Leave this work on the house of God alone. Let the governor and elders of the Jews rebuild this house of God on its original site. Leave the work on this house of God aloneThis phrase is a directive from King Darius, emphasizing the divine protection and sovereignty over the rebuilding of the temple. The Hebrew root for "leave" (שְׁבַק, shevaq) implies a command to desist or refrain from interference. Historically, this reflects the political and spiritual climate of the time, where the Jewish exiles faced opposition from surrounding peoples. The temple, being the center of Jewish worship and identity, was crucial for the restoration of their community. This command underscores God's providence and the king's recognition of the divine mandate. Let the governor of the Jews and the Jewish elders
The "governor of the Jews" refers to Zerubbabel, who was appointed to oversee the affairs of the Jewish people in Jerusalem. The "Jewish elders" were leaders and representatives of the community, responsible for guiding the people in accordance with the Law of Moses. This phrase highlights the importance of godly leadership and the role of community leaders in fulfilling God's purposes. It also reflects the Persian policy of allowing local governance under imperial oversight, which facilitated the Jews' return and rebuilding efforts. rebuild this house of God
The term "rebuild" (בָּנָה, banah) signifies not just physical construction but also spiritual renewal. The "house of God" refers to the temple, a symbol of God's presence among His people. The rebuilding was not merely an architectural endeavor but a restoration of worship and covenant relationship with God. This reflects the prophetic promises found in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah, where God assures His people of restoration and renewal after exile. on its original site
The phrase "on its original site" indicates the historical and spiritual significance of the temple's location. The original site, Mount Moriah, was where Solomon's temple once stood, and it was chosen by God as a sacred place (2 Chronicles 3:1). This continuity of location underscores the faithfulness of God to His promises and the importance of maintaining the heritage and traditions of the faith. It also serves as a reminder of the past glories and the hope for future blessings as the people return to their roots and reestablish their identity in the land God gave them. Persons / Places / Events 1. Darius the KingThe Persian king who issued the decree allowing the Jews to continue rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. 2. The Governor of the JewsLikely referring to Zerubbabel, who was appointed as the governor of Judah and played a key role in the rebuilding efforts. 3. Jewish EldersLeaders among the Jewish people who were responsible for overseeing the reconstruction of the temple. 4. The House of GodRefers to the temple in Jerusalem, which was being rebuilt after the Babylonian exile. 5. JerusalemThe city where the temple was located, central to Jewish worship and identity. Teaching Points Divine Sovereignty and Human ResponsibilityGod's sovereignty is evident in the decree of a pagan king, yet the responsibility to act falls on the Jewish leaders. We must recognize God's hand in our circumstances and respond with obedience. The Importance of WorshipThe temple was central to Jewish worship, symbolizing God's presence among His people. Today, we must prioritize our relationship with God and the communal worship of Him. Perseverance in the Face of OppositionThe rebuilding faced opposition, yet the decree to "leave the work alone" shows God's protection. We should persevere in our God-given tasks, trusting in His provision and protection. Restoration and RenewalThe rebuilding of the temple signifies a renewal of faith and community. In our lives, God desires to restore and renew us, calling us back to Him. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the decree of Darius in Ezra 6:7 demonstrate God's sovereignty over earthly rulers? 2. In what ways can we prioritize worship in our lives, similar to the rebuilding of the temple? 3. What are some modern-day "oppositions" we face when trying to fulfill God's purposes, and how can we overcome them? 4. How does the restoration of the temple in Ezra relate to the concept of spiritual renewal in the New Testament? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's protection or provision in a challenging situation. How did it strengthen your faith? Connections to Other Scriptures Haggai 1-2These chapters provide context for the rebuilding of the temple, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing God's house. Zechariah 4Offers encouragement to Zerubbabel, highlighting God's role in empowering the rebuilding efforts. 2 Chronicles 36:22-23Describes the decree of Cyrus, which initially allowed the Jews to return and rebuild the temple, setting the stage for the events in Ezra. Nehemiah 2Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem parallel the temple rebuilding, showing a broader restoration of the Jewish community. People Apharesachites, Apharsachites, Artaxerxes, Cyrus, Darius, Haggai, Iddo, Levites, Nebuchadnezzar, Shethar, Shetharboznai, Tatnai, ZechariahPlaces Assyria, Babylon, Babylonia, Beyond the River, Ecbatana, Jerusalem, Media, PersiaTopics Alone, Build, Elders, Governor, Jewish, Jews, Leave, Rebuild, Responsible, Ruler, Site, TempleDictionary of Bible Themes Ezra 6:6-7 5942 security Ezra 6:6-10 4357 salt Ezra 6:7-8 7468 temple, rebuilding
7505 Jews, the Library God the Joy-Bringer
'They kept the feast ... seven days with joy; for the Lord had made them joyful.'--EZRA vi. 22. Twenty years of hard work and many disappointments and dangers had at last, for the Israelites returning from the captivity, been crowned by the completion of the Temple. It was a poor affair as compared with the magnificent house that had stood upon Zion; and so some of them 'despised the day of small things.' They were ringed about by enemies; they were feeble in themselves; there was a great deal to …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe New Temple and Its Worship
'And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo: and they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia. 15. And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king. 16. And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The "Fraternity" of Pharisees
To realise the state of religious society at the time of our Lord, the fact that the Pharisees were a regular "order," and that there were many such "fraternities," in great measure the outcome of the original Pharisees, must always be kept in view. For the New Testament simply transports us among contemporary scenes and actors, taking the then existent state of things, so to speak, for granted. But the fact referred to explains many seemingly strange circumstances, and casts fresh light upon all. …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life The Johannine Writings
BY the Johannine writings are meant the Apocalypse and the fourth gospel, as well as the three catholic epistles to which the name of John is traditionally attached. It is not possible to enter here into a review of the critical questions connected with them, and especially into the question of their authorship. The most recent criticism, while it seems to bring the traditional authorship into greater uncertainty, approaches more nearly than was once common to the position of tradition in another …
James Denney—The Death of Christ Brave Encouragements
'In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came the word of the Lord by the prophet Haggai, saying, 2. Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and to the residue of the people, saying, 3. Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing? 4. Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the Lord; and be strong, O Joshua, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture A Sermon on Isaiah xxvi. By John Knox.
[In the Prospectus of our Publication it was stated, that one discourse, at least, would be given in each number. A strict adherence to this arrangement, however, it is found, would exclude from our pages some of the most talented discourses of our early Divines; and it is therefore deemed expedient to depart from it as occasion may require. The following Sermon will occupy two numbers, and we hope, that from its intrinsic value, its historical interest, and the illustrious name of its author, it …
John Knox—The Pulpit Of The Reformation, Nos. 1, 2 and 3. Ezra-Nehemiah
Some of the most complicated problems in Hebrew history as well as in the literary criticism of the Old Testament gather about the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Apart from these books, all that we know of the origin and early history of Judaism is inferential. They are our only historical sources for that period; and if in them we have, as we seem to have, authentic memoirs, fragmentary though they be, written by the two men who, more than any other, gave permanent shape and direction to Judaism, then …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Ezra 6:7 NIVEzra 6:7 NLTEzra 6:7 ESVEzra 6:7 NASBEzra 6:7 KJV
Ezra 6:7 Commentaries
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