Ezra 6
Meaning of Ezra 6
Ezra 6 is a chapter in the book of Ezra in the Bible. Ezra is one of the books of the Old Testament and is set around the return of the Jews from the Babylonian exile. In this chapter, a decree is found in the house of rolls where the treasures were laid up in Babylon, confirming the word of Cyrus that commanded the rebuilding of the house of God in Jerusalem.
This chapter recounts the search for the decree, its discovery, and the subsequent execution of its commands. King Darius, who was ruling at the time, not only allowed the Jews to continue their work, but he also provided resources for it from the royal treasury.
As a result of Darius’s support, the Jews were able to complete the rebuilding of the temple. The chapter ends with the dedication of the completed temple and the celebration of the Passover.
Ezra 6 highlights the themes of God’s providence and the importance of remaining faithful to God’s commands. Even though there were numerous interruptions and challenges, the temple was eventually rebuilt due to the faithfulness of the Jewish people and the aid from unexpected sources.
Ezra 6 kjv
Ezra 6 in the King James Version (KJV) narrates the continuation of the story about the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. Here’s a simple summary:
1. King Darius orders a search for the original decree made by King Cyrus, supporting the Israelites in rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. This order follows the inquiry by Tatnai, the governor, questioning the alleged authorization of the rebuilding by King Cyrus.
2. Darius finds Cyrus’s decree which details that the rebuilding of the temple was indeed allowed and that it was to be funded by the royal treasury. The decree also provided the exact measurements for the temple’s reconstruction.
3. Upon discovering this, King Darius not only confirms the decree but also imposes threats of severe punishment for anyone who attempts to alter or obstruct it.
4. The work on the temple is completed with the support of the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, the elders of the Jews, and the decree from King Darius. The temple is finished and dedicated with great joy and sacrifice.
5. The chapter concludes with the celebration of the Passover, marking the first time the festival is observed in the new temple. This renewal of religious tradition serves as an affirmation of the Jewish people’s return to their faith and identity after the period of exile.
In total, Ezra 6 details not only the physical rebuilding of the temple, but also the symbolic rebuilding of faith and identity among the returned Jewish exiles.
Ezra 6 nkjv
Ezra 6 New King James Version (NKJV) is a chapter in the Bible from the book of Ezra. In this chapter, Darius, King of Persia, confirms that the Temple of Jerusalem is to be rebuilt.
The chapter begins with King Darius ordering a search in the royal archives for the decree of King Cyrus that allowed the Jews to rebuild the temple. Upon discovering an actual decree written by Cyrus, Darius not only authorizes the continuation of the construction but also orders it to be funded by the royal treasury. He goes even further by requiring the local administrators to provide animals for sacrifices at the temple.
Darius also lays a curse on any man or king who tries to alter the decree or destroy the temple. The people of Israel are able to resume their work and complete the rebuilding of Temple with the support and protection of their Persian overlords.
Once the Temple is complete, the Israelites celebrate and dedicate it with great joy. They also observe the Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread with a renewed spirit of purity.
Appearances of the prophets Haggai and Zechariah encourage the progress of the work. This is significant as it’s an affirmation that God is guiding their work, and their mission is not merely a human project.
In essence, Ezra 6 NKJV is a chapter illustrating persistence in faith, recognition of divine guidance, and the joy of achieving a long-awaited goal.
Ezra 6 niv
Ezra 6 is a chapter in the Old Testament Book of Ezra, New International Version (NIV) of the Bible.
The chapter begins with King Darius confirming Cyrus’s decree to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. After King Darius discovers the original decree from Cyrus, he demands that the construction of the temple proceed without interruption, and funded by royal treasure.
The Israelites rebuild and complete the temple with the support of the prophets Haggai and Zechariah. The dedication of the new temple is a great celebration wherein they offer many sacrifices and install priests in their divisions and the Levites in theirs, as written in the Book of Moses.
The chapter ends with the return of the Passover, marked by a seven-day feast of unleavened bread, thereby demonstrating the renewed relationship between God and His people after the completion of the temple.
Overall, the chapter highlights God’s faithfulness in fulfilling his promises to the people of Israel, that their place of worship would be restored, and shows the power and authority of God above earthly emperors.
What is Ezra 6 all about?
Ezra Chapter 6 continues the story of the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple, a significant event for the Jewish people after their return from Babylonian exile.
This chapter opens by detailing the response of King Darius to Tattenai’s letter (which was sent in Chapter 5). Darius orders a search of the royal archives and the original decree of Cyrus is found, confirming the Jews’ right to rebuild the temple. Darius then issues his own decree, not only reaffirming Cyrus’ decree, but also commanding Tattenai and his officials not to interfere with the project.
Furthermore, Darius offers support to this endeavor by providing funds from the royal treasury as well as necessary offerings for daily sacrifices. An order was also made that if anyone tried to alter the decree, their house would be destroyed.
Faced with this royal decree, Tattenai and his associates don’t hinder the Jews in their work, and as a result, the temple is successfully completed and dedicated with great joy. The Israelites then celebrate the Passover and Festival of Unleavened Bread with great joy, having been purified from their time in exile.
So, Ezra Chapter 6 is mainly about the completion and dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, with the backing of King Darius I, marking the end of the Babylonian Exile.
What does Ezra 6 teaches?
Ezra 6 primarily focuses on the completion of rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem under King Darius’ rule. It teaches several lessons:
1. God’s Plans and Promises Come True: The decree by King Cyrus that had been ‘lost’ was found. This teaches that God’s words and plans will come to pass no matter how much time has passed. God promised that the temple would be rebuilt and it did.
2. Respect for God from Unlikely Places: King Darius not only commands the rebuilding to be done, but he also uses funds from the treasury to finance it. He also orders anyone who hampers the project to be severely punished. It shows that God can shift the hearts of even those who do not know Him to do His will.
3. Joyful Worship: After the completion of the temple, the Israelites celebrate the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread with great joy. It shows the joy and happiness that can come from obeying and worshipping God.
4. God’s Restoration: The people who were once in exile were now back in their land and had rebuilt their temple, showing the theme of God’s restoration.
5. The Power of Prayer: Ezra and the Israelites prayed and sought God’s help during this time. Their prayers were answered, teaching the power of prayer in challenging circumstances.
6. Obedience: The people accept and obey the instructions and commands they had been given. This highlights the importance of obedience to God’s commands.
Overall, Ezra 6 teaches about faithfulness, obedience, prayer, and the joy that comes from restoring one’s relationship with God.
A Sermon on Ezra 6
Ezra Chapter 6 represents a turning point in the history of the Jewish return from captivity in Babylon. It primarily deals with the completion and dedication of the second temple in Jerusalem, during the time of Darius, the Persian King.
Here’s a general rundown of the main points of Ezra Chapter 6:
1. King Darius’ Decree (Ezra 6:1-12) – In this section, Darius confirms the decree originally made by Cyrus, allowing the Jews to rebuild the temple. Upon finding Cyrus’s original decree, Darius goes even further by commanding local officials to not only allow the Jews to rebuild but also to support the effort financially with tax money. Darius makes this decree and asks in return that the Jews pray for him and his sons.
2. Completion of the Temple (Ezra 6:13-15) – The Jewish people, led by Zerubbabel and Jeshua, are finally allowed to complete the temple, thanks to Darius’s decree. The construction of the temple is completed around 516 BC, roughly 70 years after it was first destroyed (as was predicted by the prophet Jeremiah).
3. Dedication of the Temple (Ezra 6:16-18) – After the temple is built, the Jews dedicate it to God with joy and celebration. They offer sacrifices, install priests in their divisions and Levites in their courses, reinstating the worship according to the laws of Moses.
4. Passover Celebration (Ezra 6:19-22) – The chapter concludes with the Jewish people celebrating Passover, signifying not only their physical freedom from captivity in Babylon but their spiritual freedom as well.
In essence, the sermon on Ezra 6 might focus on God’s faithfulness in the face of seemingly impossible circumstances, the importance of patience and perseverance in the face of adversities, and the joy that comes from serving and dedicating our works to God. It emphasizes that even the hearts of kings are in God’s hand and He can turn situations around for His children at any time.
Key people in Ezra 6
Ezra 6 focuses on a few key individuals:
1. King Darius: He was the king of Persia during the period this chapter of Ezra was written. King Darius orders the search for the decree by Cyrus that allowed the Jews to rebuild their temple in Jerusalem, verifying its existence and further instructing the support and allowance for the completion of the temple.
2. Tattenai: Tattenai was the governor of the region known as Beyond the River during the reign of Darius, and he is the person who initially questions the Jews’ right to rebuild their Temple.
3. Shethar-Bozenai: Shethar-Bozenai is mentioned as a royal officer of the Persian empire, along with Tattenai, who is asked to assist in the search for the decree of Cyrus.
4. King Cyrus: Although not a direct actor in Ezra 6, Cyrus the Great plays a major role in this story. He was the one who originally made the decree that allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple.
5. The Jewish elders: These are the individuals rebuilding the temple. They receive encouragement and resources under the decree, then they complete the temple and commence worship again.
6. The Prophet Haggai and Zechariah: They are mentioned in the chapter as prophets who prophesied to the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem. They encouraged and supported the Jewish people in their efforts to rebuild the temple.
7. Ezra: Although he is the attributed author of the book and the chapter, Ezra does not personally appear in this chapter. However, it is through his narrative that we get the perspective and story across.
Remember though, the actual authorship and timeline of the writings in the Book of Ezra have been a subject of considerable debate among scholars.
Real world examples on Ezra 6
Ezra 6 is a chapter in the Bible from the Old Testament book of Ezra. This chapter focuses mainly on King Darius’ decree that the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem should not only continue but also be funded by the royal treasury.
Here are few real-world examples or lessons we could learn:
1. Persistence in Faith: Just like the Jews who didn’t give up on the construction of their temple despite opposition, this can be compared to a person today who doesn’t give up on their beliefs and faith, even when facing opposition or challenges. This can be reflected in situations like standing up for one’s religious beliefs at work or school, or persisting in faith-based practices despite societal pressures.
2. Respect for All Religions: King Darius, though not a follower of the Jewish faith, allowed and even provided resources for the construction of the Jewish temple. This can be a lesson for today’s governments and individuals, showing respect and tolerance for all religions.
3. The Power of Documentation: The existence of King Cyrus’s decree which was discovered in the archives proved to be crucial evidence. Today, the ability to document and have an accurate history of agreements, contracts, etc., help in establishing facts and resolving conflicts.
4. Man’s Authority vs. God’s Authority: When King Darius granted the Jews permission to rebuild the temple, he did so because he recognized the authority of their God based on the old decree of King Cyrus. This can be a lesson for leadership today, as it shows the limitations of human power and the supremacy of divine authority.
5. Generosity: King Darius not only allowed the temple to be built but also paid for it from his treasury. Similarly, in the modern context, philanthropists contribute to charitable causes. These actions, regardless of faith, express a common human value to help and give back to the community.
Remember, these are interpretations and the exact application can vary based upon the situation and individual’s belief.
Brief Explanation of Ezra 6
Ezra 6 is a chapter in the Old Testament book of Ezra in the Bible. This chapter describes the completion and dedication of the Jerusalem Temple after its reconstruction was allowed by King Darius I of Persia, who also confirmed and extended the decree made earlier by King Cyrus relating to the restoration of the temple.
The chapter begins with King Darius searching and finding the decree of Cyrus in the royal archives. He then gives orders for the completion of the temple reconstruction, with the expenses to be paid from the royal treasury. He also commands that offerings should be provided for the sacrifices in the temple.
Once the command of Darius was received, the Jewish leaders completed the rebuilding diligently. The temple was finally finished, almost 20 years after Cyrus first allowed the Jews to return from exile, and they dedicated it with joy. Offerings were made, including 12 male goats as a sin offering for all Israel, representing the 12 tribes.
The chapter concludes with the celebration of the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread by the returned exiles who had separated themselves from the impurities of the people of the lands to seek the God of Israel. It highlights a time of great rejoicing and significant religious reform for the Jewish people after a long period of struggle.
Frequently asked questions for Ezra 6
Unfortunately, I couldn’t find specific frequently asked questions related to Ezra Chapter 6. However, I can provide an understanding of common topics people often inquire about or are confused by in this chapter.
1. **Who is Darius in the book of Ezra Chapter 6?**
Darius is the king of Persia during this time mentioned in Ezra Chapter 6. He ruled from 522 BC to 486 BC.
2. **What is the significance of the decree made by King Darius in this chapter?**
King Darius’ decree is significant as he not only allows the rebuilding of the Temple to continue but also funds it with royal revenue. Additionally, he orders that sacrifices be made regularly for the wellbeing of the king and his sons, demonstrating his support for the Jews and their religion.
3. **Why did the opponents of the Jews appealed to Darius to stop the temple’s building?**
The opponents of the Jews feared the power and unity that might come as a result of the successful rebuilding of the temple. They did not want the Jews to regain their former strength and influence.
4. **Why did King Darius search for King Cyrus’ decree concerning the temple?**
King Darius searched for King Cyrus’ decree to verify the claims of the Jews. Once he found it, he not only adhered to it but also expanded it.
5. **What is the Dedication of the Temple?**
After the temple’s construction was completed, the Jews dedicated it to God with great joy and celebration. They offered sacrifices and assigned priests to their divisions and Levites to their duties, signifying the restoration of their religious practices.
6. **What is the celebration of Passover in this context?**
The celebration of Passover signifies liberation and is a feast held annually by the Jewish people to commemorate their liberation from slavery in Egypt, as told in the book of Exodus. In this context, it marks the end of exile and the renewed freedom to worship in their rebuilt Temple.
Remember, interpretations and understandings can vary greatly with religious texts so it’s essential to review multiple sources or consult a religious scholar for a more comprehensive understanding.
Possible References for Ezra 6
“Ezra 6” refers to the sixth chapter in the biblical book of Ezra, found in the Old Testament of the Bible or the Hebrew Bible. The Book of Ezra is a historical book that covers the return of the Jews from Babylonian captivity.
Ezra 6 mainly focuses on three major narratives:
1. The Decree of Darius: Herein, King Darius of Persia supports the restoration of the Temple in Jerusalem that was initiated by King Cyrus. Darius found Cyrus’s decree regarding the temple’s construction and ordered it to continue, with its costs to be paid from the royal treasury.
2. Completion and Dedication of the Temple: The Jews were able to finish the temple with the decree of Darius. They then celebrated the dedication of the temple with joy, offering sacrifices.
3. Celebration of Passover: After the completion and dedication of the temple, the Passover is celebrated by the exiles. It also discusses the celebration of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, both significant Jewish holidays.
So, any references to “Ezra 6” are likely referring to these events. Interpretations and teachings derived from these passages depend on religious belief and theological approach.
Conclusion on Ezra 6
Ezra 6 centers on the completion and dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. The King of Persia, Darius, issues a decree supporting its rebuilding, following the Jews’ discovery of an original decree by King Cyrus that permitted the reconstruction. Despite various forms of opposition, the Jewish exiles managed to finish rebuilding the Temple.
The conclusion of Ezra 6 celebrates the completion of the temple. Following its completion, the Jewish people celebrate Passover with joy, as they are able to practice their faith openly once again. The celebration of Passover also symbolizes the freedom and new beginnings of the Jewish people – they are no longer in exile, and they now have the freedom to worship in their own temple.
The narrative reaffirms God’s providence and care for His people. The successful completion of the temple, against all odds, shows that God is powerful, faithful, and capable of fulfilling His promises. The celebration of Passover signifies the restoration of relationship between God and His people, a theme central to the entire Book of Ezra.