In this chapter, King Darius finds the order created by King Cyrus to rebuild the Temple of God, and he immediately commands the leaders of the land to aid the people of Judah in rebuilding the Temple. The chapter begins, “So King Darius issued orders that a search be made in the Babylonian archives, where treasures were stored. But it was at the fortress at Ecbatana in the province of Media that a scroll was found. This is what it said:
“Memorandum:
In the first year of King Cyrus’ reign, a decree was sent out concerning the Temple of God at Jerusalem. It must be rebuilt on the site where Jews used to offer their sacrifices, retaining the original foundations. Its height will be ninety feet, and its width will be ninety feet. Every three layers of specially prepared stones will be topped by a layer of timber. All expenses will be paid by the royal treasury. And the gold and silver utensils, which were taken to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar from the Temple of God in Jerusalem, will be taken back to Jerusalem and put into God’s Temple as they were before.”
So King Darius sent this message:
“To Tattenai, governor of the province west of the Euphrates River, to Shethar-bozenai, and to your colleagues and other officials west of the Euphrates:
Stay away from there! Do not disturb the construction of the Temple of God. Let it be rebuilt on its former site, and do not hinder the governor of Judah and the leaders of the Jews in their work. Moreover I hereby decree that you are to help these leaders of the Jews as they rebuild this Temple of God. You must pay the full construction costs without delay from my taxes collected in your province so that the work will not be discontinued. Give the priests in Jerusalem whatever is needed in the way of young bulls, rams, and lambs for the burnt offerings presented to the God of heaven. And without fail, provide them with the wheat, salt, wine, and olive oil that they need each day. Then they will be able to offer acceptable sacrifices to the God of heaven and pray for me and my sons.
Those who violate this decree in any way will have a beam pulled from their house. Then they will be tied to it and flogged, and their house will be reduced to a pile of rubble. 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.” (Wow…look at how God is leading this reconstruction!) (Ezra 6:1-12)
The chapter ends with the completion of the Temple on March 12, during the sixth year of King Darius’ reign, the assignment of priests and Levites to the Temple, the returned exiles celebrating Passover on April 21st, and the people full of joy because the Lord had changed the attitude of the king of Assyria so he could help them rebuild the Temple of God.
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Thank you for ordering steps, changing minds, and intervening in our lives for our benefit. We love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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