“And the elders of the Jews built and prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. They finished their building by decree of the God of Israel and by decree of Cyrus and Darius and Artaxerxes king of Persia.”
Ezra 6:14
Summary
In Ezra chapter 6, the continuation of the narrative surrounding the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem unfolds. As Darius becomes king of Persia, he issues a decree to inspect the records of Cyrus, which reveal that Cyrus had previously authorized the construction of the Temple and provided the necessary resources. Darius commands that the rebuilding project be supported financially from the royal treasury, ensuring that the Jewish people can complete their work without obstruction. This decree not only reaffirms God’s providence and the fulfillment of His promises but also illustrates the importance of governmental support in achieving divine purposes. The chapter concludes with the successful completion of the Temple, a significant milestone for the Jewish community as they celebrate their return to worship and the restoration of their identity as God’s chosen people. The chapter underscores the themes of divine sovereignty, the faithfulness of God to His people, and the significance of corporate worship in the life of the community.