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Ezra 6

22 verses

TL;DR

The decree of King Darius confirms Cyrus’s earlier command, allowing the Jews to rebuild Jerusalem’s temple, which is completed and joyfully dedicated.

Summary

King Darius issues a decree that echoes Cyrus’s order, permitting the Jews to restore the house of God in Jerusalem. The decree specifically provides for the return of the gold and silver vessels taken to Babylon and the financial support needed for construction. The Jewish elders, aided by the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, gather the necessary materials and labor, receiving the king’s assistance and the gifts of bulls, rams, and lambs for offerings. The temple is finished on the third day of Adar, in the sixth year of Darius’s reign, and the dedication is celebrated with great joy by priests, Levites, and the returning exiles. During the dedication, the Israelites offer sacrificial animals and perform the Passover, reaffirming their covenant with God. The community’s unity and obedience are highlighted as the king of Assyria’s heart is said to turn toward them, supporting their work.

Outline
  1. Darius’s decree and confirmation of Cyrus’s order
  2. Construction of the temple with royal support and prophetic guidance
  3. Dedication, sacrifices, Passover, and communal celebration
Themes
Divine sovereignty and human obedienceRestoration and renewal of worshipCommunal unity and faithfulness
Keywords
DariusCyrusTempleRestorationKing's DecreeSacrificeProphecyDedicationPassover
People
DariusCyrusTaynaShetharboznaiApharsachitesHaggaiZechariahthe elders of the Jewsthe prieststhe Levites
Places
Achmethaprovince of the MedesBabylonJerusalembeyond the river (Euphrates)
Things
roll of recordsgolden and silver vesselsbullocks, rams, lambswheat, salt, wine, oilhouse of God (temple)dedicationPassover
Key Verses
  • Ezra 6:3: Reveals Cyrus’s original decree and the divine plan for the temple.
  • Ezra 6:15: Marks the completion of the temple and the fulfillment of the kings’ decrees.
  • Ezra 6:10: Details the offerings given during the dedication, illustrating the community’s obedience.
Questions
  • What does Darius’s confirmation of Cyrus’s decree tell us about divine providence?
  • How did the involvement of prophets influence the rebuilding process?
  • In what ways does the communal celebration reflect the restoration of Israel’s identity?
  • What significance does the dedication of the temple hold for the Jewish community and their relationship with the Persian authorities?
  • How does the passage illustrate the theme of obedience to divine instruction?
Sentiment

positive
Joyful restoration and communal celebration.