What is the meaning of Ezra 6:14? So the Jewish elders built and prospered “So the Jewish elders built and prospered” (Ezra 6:14). • The returned exiles did not merely resume construction—they thrived. Prosperity here embraces both material progress and spiritual encouragement (cf. Ezra 5:2; Nehemiah 2:20). • God honored their obedience; when they turned from fear to faith, the work advanced (Haggai 1:12–15). • Their prosperity shows that God’s blessing accompanies obedience, echoing Joshua 1:7–8, where prosperity is linked to steadfast adherence to God’s Word. through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah son of Iddo • Prophetic preaching supplied the fuel. Haggai’s call—“‘Is it a time for you yourselves to live in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins?’” (Haggai 1:3–4)—shook the people from complacency. • Zechariah’s visions lifted their eyes: “‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of Hosts… ‘The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation… his hands will also complete it’” (Zechariah 4:6–9). • God graciously raises voices to stir His people when weariness sets in, fulfilling 2 Chronicles 20:20: believing God’s prophets leads to success. They finished building according to the command of the God of Israel • The temple’s completion was not simply a human achievement; it was obedience to a divine mandate first given through Cyrus (Isaiah 44:28; Ezra 1:1). • “Command” underscores that God Himself authored this project; His Word does not return void (Isaiah 55:11). • The finished structure testified that “He who began a good work… will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:6), foreshadowing Christ’s promise to build His church (Matthew 16:18). and the decrees of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes, kings of Persia • God turned the hearts of pagan rulers to favor His plan, just as “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD” (Proverbs 21:1). • Cyrus launched the project (Ezra 1:2–4); Darius reaffirmed and financed it (Ezra 6:1–12); Artaxerxes later supported further restoration (Ezra 7:11–26; Nehemiah 2:1–8). • Earthly authority aligned with heavenly purpose reveals God’s sovereign orchestration (Daniel 2:21), assuring believers that no human power can thwart His redemptive agenda. summary Ezra 6:14 celebrates God’s faithfulness: His people prospered, stirred by prophetic encouragement, completed their God-ordained task, and even enjoyed the backing of powerful kings. The verse reminds us that when God commands, He also provides inspiration, resources, and sovereign direction to see His work finished. |
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