Ezra 6:8
I hereby decree what you must do for these elders of the Jews who are rebuilding this house of God: The cost is to be paid in full to these men from the royal treasury out of the taxes of the provinces west of the Euphrates, so that the work will not be hindered.
I hereby decree
The phrase signifies a formal and authoritative command issued by a ruler. In the context of the Persian Empire, decrees were binding and carried the weight of law. The Hebrew root for "decree" often implies a firm and unchangeable order, reflecting the king's absolute authority. This decree by King Darius underscores the divine orchestration in the rebuilding of the temple, as God uses even foreign kings to fulfill His purposes.

what you are to do
This phrase indicates specific instructions given to the officials in the region. It reflects the king's intention to ensure that his orders are carried out precisely. Historically, this demonstrates the administrative structure of the Persian Empire, where local governors were expected to implement the king's commands. Spiritually, it reminds believers of the importance of obedience to God's directives.

for these elders of the Jews
The "elders" were the leaders and representatives of the Jewish community. In the Hebrew context, elders were respected for their wisdom and experience. This acknowledgment by a foreign king highlights the respect and recognition given to the Jewish leaders, emphasizing God's favor upon His people. It also illustrates the restoration of Israel's leadership after the exile.

who are rebuilding this house of God
The "house of God" refers to the temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship and sacrifice for the Jewish people. The rebuilding signifies a period of restoration and renewal for the Israelites after their Babylonian exile. Theologically, it represents God's faithfulness in restoring His covenant relationship with His people. The act of rebuilding is a testament to the perseverance and faith of the Jewish community.

The expenses of these men
This phrase indicates the financial support provided for the rebuilding project. The mention of "expenses" being covered highlights the king's commitment to ensuring the temple's completion. It reflects the providence of God, who provides for His work through unexpected means. Historically, it shows the economic policies of the Persian Empire, which supported local religious practices to maintain peace and loyalty.

are to be fully paid out of the royal treasury
The "royal treasury" was the central financial resource of the Persian Empire. The decision to fund the temple's reconstruction from this treasury underscores the importance placed on the project by King Darius. It illustrates the principle that God can use the wealth of nations to accomplish His purposes. This provision also alleviated the financial burden on the Jewish community, allowing them to focus on the work.

from the revenues of Trans-Euphrates
"Trans-Euphrates" refers to the region beyond the Euphrates River, which included Judah. The revenues from this area were significant, and allocating them for the temple's reconstruction shows the king's strategic support for regional stability. This allocation demonstrates the interconnectedness of political and religious interests in the ancient world. It also highlights God's sovereignty over geographical and political boundaries.

so that the work will not stop
This phrase emphasizes the king's desire for the uninterrupted progress of the temple's construction. It reflects a sense of urgency and importance attached to the project. Spiritually, it serves as a reminder of the perseverance required in fulfilling God's work. Theologically, it underscores the idea that God's plans will not be thwarted, and His purposes will be accomplished in His timing.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Darius I
The Persian king who issued the decree to support the rebuilding of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem.

2. Elders of the Jews
Jewish leaders responsible for overseeing the reconstruction of the temple.

3. House of God
Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, which was being rebuilt after the Babylonian exile.

4. Royal Treasury
The source of funding for the temple's reconstruction, as ordered by King Darius.

5. Trans-Euphrates
The region from which the revenues were to be drawn to support the temple project.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Provision
God can use unexpected sources, even foreign rulers, to provide for His purposes. Trust in His provision.

The Importance of God's House
The temple's reconstruction was crucial for the Jewish community's spiritual life. Prioritize your spiritual commitments and community.

Obedience to God's Call
The Jewish elders were tasked with a significant responsibility. Be faithful in the roles God has given you.

Divine Favor and Human Authority
God can influence those in authority to fulfill His plans. Pray for leaders and trust in God's ultimate control.

Perseverance in God's Work
Despite challenges, the work on the temple continued. Stay committed to God's work, even when obstacles arise.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the decree of King Darius in Ezra 6:8 demonstrate God's provision for His people, and how can we apply this understanding to our own lives?

2. In what ways does the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem parallel the importance of maintaining our spiritual "temples" today?

3. How can we see God's hand in the actions of secular authorities, as demonstrated in Ezra 6:8, and how should this influence our prayers for leaders?

4. What lessons can we learn from the perseverance of the Jewish elders in the face of opposition, and how can we apply these lessons to our own spiritual journeys?

5. How does the financial support from the royal treasury in Ezra 6:8 reflect the principle of God using all resources for His glory, and how can we be good stewards of the resources God provides us?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 1:1-4
This passage describes the initial decree by Cyrus, King of Persia, allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple, setting the stage for Darius's support.

Haggai 1:1-15
The prophet Haggai encourages the Jews to prioritize the rebuilding of the temple, emphasizing the importance of God's house.

Philippians 4:19
This verse speaks to God's provision, similar to how God provided for the temple's reconstruction through Darius's decree.

Proverbs 21:1
Highlights how God can direct the hearts of kings, as seen in Darius's support for the temple.

Isaiah 44:28
Prophesies about Cyrus, who initiated the temple's rebuilding, showing God's sovereignty in using foreign rulers for His purposes.
Some Useful ThingsJ.S. Exell Ezra 6:1-12
The Decree of DariusJ.A. Macdonald Ezra 6:6-13
The Scriptural Warrant for an Established ChurchH. M'Neile, M. A.Ezra 6:8-11
People
Apharesachites, Apharsachites, Artaxerxes, Cyrus, Darius, Haggai, Iddo, Levites, Nebuchadnezzar, Shethar, Shetharboznai, Tatnai, Zechariah
Places
Assyria, Babylon, Babylonia, Beyond the River, Ecbatana, Jerusalem, Media, Persia
Topics
Beyond, Building, Construction, Decree, Elders, Expenses, Fully, Goods, Hereby, Jews, King's, Moreover, Paid, Revenues, River, Royal, Stop, Trans-euphrates, Treasury, Tribute
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ezra 6:8

     8797   persecution, attitudes

Ezra 6:6-10

     4357   salt

Ezra 6:7-8

     7468   temple, rebuilding

Ezra 6:8-10

     4544   wine

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 Scripture

The 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

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