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 decreeThe 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 for these elders of the Jews who are rebuilding this house of God The expenses of these men are to be fully paid out of the royal treasury from the revenues of Trans-Euphrates so that the work will not stop Persons / Places / Events 1. Darius IThe 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 ProvisionGod 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 1:1-4This 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.
People Apharesachites, Apharsachites, Artaxerxes, Cyrus, Darius, Haggai, Iddo, Levites, Nebuchadnezzar, Shethar, Shetharboznai, Tatnai, ZechariahPlaces Assyria, Babylon, Babylonia, Beyond the River, Ecbatana, Jerusalem, Media, PersiaTopics Beyond, Building, Construction, Decree, Elders, Expenses, Fully, Goods, Hereby, Jews, King's, Moreover, Paid, Revenues, River, Royal, Stop, Trans-euphrates, Treasury, TributeDictionary of Bible Themes Ezra 6:8Library 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 The "Fraternity" of Pharisees The Johannine Writings Brave Encouragements A Sermon on Isaiah xxvi. By John Knox. Ezra-Nehemiah Links Ezra 6:8 NIVEzra 6:8 NLT Ezra 6:8 ESV Ezra 6:8 NASB Ezra 6:8 KJV Ezra 6:8 Commentaries Bible Hub |