Ezra 6
-Darius finds Cyrus’ decree in the archives where the
treasures were stored in Babylon. Cyrus had kindly spoken of the God of
Jerusalem and His Temple laying out exact specifications according to the
rebuilding of It along with Its utensils. Darius further orders Tattenai,
Shethar-bozenai, and their colleagues to keep away from there as to let the
work on the House of God alone on Its site. Moreover, the cost of the project
would from come out of the Babylonian royal treasury from taxes they received
even for the sacrifices that were required. Anyone who thought of violating the
edict was to have timber drawn from his house to have them impaled on the wood
to be made a refuse heap on account of this command. Darius stood up for God
and His Temple with force (Ezra 6:1-12).
-The Temple work was completed as to the word of the
prophets Haggai and Zechariah in the sixth year of the reign of Darius. The
Jews offered their sacrifices and practiced their festivals in purity with joy
before the LORD once again, “For the LORD had caused them to rejoice, and had
turned the heart of the king of Assyria toward them to encourage them in the
work of the House of God, the God of Israel (Ezra 6:13-22).”
-*Application* You cannot stop the plans and edicts of the
LORD. His will must be accomplished when He gives the command. He will even use
foreign nations to do His good pleasure so that He can receive glory and give
joy to His people. Think about ways that God is producing joy in you through
the circumstances and turns of your life!
Verse to Memorize:
Ezra 6:22
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