The Temple is Completed

Author and teacher, Dr. Howard Hendricks tells the story of a young man who strayed from the Lord but was finally brought back by the help of a friend who really loved him. When there was full repentance and restoration, Dr. Hendricks asked this Christian how it felt away f … More

Restoration

Darius commanded that the records be searched to determine if Cyrus had actually made a decree permitting the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem (v. 1). The document they sought was not found in Babylon but in Ecbatana, the capital of Media Province, where the Persian kings maintained a summer palace (v. 2). Cyrus gave the orders that the foundations be “strongly laid” and the height and breadth were both to be ninety feet (v. 3). It seems that Cyrus wanted to rebuild a bigger and more impressive facility than the one which had previously been destroyed. He not only permitted the rebuilding of the temple but he was willing to underwrite the expenses of the project (v. 4). The gold and silver vessels which Nebuchadnezzar took from the original temple were to be brought back to this new temple in Jerusalem (v. 5).

Darius goes beyond the decree of Cyrus in helping the Jews in their building project (vv. 6-12). He not only warns Totnai not to interfere but gives instruction as to what they are to do to help the work (vv. 6-7). In addition they were to give money from taxes to the Jews in order to finance their expenses (8). He and his associates, either through an honest desire to perform the king’s will or through fear of Darius threat, that anyone who disobeys would be hanged, “did speedily what he had commanded (vv. 9-12). The temple was finally completed in the sixth year of Darius reign.

Application

God’s will is supreme over all rulers, all historical events, and all hostile forces. He can deliver me in ways I can’t imagine. If I trust in His power and love, no opposition can stop me. What am I doing presently that Satan is trying to prevent me from doing but I know I have the victory through Christ?

Ezra 6:1-12 (English Standard Version)


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