that the people of the land had no food. ...

Acts 7:47-50
But it was Solomon who built the house for Him. / However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says: / ‘Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool. What kind of house will you build for Me, says the Lord, or where will My place of repose be? ...

Acts 15:16-18
‘After this I will return and rebuild the fallen tent of David. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it, / so that the remnant of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by My name, says the Lord who does these things / that have been known for ages.’


Treasury of Scripture

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.

and search

Ezra 4:15,19
That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed…

Ezra 5:17
Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search made in the king's treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.

Job 29:16
I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out.

rolls.

Psalm 40:7
Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,

Jeremiah 36:2-4,20-23,29,32
Take thee a roll of a book, and write therein all the words that I have spoken unto thee against Israel, and against Judah, and against all the nations, from the day I spake unto thee, from the days of Josiah, even unto this day…

Ezekiel 2:9
And when I looked, behold, an hand was sent unto me; and, lo, a roll of a book was therein;

laid up.

Jump to Previous
Babylon Babylonia Books Darius Decree Documents House Issued Laid Order Orders Placed Records Rolls Search Searched Sought Stored Treasures Treasuries Treasury Value
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Babylon Babylonia Books Darius Decree Documents House Issued Laid Order Orders Placed Records Rolls Search Searched Sought Stored Treasures Treasuries Treasury Value
Ezra 6
1. Darius, finding the decree of Cyrus, makes a new decree for building
13. By the help of Tattenai and Shethar-Bozenai the temple is finished
16. The feast of the dedication is kept
19. and the Passover














Thus King Darius ordered a search
King Darius, the ruler of the Persian Empire, is depicted as a monarch who respects the legal and administrative processes of his kingdom. His order for a search reflects the Persian practice of maintaining detailed records, which was crucial for governance. This action demonstrates the importance of written decrees and the rule of law in the Persian Empire, aligning with the biblical theme of God's sovereignty working through earthly rulers. Darius's decision to search the archives shows his commitment to justice and fairness, as he seeks to verify the claims of the Jewish leaders regarding the rebuilding of the temple.

of the archives
The archives refer to the official records kept by the Persian Empire. These records were meticulously maintained and stored, often on clay tablets or scrolls. The archives were crucial for administrative purposes, including legal matters, taxation, and historical records. The mention of archives underscores the historical accuracy of the biblical narrative, as archaeological discoveries have confirmed the existence of such record-keeping practices in ancient Persia. This also highlights the providence of God in preserving the documentation necessary for the continuation of His plans for the Jewish people.

stored in the treasury of Babylon.
Babylon, once the capital of the Babylonian Empire, had become a significant administrative center under Persian rule. The treasury of Babylon was not only a place for storing wealth but also important documents and records. This location indicates the centralization of power and resources in the empire. The reference to Babylon connects the narrative to the broader biblical history of the Jewish exile and the subsequent return to Jerusalem, fulfilling prophecies such as those found in Jeremiah 29:10. The search in Babylon's treasury signifies the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, as the decree of Cyrus, which allowed the Jews to return and rebuild the temple, was likely stored there.

Persons / Places / Events
1. King Darius
The ruler of the Persian Empire at this time, known for his administrative skills and for allowing the Jews to continue rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem.

2. Archives
These were official records kept in the treasury of Babylon, which contained important documents, including decrees from previous kings.

3. Babylon
A significant city in the ancient world, known for its wealth and power. It was part of the Persian Empire during Darius's reign.

4. Order Issued
This refers to the decree made by King Darius to search the archives for a previous decree by King Cyrus regarding the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem.

5. Rebuilding of the Temple
The central event around which this passage revolves, highlighting the efforts to restore the Jewish temple in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Leadership
God can use even foreign rulers to accomplish His purposes, as seen in Darius's support for the temple's rebuilding.

The Importance of Historical Records
The search of the archives underscores the value of preserving and consulting historical documents to understand God's ongoing work.

Faithfulness to God's Commands
The Jews' persistence in rebuilding the temple, despite opposition, serves as a model of faithfulness to God's commands.

Divine Providence in Human Affairs
The orchestration of events leading to the temple's reconstruction demonstrates God's providence in human history.

Encouragement in Times of Delay
The delay in the temple's rebuilding due to opposition and the need for Darius's decree can encourage believers to trust God's timing.(1) Made a decree.--Rather, gave an order.

Were laid up.--In the original, laid down, in a chamber for the storing of documents and other treasures.

Verse 1. - Darius the king made a decree. Rather, "gave an order" (Vulg., praecepit). A "decree" would not be necessary. And search was made in the house of the rolls. Literally, "in the house of the books," i.e. in the royal library, or record chamber. Where the treasures were laid up. The same repository was, apparently, used for documents of value and for the precious metals. An underground apartment is perhaps indicated by the word translated "laid up," which means "made to descend."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Thus
בֵּאדַ֛יִן (bê·ḏa·yin)
Preposition-b | Adverb
Strong's 116: Then, thereupon

King
מַלְכָּ֖א (mal·kā)
Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 4430: A king

Darius
דָּרְיָ֥וֶשׁ (dā·rə·yā·weš)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1868: Darius -- two person kings

ordered
שָׂ֣ם (śām)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7761: To set, make

a search
וּבַקַּ֣רוּ ׀ (ū·ḇaq·qa·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1240: To plough, break forth, to inspect, admire, care for, consider

of the archives
בְּבֵ֣ית (bə·ḇêṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1005: A house

stored
מְהַחֲתִ֥ין (mə·ha·ḥă·ṯîn)
Verb - Hifil - QalPassParticiple - masculine plural
Strong's 5182: To descend, to bring away, deposit, depose

in the treasury
גִנְזַיָּ֛א (ḡin·zay·yā)
Noun - masculine plural determinate
Strong's 1596: A treasure

of Babylon.
בְּבָבֶֽל׃ (bə·ḇā·ḇel)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 895: Babylon -- an eastern Mediterranean empire and its capital city


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OT History: Ezra 6:1 Then Darius the king made a decree (Ezr. Ez)
Ezra 5:17
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