God's Sovereignty in Historical Events
Ezra 6:1-2 highlights how King Darius issued a decree to search the archives, leading to the discovery of Cyrus's original decree. This demonstrates God's control over historical events to fulfill His purposes.

The Role of Obedience and Perseverance
The Jewish leaders continued building despite opposition, as seen in Ezra 6:14, So the elders of the Jews continued to build and prosper under the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo.

The Fulfillment of Prophecy
The completion of the temple in Ezra 6:15 fulfills the prophetic words spoken by Haggai and Zechariah, showing that God's word never returns void.

The Importance of Worship and Dedication
Ezra 6:16-18 describes the dedication of the temple with joy and sacrifices, emphasizing the importance of worship and dedication in the life of believers.

God's Provision and Favor
Ezra 6:22 illustrates how God turned the heart of the king of Assyria to strengthen the hands of the Jews, showing that God can use even unlikely sources to provide for His people.Trust in God's Timing
Just as the temple was completed in God's perfect timing, we should trust that God is working in our lives according to His divine schedule.

Persevere in the Face of Opposition
When facing challenges, remain steadfast in your faith and continue the work God has called you to do, knowing that He is with you.

Celebrate God's Faithfulness
Take time to worship and give thanks for God's faithfulness in your life, just as the Israelites celebrated the completion of the temple.

Seek God's Guidance in Leadership
Like the Jewish leaders who prospered under prophetic guidance, seek wisdom and direction from Godly counsel and His Word.1. Darius
King of Persia who issued a decree to search the archives for the original decree of King Cyrus concerning the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. Upon finding it, he reaffirmed the decree and provided support for the project. The name "Darius" is derived from the Old Persian "Dārayavauš," meaning "he who holds firm the good."

2. Cyrus
Former King of Persia who originally issued the decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. His decree is rediscovered and reaffirmed by Darius. The name "Cyrus" comes from the Old Persian "Kūruš," which may mean "sun" or "throne."

3. Tattenai
Governor of the region beyond the River (Trans-Euphrates) who questioned the Jews about their authority to rebuild the temple. He is mentioned in the context of reporting to King Darius about the construction. The name "Tattenai" is of uncertain origin, possibly related to a Semitic root meaning "gift."

4. Shethar-bozenai
An official who accompanied Tattenai in questioning the Jews and reporting to King Darius. The name "Shethar-bozenai" is of uncertain etymology, possibly of Persian origin.

5. The Elders of the Jews
The leaders of the Jewish community who were responsible for overseeing the rebuilding of the temple. They are mentioned collectively rather than individually.1. Babylon
This is where King Darius issued the decree to search the archives for the original decree of King Cyrus regarding the rebuilding of the temple. Babylon was a major city and the center of the Babylonian Empire, which had previously conquered Judah and taken the Israelites into exile.

2. Ecbatana
Also known as Achmetha in some translations, this is the location where the scroll containing Cyrus's decree was found. Ecbatana was the capital of Media, located in modern-day Iran, and served as a summer residence for Persian kings.

3. Jerusalem
The central location of the events in Ezra 6, Jerusalem is where the temple was being rebuilt. It is the holy city for the Jewish people and the site of the original temple built by Solomon.1. Darius Issues a Decree
King Darius issues a decree to search the archives in Babylon for the original decree of King Cyrus regarding the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. This reflects the Hebrew root "דָּרַשׁ" (darash), meaning to seek or inquire.

2. Discovery of the Scroll
A scroll is found in the citadel of Ecbatana in the province of Media, containing the decree of Cyrus. This discovery is crucial for the continuation of the temple construction.

3. Cyrus' Decree Reaffirmed
The decree of Cyrus is reaffirmed, which includes the dimensions of the temple and the provision of expenses from the royal treasury. The Aramaic term "טְעֵם" (ta'em) is used, meaning command or decree.

4. Darius' Instructions to Tattenai
Darius instructs Tattenai, the governor of the region, and his associates not to interfere with the work on the temple. The Hebrew root "שָׁבַת" (shavat), meaning to cease or desist, is relevant here.

5. Provision for the Temple
Darius orders that the expenses for the temple construction be fully paid from the royal revenues, and that animals and other offerings be provided for the sacrifices. This reflects the commitment to support the religious practices of the Jews.

6. Protection of the Temple Builders
Darius decrees that anyone who alters his edict will have a beam pulled from their house and be impaled on it, ensuring the protection of the temple builders. The Aramaic term "שְׁלָם" (shelam), meaning peace or safety, is implied in the protection offered.

7. Completion of the Temple
The temple is completed on the third day of the month of Adar, in the sixth year of King Darius' reign. This marks the fulfillment of the prophetic and royal decrees.

8. Dedication of the Temple
The Israelites celebrate the dedication of the temple with joy, offering sacrifices to God. The Hebrew root "חָנַךְ" (chanak), meaning to dedicate, is significant here.

9. Passover Celebration
The Israelites, including those who had separated themselves from the impurity of the nations, celebrate the Passover. This event underscores the theme of purification and renewal.

10. Observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread
The Feast of Unleavened Bread is observed for seven days with joy, as the LORD had filled them with joy by changing the attitude of the king of Assyria toward them. The Hebrew root "שָׂמַח" (samach), meaning to rejoice, is central to this celebration.Philippians 1:6
being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. This verse echoes the theme of God's faithfulness to complete what He starts.

Isaiah 55:11
so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it. This connects to the fulfillment of prophecy in Ezra 6.

Romans 8:28
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. This verse reassures us of God's sovereign plan. Pray for Trust in God's Plan
Ask God to help you trust in His timing and sovereignty, even when circumstances seem challenging.

Pray for Strength to Persevere
Seek God's strength and courage to continue His work despite opposition or difficulties.

Pray for a Heart of Worship
Request a heart that continually seeks to worship and honor God for His faithfulness and provision.

Pray for Godly Leadership and Guidance
Pray for wisdom and discernment in leadership, both in personal life and within the church community.

May this study of Ezra 6 inspire you to trust in God's faithfulness and sovereignty as you pursue His calling in your life.

1. How does the response of King Darius to the construction of the Temple illustrate God's control over the hearts of kings?

2. How does the dedication of the Temple reflect the concept of corporate worship?

3. How might the celebration of Passover in the newly built Temple have impacted the faith of the Israelites?

4. How does this chapter demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises?

5. What can we learn about God's provision in this chapter?

6. How can we see the theme of obedience playing out in this chapter?

7. Compare the response of Tattenai and the other officials to King Darius' decree with their initial resistance to the building of the Temple. What changed and why?

8. In the context of Ezra 6, how does God's will align with the actions of secular rulers? How can this be applied to today's context?

9. How does the completion of the Temple inspire believers to persist in their God-given tasks today?

10. What does the celebration of the Passover in the newly completed Temple teach us about the importance of remembering and celebrating God's deliverance?

11. How do you see God's sovereignty displayed in your life as it was in the story of the rebuilding of the Temple?

12. How does God use people and circumstances in this chapter to accomplish His purposes? Can you recall a situation where you've seen this in your life?

13. How does this chapter show the connection between obedience to God and communal joy?

14. How can we apply the Israelites' dedication to the Temple's completion to our personal commitment to God's work today?

15. How does the funding of the Temple construction by a foreign king reflect God's provision, and how can we trust in that provision today?

16. How does the account of the Temple's completion encourage you in your personal faith journey?

17. What does the purified celebration of the Passover teach us about approaching God in worship and celebration?

18. What lessons about perseverance and hope can you apply from this chapter to any discouraging situations in your life?

19. In light of the leaders' obedience in Ezra 6, how can we foster a more obedient heart toward God's commands in our lives?

20. Considering the historical verification of God's actions in this chapter, how does it strengthen your trust in the accuracy and truth of the Bible?