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Bible Commentary
Ezra

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Ezra 6

Ezr 6:1

Ezr 6: "The two chapters in Ezra combine the faithful actions of the people (Ezr 5), and the authoritative commands of the Persian Monarch (Ezr 6). It is a type of the latter-day restoration of Israel and the government of the multitudinous Christ. The conclusion of Ezr 6 is a most delightful report of the nation in harmony with their God. Ezr 6:22 concludes the first portion of the book, with the temple built and the people rejoicing in the accomplishment of their hands. A great passover was held, as it will again be conducted in the millennial temple. The priests and the people were ceremonially purified (Ezr 6:20), typical of the saints, and through whom all the 'children of the captivity' were separated from the 'filthiness' of the nations (Ezr 6:21). It was a wonderful time, only to be eclipsed by the glory of the Age to come" (GEM).

Ezr 6:2

MEMORANDUM: This was an official memorandum, recording the verbal instructions of the king, but not for public release (Tes 48:47). The decree given to the Jews was altered, to omit portions of vv 3,4 here -- regarding its great size, and payments to be made directly from the king's treasury.

Ezr 6:8

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 OF THESE MEN ARE TO BE FULLY PAID OUT OF THE ROYAL TREASURY...: Now realizing that Cyrus' original decree had been altered (cp Ezr 1 with Ezr 6:3,4), Darius issues a new decree, authorizing funds from the royal treasury for the completion of the House.

FROM THE REVENUES OF TRANS-EUPHRATES: The necessary funds were to be made up from the revenues of the territories of those who had previously opposed the building, and tried to stop it.

Ezr 6:11

I DECREE THAT IF ANYONE CHANGES THIS EDICT, A BEAM IS TO BE PULLED FROM HIS HOUSE AND HE IS TO BE LIFTED UP AND IMPALED ON IT: Darius is determined that this second decree not be altered, as the first one had been.

Ezr 6:14

SO THE ELDERS OF THE JEWS CONTINUED TO BUILD AND PROSPER... THEY FINISHED BUILDING THE TEMPLE...: The unexpected and greatly increased new revenues account for the fulfillment of the words of Haggai: "I will shake all nations, and the desired of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,' says the LORD Almighty. 'The silver is mine and the gold is mine,' declares the LORD Almighty. 'The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,' says the LORD Almighty. 'And in this place I will grant peace,' declares the LORD Almighty" (Hag 2:7-9). A larger and more beautiful and better-appointed Temple, finished without the previous opposition, was the result (Tes 48:48).

Ezr 6:15

The foundation was laid on the 24th day of the 9th month of the second year of Darius (Hag 2:18), and was completed on 3rd day of the 12th month of the 6th year of Darius -- so it took about 4 1/4 years to complete the work.

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