Ezra Chapter 6
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Introduction: In this next chapter, Darius confirms the decree of Cyrus, the work upon the Temple therefore continued to completion whereupon the Passover was conducted at the newly rebuilt Temple.
I. The Decree of Darius
Ezr 6:1 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.
Ezr 6:2 And there was found at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province of the Medes, a roll, and therein was a record thus written:
At Achmetha, which was the capitol of Media and the summer palace of the kings of Persia, a roll (scroll) was found. In it was recorded the information which was sought. It should be noted how humanly, it could have been very easy for such a document to be missed. Nevertheless, God undoubtedly providentially intervened and made sure the needed documentation was found.
Ezr 6:3 In the first year of Cyrus the king the same Cyrus the king made a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be builded, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid; the height thereof threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof threescore cubits;
Ezr 6:4 With three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let the expenses be given out of the king’s house:
Ezr 6:5 And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto the temple which is at Jerusalem, every one to his place, and place them in the house of God.
Ezr 6:6 Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence:
Ezr 6:7 Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place.
It is noteworthy how specific details of Cyrus’ original decree not mentioned earlier are here brought to light. Cyrus in fact dictated architectural details noting even the dimensions of the building. It was to be of significant height–sixty cubits (approximately ninety feet) which was a major building in ancient architecture.
The “three rows of great stones” noted in verse 4 may be reference to three rows of columns fronting the edifice. Some have speculated if the “row of new timber” refers to interior paneling or wainscoting of interior walls. That is possible. However, more likely, Cyrus specified how fresh structural timbers which the Aramaic word (ea aw) implies.
Though stones could conceivably be reused, fresh structural timber bespoke proper and the best type of reconstruction. Seemingly, Cyrus wanted the job done right. Moreover, the sacred gold and silver vessels and utensils which Nebuchadnezzar had plundered from the Temple were to be returned.
Darius therefore straightly ordered Tatnai, Shetharboznai, and anyone under their jurisdiction to stand clear and allow the Jews to proceed with their work.
God providentially moved Darius to write, “Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place.”
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