The full document containing the decree or decrees of Darius occupies the first thirteen verses of this chapter. The former portion of it is principally taken up with a recital of the decree of Cyrus, published seventeen years earlier. This has been considered under a distinct heading. The remaining portion of the document may be viewed as in three parts: -

I. THE INSTRUCTION FOUNDED UPON THE DECREE OF CYRUS (vers. 6, 7).

1. The instruction is intrinsically good.

(1) Do not hinder the work of God.

(2) Do not molest those who are engaged in it.

Good men would receive it gladly. The work of God is their work. Those engaged in it their fellows.

2. But to the wicked it is mortifying.

(1) Not to all equally so. The governor, Tatnai, did not commit himself to the opposition in the spirit of bitterness. Therefore to him the turn of events might not be mortifying.

(2) But to the Apharsachites it would be intensely so. Their opposition was malicious (see ch. 4.). Therefore the frustration of their purposes would sting them to the quick. Lesson - Never do anything that may involve humiliation. Reflection - What an agony of mortification there will be in the vanquished insolence of the lost!

II. THE REQUISITION MADE BY DARIUS (vers. 8-10).

1. That from the king's revenue from beyond the river expenses be given to the builders of God's house.

(1) Not from the kingdom in general, but from that portion whence the opposition came. What a public defeat! Yet not so public as that of the enemies of Christ before an assembled universe in the great day of judgment.

(2) The leaders of the opposition are the very persons required to raise and make these payments. What a retribution! Eye for eye; tooth for tooth.

2. That all they required for sacrifice and offering should be supplied.

(1) For burnt offerings "young bullocks and rams and lambs."

(2) For meat and drink offerings "wheat, salt, oil, and wine." In the service of God there is nourishment and refreshment (see John 4:34; John 6:27, 55).

(3) These, "according to the appointment of the priests, to be given day by day without fail." We need the continual efficacy of the sacrifice of Calvary. We need a daily supply of spiritual as well as natural food.

3. Their patriotism and loyalty concerned in carrying out this.

(1) Patriotism. To avert the anger of the God of heaven. To conciliate his favour. The blessing of God is essential to the prosperity of a nation (Job 12:16-25; Psalm 75:6, 7; Daniel 2:21).

(2) Loyalty. To ensure his blessing upon the king and his sons (see 1 Kings 11:11-13; 1 Kings 13:33, 34).

III. THE MALEDICTION DENOUNCED UPON THOSE WHO MAY FAIL TO FULFIL THE REQUISITION (vers. 11, 12).

1. Civil penalties.

(1) His house to be demolished. Infliction not only upon his person, but also on his family.

(2) The timber of it to be made into a cross or gibbet for his crucifixion or destruction. Thus held up to public execration (see Deuteronomy 21:22, 23).

(3) The place of his house to be made a dunghill. That his very memory might be abhorrent to men.

2. The vengeance of heaven imprecated.

(1) Civil penalties are for the breach of the royal decree; the vengeance of heaven for "putting their hand" to injure the "house of God" (see Joshua 6:26; 1 Samuel 14:24).

(2) This vengeance imprecated upon "kings;" may refer to deputies, and particularly to Tatnai and Shethar-boznai.

(3) It is also called down upon the "people." Those "of the land" particularly intended. Query - Does not this suggest a belief in a future state; for if the civil penalties are to the death, what more can there he else? Let us "fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell." - J.A.M.

I. WHAT ARE OUR EXPENSES? The expenses referred to in the text are those connected with the return of the Jews to their own land, the rebuilding of the temple and its continual sacrifices.

1. Our release from the thraldom of sin involved enormous expenditure (1 Peter 1:18, 19).

2. The important steps of public profession of faith in Christ, and of union with His Church, need peculiar supplies of grace.

3. There is much new material to be built up in our habits and life.

4. Our bodies being temples of the Holy Ghost, every physical power and every mental faculty should be "a vessel unto honour, sanctified and meet for the Master's use."

5. Our hearts are altars whereon should be offered the sacrifices of worship and praise.

II. WHERE SHALL WE FIND MEANS TO MEET THESE EXPENSES?

1. The Word of God's truth.

2. The throne of His grace.

3. The fellowship of His people.

4. The dispensation of His providence.

5. The opposition of His foes.The Persian monarch was naturally Israel's enemy, yet God arranges that he shall pay Israel's expenses. Even the lions we may meet shall supply sweet honey for our nourishment and refreshment.

6. The work of Christ (Philippians 4:19).

III. HOW SHALL WE ACT IN THE PRESENCE OF SUCH ABUNDANCE?

1. We need not be afraid of exhausting Heaven's treasures.

2. We dare not be slow in availing ourselves of these supplies.

3. We cannot help wondering at the goodness of the King.

4. We will not forget to express our gratitude to the King.

5. We must not be so selfish as to hide these glad tidings.

(R. S. Latimer.)