The Decree of Darius is a significant event in the history of the Jewish people during the post-exilic period, as recorded in the Old Testament. This decree, issued by King Darius I of Persia, played a crucial role in the rebuilding of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem, following the Babylonian exile.

Historical Context

The decree is set against the backdrop of the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem, a movement initiated by the earlier decree of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Persian Empire. Cyrus had allowed the Jews to return to their homeland and rebuild the temple, as recorded in Ezra 1:1-4. However, the reconstruction efforts faced opposition from neighboring peoples and were subsequently halted.

The Role of Darius

Darius I, also known as Darius the Great, reigned from 522 to 486 BC. During his reign, the Jews in Jerusalem faced renewed opposition from local adversaries who questioned their right to rebuild the temple. These adversaries wrote to Darius, seeking to halt the construction by claiming that the Jews were rebellious and that the rebuilding of the temple would lead to insurrection.

The Decree

In response to these accusations, Darius ordered a search of the royal archives to verify the claims of the Jews regarding the decree of Cyrus. The search revealed that Cyrus had indeed issued a decree permitting the reconstruction of the temple. Consequently, Darius issued his own decree, affirming the original edict of Cyrus and commanding that the work on the temple should not be hindered. This is recorded in Ezra 6:1-12.

The decree of Darius not only reaffirmed the right of the Jews to rebuild the temple but also provided them with resources. Darius ordered that the expenses for the construction be paid from the royal treasury and that the local governors supply whatever was needed for the offerings at the temple. Ezra 6:8-10 states: "Moreover, I hereby decree what you are to do for these elders of the Jews in the construction of this house of God: The expenses are to be fully paid to these men from the royal treasury, from the revenues of Trans-Euphrates, so that the work will not stop. Whatever is needed—young bulls, rams, and lambs for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, or wheat, salt, wine, and oil, as requested by the priests in Jerusalem—must be given to them daily without fail."

Significance

The decree of Darius was pivotal in the completion of the Second Temple, which was finished in 516 BC, during the sixth year of Darius's reign. This event marked a significant moment in Jewish history, as it restored the central place of worship and religious life for the Jewish people in Jerusalem. The decree also exemplifies the providential hand of God in using foreign rulers to accomplish His purposes for His people, as seen throughout the biblical narrative.

Biblical References

The primary biblical account of the Decree of Darius is found in the Book of Ezra, particularly in chapters 5 and 6. These chapters detail the challenges faced by the Jewish community, the investigation ordered by Darius, and the subsequent decree that facilitated the completion of the temple.