# Overview Ezra Chapter 6 recounts the momentous decree issued by #KingDarius authorizing the continuation and completion of the #Temple in #Jerusalem. After a search of the archives, a memorandum is found in the fortress of #Ecbatana, confirming the decree of #Cyrus, previously permitting the rebuilding of the Temple. #KingDarius reaffirms this decree, instructing the regional governors to assist and provide resources to ensure the work proceeds unhindered. The chapter highlights the provision of materials and the support of the local officials, emphasizing the importance of the Temple's completion as an act of worship and dedication to the #God of #Israel. The chapter culminates in the joyful celebration of the Temple's dedication by the exiles, which is marked by sacrifices and offerings to #God. The chapter details the offering of a hundred bulls, two hundred rams, and four hundred lambs, along with twelve male goats as a sin offering for all #Israel, symbolizing the unity of the returning exiles with their ancestral tribes. The exiles then celebrate the #Passover, highlighting the faithfulness of God in delivering His people and reestablishing them in the land. This chapter underscores the fulfillment of prophetic promises and the restoration of worship in Jerusalem, pointing to God's sovereignty and faithfulness in the lives of His people. ## Theological Insights Ezra 6 marks a significant phase in the restoration of the #Temple in #Jerusalem, highlighting God's providence and faithfulness to His covenant people. This chapter captures the fulfillment of prophecy and divine orchestration in the rebuilding efforts, reflecting several key theological themes: 1. **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**: The decree of King #Darius, found in the archives at #Ecbatana, is a testament to God’s sovereignty over the affairs of nations. Darius’ confirmation of the decree of #Cyrus (Ezra 1) demonstrates that God can use secular rulers to accomplish His purposes. This underscores the biblical theme that "the king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will" (Proverbs 21:1). 2. **Covenant Faithfulness**: The continuity from Cyrus’ decree to Darius' support of the temple's reconstruction reflects God’s unwavering faithfulness to His promises. The rebuilding of the temple is a tangible expression of God's commitment to restore His people, as prophesied by [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 44]] and [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 29]]. 3. **Worship and Community Restoration**: The completion and dedication of the temple (Ezra 6:15-18) signify not only the physical restoration of a building but also the spiritual renewal of the community. The reinstatement of sacrifices and observance of the Passover (Ezra 6:19-22) reconnects the remnant with their historical identity and covenant relationship with God, reminiscent of the Exodus narrative in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 12]]. 4. **Joyful Obedience**: The joy and unity among the Israelites during the Passover celebration echo the joy of obedience and the blessings that follow when God’s people live according to His statutes. This reflects the principle found in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 28]], where obedience to God’s commandments leads to a life of blessing. 5. **God’s Grace and Inclusivity**: The inclusion of those who had "separated themselves from the uncleanness of the peoples of the land" to seek the Lord (Ezra 6:21) points to the grace of God extending beyond ethnic Israel to all who seek Him. This anticipates the New Testament revelation of the gospel as a message for all nations, as seen in [[Acts/Acts Chapter 10]] with the inclusion of the Gentiles. In summary, Ezra 6 presents a profound illustration of God's sovereign hand in guiding history, His faithfulness to His people, and the centrality of worship in the life of the covenant community. The chapter is a powerful reminder that God desires a people set apart for Himself who live in joyful obedience to His Word. ## Thematic Connections ### Fulfillment of Divine Promise Ezra 6 illustrates the fulfillment of God's promises to His people, as seen in the completion of the temple. This theme resonates with the promise of restoration and return from exile made through the prophets, such as in [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 29|Jeremiah 29:10-14]] and [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 44|Isaiah 44:28]], where God assures His people of their return and the rebuilding of the temple. The theme of God's faithfulness in bringing about His divine purposes is evident throughout the scriptures. ### Sovereignty of God Over Nations The decree of #KingDarius to support the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem highlights God's sovereignty over the nations and their rulers. Just as God used #Nebuchadnezzar and #Cyrus to accomplish His purposes (see [[Daniel/Daniel Chapter 1|Daniel 1:1-2]] and [[Ezra/Ezra Chapter 1|Ezra 1:1-2]]), He continues to direct the hearts of kings like Darius to fulfill His plans. This theme underscores God's ultimate control over historical events and national leaders, as reflected in passages like [[Proverbs/Proverbs Chapter 21|Proverbs 21:1]]. ### Joy and Worship in Restoration The joyful celebration and dedication of the temple in Ezra 6 echoes the theme of joy and worship following divine acts of restoration. This is reminiscent of the joy experienced by the Israelites during the dedication of #Solomon’s temple in [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 8|1 Kings 8]], and it foreshadows the rejoicing at the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall in [[Nehemiah/Nehemiah Chapter 12|Nehemiah 12:27-43]]. Such occasions of worship and celebration reflect the people's gratitude and acknowledgment of God's faithfulness. ### Importance of Obedience to God's Law The offerings and observance of the Passover in Ezra 6 emphasize the importance of obedience to God's Law as a response to His faithfulness. This theme of covenantal fidelity is evident in other significant moments of Israel's history, such as the renewal of the covenant under #Joshua in [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 24|Joshua 24]] and during the reforms of #KingJosiah in [[2 Kings/2 Kings Chapter 23|2 Kings 23]]. The consistent call to faithfulness and adherence to God's commands is central to the identity and mission of God's people throughout the Bible. ### Unity Among the People of God The cooperation between the returned exiles and the people of the land in the rebuilding of the temple in Ezra 6 reflects the theme of unity among God's people. This unity is crucial for the fulfillment of God's plans and is echoed in the New Testament, where the Church is called to unity in Christ (see [[Ephesians/Ephesians Chapter 4|Ephesians 4:3-6]]). The collaboration seen in Ezra 6 serves as a model for the community of believers working together for God's purposes. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Decree of Cyrus Ezra 6 illustrates the fulfillment of the prophecy given by #Jeremiah regarding the decree of #Cyrus allowing the return of the exiles and the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. This event was prophesied in [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 29|Jeremiah 29:10]], where it was foretold that after seventy years, God would visit His people and fulfill His promise of restoration, prompting their return to the land. The decree of Cyrus, rediscovered in this chapter, confirms the prophetic word and demonstrates God’s faithfulness in orchestrating the return of His people. ### The Rebuilding of the Temple The completion and dedication of the temple as recorded in Ezra 6 fulfills the prophetic declarations made by #Haggai and #Zechariah. In [[Haggai/Haggai Chapter 2|Haggai 2:9]], it is prophesied that the glory of the latter temple will be greater than the former, and in [[Zechariah/Zechariah Chapter 4|Zechariah 4:9]], the hands of #Zerubbabel are foretold to lay the foundation and finish the temple. The completion of the temple project under Zerubbabel’s leadership is a direct realization of these prophecies, highlighting God’s sovereign plan and the role of His chosen leaders in fulfilling His purposes. ### The Passover Celebration The celebration of the #Passover by the returned exiles, as described in Ezra 6, connects with the prophetic symbolism of the #Exodus, where God delivered Israel from Egypt. This event is a fulfillment of God’s continued promise of deliverance and restoration, as He had delivered His people in the past, and now again, He facilitates their redemption and return. The observance of Passover in the newly rebuilt temple underscores the ongoing significance of God’s covenantal promises and His redemptive work throughout history, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]], the #Messiah, as the Lamb of God. ## Verses - **Ezra 6:1** - "So King #Darius issued orders that a search be made in the #Babylonian archives, which were stored in the treasury." - See [[Ezra/Ezra Chapter 5]] for the previous inquiry to King Darius. - **Ezra 6:2** - "But it was at the fortress at #Ecbatana in the province of #Media that a scroll was found. This is what it said:" - Ecbatana was a summer capital for the kings of #Persia. - **Ezra 6:3** - "In the first year of King #Cyrus’s reign, a decree was sent out concerning the Temple of God at #Jerusalem: ‘Let the Temple be rebuilt on the site where #Jews used to offer their sacrifices, using the original foundations. Its height will be ninety feet and its width will be ninety feet." - Refer to [[Ezra/Ezra Chapter 1]] for King Cyrus's decree. - **Ezra 6:4** - "Every three layers of specially prepared stones will be topped by a layer of timber. All expenses will be paid by the royal treasury." - See [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 6]] for similar building instructions. - **Ezra 6:5** - "Furthermore, the gold and silver cups, which were taken to Babylon by #Nebuchadnezzar from the Temple of God in Jerusalem, must be returned. They are to be taken back to Jerusalem and put into the Temple of God." - Refer to [[2 Kings/2 Kings Chapter 25]] for the initial taking of these items. - **Ezra 6:6** - "So King Darius sent this message: ‘Now therefore, Tattenai, governor of the province west of the #Euphrates River, and Shethar-bozenai, and your colleagues and other officials west of the Euphrates River—stay away from there!" - See [[Ezra/Ezra Chapter 5]] for Tattenai's initial role. - **Ezra 6:7** - "Do not disturb the construction of the Temple of God. Let it be rebuilt on its original site, and do not hinder the governor of Judah and the elders of the Jews in their work." - **Ezra 6:8** - "Moreover, I hereby decree that you are to help these elders of the Jews as they rebuild this Temple of God. You must pay the full construction costs, without delay, from my taxes collected in the province west of the Euphrates River, so that the work will not be stopped." - **Ezra 6:9** - "‘Give the priests in Jerusalem whatever is needed in the way of young bulls, rams, and male lambs for the burnt offerings presented to the God of heaven. And without fail, provide them with as much wheat, salt, wine, and olive oil as they need each day." - **Ezra 6:10** - "Then they will be able to offer acceptable sacrifices to the God of heaven and pray for the welfare of the king and his sons." - **Ezra 6:11** - "Those who violate this decree in any way will have a beam pulled from their house. Then they will be lifted up and impaled on it, and their house will be reduced to a pile of rubble." - **Ezra 6:12** - "May the God who has chosen the city of Jerusalem as the place to honor his name destroy any king or nation that violates this command and destroys this Temple. I, Darius, have issued this decree. Let it be obeyed with all diligence." - **Ezra 6:13** - "Tattenai, governor of the province west of the Euphrates River, and Shethar-bozenai and their colleagues complied at once with the command of King Darius." - **Ezra 6:14** - "So the Jewish elders continued their work, and they were greatly encouraged by the preaching of the prophets #Haggai and #Zechariah son of Iddo. The Temple was finally finished, as had been commanded by the God of Israel and decreed by Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes, the kings of Persia." - Refer to [[Haggai/Haggai Chapter 1]] and [[Zechariah/Zechariah Chapter 1]]. - **Ezra 6:15** - "The Temple was completed on March 12, during the sixth year of King Darius’s reign." - **Ezra 6:16** - "The Temple of God was then dedicated with great joy by the people of Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the rest of the people who had returned from exile." - **Ezra 6:17** - "During the dedication ceremony for the Temple of God, 100 young bulls, 200 rams, and 400 male lambs were sacrificed. And 12 male goats were presented as a sin offering for the twelve tribes of Israel." - **Ezra 6:18** - "Then the priests and Levites were divided into their various divisions to serve at the Temple of God in Jerusalem, as prescribed in the Book of Moses." - **Ezra 6:19** - "On April 21 the returned exiles celebrated #Passover." - Refer to [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 12]] for the original Passover. - **Ezra 6:20** - "The priests and Levites had purified themselves and were ceremonially clean. So they slaughtered the Passover lamb for all the returned exiles, for their fellow priests, and for themselves." - **Ezra 6:21** - "The Passover meal was eaten by the people of Israel who had returned from exile and by the others in the land who had turned from their corrupt practices to worship the LORD, the God of Israel." - **Ezra 6:22** - "They celebrated the Festival of Unleavened Bread for seven days. There was great joy throughout the land because the LORD had caused the king of Assyria to be favorable to them, so that he helped them to rebuild the Temple of God, the God of Israel." - See [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 23]] for the Festival of Unleavened Bread.