Ezra Chapter 6 records the triumphant completion and dedication of the rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem. After opposition had threatened to stop the work, King Darius orders a search of the Persian royal archives and discovers the decree originally issued by King Cyrus authorizing the Jews to rebuild the Temple. Darius not only confirms their right to continue—he commands the local authorities to leave the builders alone and provide financial support for the project. The elders of Judah prosper under the prophetic encouragement of Haggai and Zechariah, complete the Temple, and celebrate its dedication with great joy. The chapter concludes with the returned exiles observing the Passover and rejoicing because God had strengthened them to accomplish His work.
Ezra Chapter 6 Summary
Ezra 6 begins with King Darius ordering a search of the royal archives to determine whether King Cyrus had truly authorized the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem.
A scroll containing Cyrus’s decree is discovered at Achmetha, a royal fortress in the province of Media.
The decree confirms that the Temple in Jerusalem is to be rebuilt as a place where sacrifices may be offered. It also specifies dimensions for the structure and commands that the expenses be paid from the royal treasury.
Cyrus had additionally ordered that the gold and silver vessels taken from the original Temple by Nebuchadnezzar be returned to Jerusalem.
After confirming the decree, Darius sends a strong response to Tattenai, Shethar-boznai, and their associates.
He commands them to stay away from the Temple construction and allow the Jewish governor and elders to rebuild the house of God on its original site.
Darius goes even further.
He orders that the construction expenses be paid promptly from royal revenues so that the work will not be interrupted.
The priests are also to receive whatever they require for their sacrifices—including animals, wheat, salt, wine, and oil—so that they can continually offer sacrifices to the God of heaven and pray for the king and his sons.
Darius warns that anyone who attempts to alter his decree will face severe punishment.
Tattenai and the other Persian officials obey the king’s command.
The Jewish elders continue building, and their work prospers through the prophetic ministry of Haggai and Zechariah.
The Temple is finally completed according to the command of the God of Israel and the decrees of the Persian kings Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes.
The completed Temple is dedicated with great joy.
The Israelites offer bulls, rams, lambs, and twelve male goats representing the twelve tribes of Israel. The priests and Levites are then organized into their proper divisions for the service of God in Jerusalem.
Soon afterward, the returned exiles celebrate the Passover.
The priests and Levites purify themselves and prepare the Passover sacrifice for the returned people.
Those who had separated themselves from the impurity of the surrounding nations in order to seek the Lord join in the celebration.
The people then observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days with great joy.
The chapter concludes by explaining the source of their joy: the Lord had made them joyful and strengthened their hands to rebuild the house of God.
What began amid ruins, opposition, political uncertainty, and discouragement ends with the Temple standing again and worship restored in Jerusalem.
Key Lessons – Ezra Chapter 6
- God can accomplish His purposes despite opposition. The enemies who attempted to stop the Temple eventually had to stand aside while the rebuilding continued.
- God can use earthly rulers to accomplish His plans. Cyrus and Darius were Persian kings, yet their decrees became instruments through which God enabled the Temple to be rebuilt.
- God can turn opposition into provision. The authorities who questioned the project were ultimately commanded to provide financial resources for its completion.
- God’s Word strengthens His people. Haggai and Zechariah encouraged the Jewish elders, helping them remain faithful until the Temple was completed.
- Completed work should lead to worship and thanksgiving. Israel responded to the finished Temple by dedicating it to God with sacrifices and great joy.
- Restoration includes returning to obedience. The priests and Levites were organized according to the Law of Moses, and the people again observed the Passover.
- God deserves the glory for successful work. The chapter ultimately credits the Lord with giving His people joy and strengthening their hands to complete the Temple.
Important Verses
- Ezra 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.”
- Ezra 6:8
- “Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God.”
- Ezra 6:12
- “I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed.”
- Ezra 6:14
- “And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah.”
- Ezra 6:15
- “And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar.”
- Ezra 6:16
- “And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy.”
- Ezra 6:22
- “And kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for the LORD had made them joyful.”
