Topical Bible: Rulers: Righteous: Darius, in Advancing the Rebuilding of the Temple

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Darius I, also known as Darius the Great, was the third Persian king of the Achaemenid Empire, reigning from 522 to 486 BC. His reign is noted for its administrative genius and the consolidation of the empire. However, from a biblical perspective, Darius is particularly recognized for his role in advancing the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, a significant event in Jewish history.

Historical Context

The Jewish people had been exiled to Babylon, and the Temple in Jerusalem had been destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar II in 586 BC. Following the fall of Babylon to the Persians under Cyrus the Great in 539 BC, the Jews were allowed to return to their homeland. Cyrus issued a decree permitting the rebuilding of the Temple, as recorded in Ezra 1:1-4. However, the work faced opposition and was halted for several years.

Darius' Decree

During the reign of Darius, the rebuilding efforts were renewed. The local adversaries of the Jews questioned the legitimacy of the construction and appealed to Darius, seeking to halt the work. In response, Darius ordered a search of the royal archives, which confirmed Cyrus' original decree. Darius then issued his own decree, not only allowing the work to continue but also providing resources for the project. This is documented in Ezra 6:1-12.

Ezra 6:7-8 states: "Leave this work on the house of God alone. Let the governor of the Jews and the Jewish elders rebuild this house of God on its original site. Moreover, I hereby decree what you are to do for these Jewish elders in the construction of this house of God: The expenses are to be fully paid to these men from the royal treasury, from the revenues of Trans-Euphrates, so that the work will not stop."

Support for the Jewish People

Darius' support extended beyond mere permission. He ensured that the necessary funds and materials were provided, demonstrating a commitment to the project that went beyond political expediency. His decree also included a warning against any interference, underscoring the seriousness with which he viewed the matter. Ezra 6:11 records his warning: "I also decree that if anyone alters this edict, a beam is to be pulled from his house, and he is to be impaled on it. And for this crime, his house is to be made a pile of rubble."

Impact on the Jewish Community

The actions of Darius had a profound impact on the Jewish community. The completion of the Temple in 516 BC, during the sixth year of Darius' reign, marked a pivotal moment in Jewish history. It restored a central place of worship and symbolized the renewal of the covenant relationship between God and His people. The dedication of the Temple is celebrated in Ezra 6:15-18, highlighting the joy and religious significance of the event.

Darius' role in the rebuilding of the Temple is seen as an example of how God can use even foreign rulers to fulfill His purposes. His righteous actions in this context are viewed as a fulfillment of divine prophecy and a testament to God's sovereignty over the affairs of nations.

Nave's Topical Index

Ezra 6:1-12
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.
Nave's Topical Index

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