Ezra 6:1–12 (November 7th, 2025)

The Decree of Darius

6:1 Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in Babylonia, in the house of the archives where the documents were stored. 2 And in Ecbatana, the citadel that is in the province of Media, a scroll was found on which this was written: “A record. 3 In the first year of Cyrus the king, Cyrus the king issued a decree: Concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, let the house be rebuilt, the place where sacrifices were offered, and let its foundations be retained. Its height shall be sixty cubits and its breadth sixty cubits, 4 with three layers of great stones and one layer of timber. Let the cost be paid from the royal treasury. 5 And also let the gold and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that is in Jerusalem and brought to Babylon, be restored and brought back to the temple that is in Jerusalem, each to its place. You shall put them in the house of God.”

6 “Now therefore, Tattenai, governor of the province Beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai, and your associates the governors who are in the province Beyond the River, keep away. 7 Let the work on this house of God alone. Let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews rebuild this house of God on its site. 8 Moreover, I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the rebuilding of this house of God. The cost is to be paid to these men in full and without delay from the royal revenue, the tribute of the province from Beyond the River. 9 And whatever is needed—bulls, rams, or sheep for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, or oil, as the priests at Jerusalem require—let that be given to them day by day without fail, 10 that they may offer pleasing sacrifices to the God of heaven and pray for the life of the king and his sons. 11 Also I make a decree that if anyone alters this edict, a beam shall be pulled out of his house, and he shall be impaled on it, and his house shall be made a dunghill. 12 May the God who has caused his name to dwell there overthrow any king or people who shall put out a hand to alter this, or to destroy this house of God that is in Jerusalem. I Darius make a decree; let it be done with all diligence.”

THE WORD THAT CANNOT BE OVERRULED

Ezra 6_1-12Brian Lee

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Summary

After years of delay and opposition, God’s plan to rebuild the temple began to move again, and it was through a pagan king’s archives. Surprise! King Darius of Persia orders a search of the royal record halls for the decree issued by King Cyrus. In a remarkable turn of providence, the decree is found not in Babylon but in Ecbatana, the summer capital of Media (v. 2). This historical detail reminds us that divine promises are never lost in human forgetfulness.

Cyrus’s original decree (vv. 3–5) authorized the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. It was very detailed, specifying the dimensions, the use of royal funds, and the return of sacred vessels taken by Nebuchadnezzar. Now, Darius, recognizing the legitimacy of that decree, issues a new edict:

“Let the work on this house of God alone” (v. 7).

The irony is that the same empire that once destroyed Jerusalem is now commanding to fund its restoration. Darius even threatens capital punishment for anyone who alters his decree (v. 11). God’s Word, first spoken through His prophets and then affirmed by kings, now stands unopposed.

Who is God

God directs both history and human hearts to fulfill His Word.

Through Darius’s administrative order, we get a glimpse of providence at work. The phrase “let the work of this house of God alone” is not a royal tolerance. It is expressive of divine protection. God rules and uses not just the church but also secular authority to shield His covenant people and advance His purposes.

The Old Testament often presents God’s sovereignty as a hidden but active force. The writer intentionally shows no supernatural "miracle" here. There's no fire from heaven, no angelic messenger. It's just documents, decrees, and bureaucrats. How unexciting! Yet behind these ordinary instruments stands an extraordinary God.

What is our Guilt

We doubt that God’s Word is active because His work appears delayed.

It's understandable. The rebuilding of the temple had been halted for sixteen years! The people were being intimidated by opposition from all kinds of people. Failed expectations were wearing the people thin. Don't we often interpret divine silence as divine absence? We often seek validation from human authorities rather than trusting in God's Word and His Sovereign providence.

How does Grace Shine

Grace shines through divine providence.

Long after Cyrus’s words had faded from human memory, God ensured they were preserved in the archives of an empire. The rediscovery of the decree is a symbol of grace remembered and promises renewed. God’s providence does not erase delay. It redeems it, and how!

Grace of God not only defends God’s people but also provides abundantly for their obedience. This anticipates the gospel pattern fulfilled in Christ. Jesus is rejected, but He becomes the cornerstone! The cross, which is the instrument of curse and destruction, now becomes the means of salvation. Hallelujah!

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

You are the Lord of history whose Word cannot be overruled. Thank you for your promises that do not expire with time or human resistance. Forgive us for the ways we grow weary and fearful when your work seems delayed. Remind us that your providence often moves quietly through the halls of power, accomplishing what we cannot see. Strengthen our faith to trust that your Word will stand forever.

In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.