May God, who has caused His Name to dwell there, overthrow any king or people who lifts a hand to alter this decree or to destroy this house of God in Jerusalem. I, Darius, have issued the decree. Let it be carried out with diligence. May God, who has caused His Name to dwell thereThis phrase emphasizes the divine presence in the temple at Jerusalem. The concept of God's Name dwelling in a specific place is rooted in Deuteronomy 12:11, where God chooses a place for His Name to reside. The temple is not just a building but a symbol of God's covenant and presence among His people. This reflects the Shekinah glory that filled the temple, signifying God's approval and presence ( 1 Kings 8:10-11). overthrow any king or people who lifts a hand to alter this decree
This part of the verse is a protective invocation against any opposition to the rebuilding of the temple. Historically, the decree by Darius was a continuation of the policies of Cyrus, who initially allowed the Jews to return and rebuild (Ezra 1:1-4). The phrase underscores the divine protection over the temple project, suggesting that any opposition would face divine retribution, similar to how God protected Israel against their enemies in the past (Exodus 23:22). or to destroy this house of God in Jerusalem
The temple in Jerusalem was central to Jewish worship and identity. Its destruction by the Babylonians in 586 BC was a significant event, leading to the Babylonian exile. The rebuilding under Darius was a fulfillment of prophecy (Jeremiah 29:10) and a restoration of worship. The temple's significance is also seen in its typology of Jesus Christ, who referred to His body as the temple (John 2:19-21), indicating that He is the ultimate dwelling place of God among men. I, Darius, have issued the decree
Darius I, the Persian king, reigned from 522-486 BC. His decree was a legal and authoritative command that reinforced the earlier decree by Cyrus. This highlights the continuity of God's plan through different rulers and empires, showing that God can use even pagan kings to accomplish His purposes (Proverbs 21:1). Darius's support was crucial for the completion of the temple, demonstrating God's sovereignty over history. Let it be carried out with diligence
The call for diligence reflects the importance and urgency of the temple's completion. It underscores the need for faithful obedience to God's commands and the decrees of the king. This mirrors the biblical principle of working heartily as for the Lord (Colossians 3:23). The emphasis on diligence also serves as a reminder of the perseverance required in fulfilling God's work, as seen in the rebuilding efforts led by Zerubbabel and Jeshua (Ezra 5:2). Persons / Places / Events 1. GodThe central figure who has caused His Name to dwell in the temple, signifying His presence and authority. 2. DariusThe Persian king who issued the decree to support the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. 3. The Temple in JerusalemThe sacred place where God's Name dwells, representing His covenant with Israel. 4. The DecreeA royal command by King Darius to ensure the protection and completion of the temple. 5. Opponents of the TempleAny king or people who might attempt to alter or destroy the temple, against whom the decree warns. Teaching Points Divine SovereigntyGod is in control of history and uses even foreign rulers to accomplish His purposes. Trust in His overarching plan. The Sanctity of God's DwellingThe temple is a symbol of God's presence. Today, believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and we must honor that sacredness in our lives. Obedience to God's CommandsJust as Darius commanded diligence in carrying out the decree, we should be diligent in obeying God's Word. Protection of God's WorkGod promises to protect His work and His people. We can have confidence that He will guard what is dedicated to Him. The Power of DecreesWords and decrees have power. As believers, we should speak life and align our words with God's will. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the decree of King Darius reflect God's sovereignty over earthly rulers, and how can this encourage us in today's world? 2. In what ways does the concept of God's Name dwelling in the temple apply to our lives as believers today? 3. What are some modern-day "decrees" or commitments we can make to ensure that God's work in our lives is protected and completed? 4. How can we be diligent in our obedience to God's commands, and what practical steps can we take to ensure this? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's protection over something dedicated to Him. How did this strengthen your faith? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 8:29This verse speaks of God's Name dwelling in the temple, connecting to the idea of divine presence and protection. Isaiah 45:1-13Highlights God's sovereignty over kings and nations, similar to how He uses Darius to fulfill His purposes. Nehemiah 2:8Shows another instance of a Persian king (Artaxerxes) supporting the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem, demonstrating God's providence. Daniel 6:26-27Reflects on the power of decrees by Persian kings and God's ability to influence them for His purposes. Psalm 127:1Emphasizes that unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain, underscoring the divine initiative in the temple's construction. People Apharesachites, Apharsachites, Artaxerxes, Cyrus, Darius, Haggai, Iddo, Levites, Nebuchadnezzar, Shethar, Shetharboznai, Tatnai, ZechariahPlaces Assyria, Babylon, Babylonia, Beyond the River, Ecbatana, Jerusalem, Media, PersiaTopics Alter, Attempt, Attempts, Care, Carried, Cast, Caused, Change, Damage, Darius, Decree, Decreed, Destroy, Destruction, Diligence, Diligently, Dwell, Forth, Hands, Issued, Jerusalem, Kings, Lifts, Order, Outstretched, Overthrow, Peoples, Putteth, Resting-place, Speed, Speedily, TempleDictionary of Bible Themes Ezra 6:12 5833 diligence
8650 hands, lifting up Library God the Joy-Bringer
'They kept the feast ... seven days with joy; for the Lord had made them joyful.'--EZRA vi. 22. Twenty years of hard work and many disappointments and dangers had at last, for the Israelites returning from the captivity, been crowned by the completion of the Temple. It was a poor affair as compared with the magnificent house that had stood upon Zion; and so some of them 'despised the day of small things.' They were ringed about by enemies; they were feeble in themselves; there was a great deal to …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe New Temple and Its Worship
'And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo: and they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia. 15. And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king. 16. And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The "Fraternity" of Pharisees
To realise the state of religious society at the time of our Lord, the fact that the Pharisees were a regular "order," and that there were many such "fraternities," in great measure the outcome of the original Pharisees, must always be kept in view. For the New Testament simply transports us among contemporary scenes and actors, taking the then existent state of things, so to speak, for granted. But the fact referred to explains many seemingly strange circumstances, and casts fresh light upon all. …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life The Johannine Writings
BY the Johannine writings are meant the Apocalypse and the fourth gospel, as well as the three catholic epistles to which the name of John is traditionally attached. It is not possible to enter here into a review of the critical questions connected with them, and especially into the question of their authorship. The most recent criticism, while it seems to bring the traditional authorship into greater uncertainty, approaches more nearly than was once common to the position of tradition in another …
James Denney—The Death of Christ Brave Encouragements
'In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came the word of the Lord by the prophet Haggai, saying, 2. Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and to the residue of the people, saying, 3. Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing? 4. Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the Lord; and be strong, O Joshua, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture A Sermon on Isaiah xxvi. By John Knox.
[In the Prospectus of our Publication it was stated, that one discourse, at least, would be given in each number. A strict adherence to this arrangement, however, it is found, would exclude from our pages some of the most talented discourses of our early Divines; and it is therefore deemed expedient to depart from it as occasion may require. The following Sermon will occupy two numbers, and we hope, that from its intrinsic value, its historical interest, and the illustrious name of its author, it …
John Knox—The Pulpit Of The Reformation, Nos. 1, 2 and 3. Ezra-Nehemiah
Some of the most complicated problems in Hebrew history as well as in the literary criticism of the Old Testament gather about the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Apart from these books, all that we know of the origin and early history of Judaism is inferential. They are our only historical sources for that period; and if in them we have, as we seem to have, authentic memoirs, fragmentary though they be, written by the two men who, more than any other, gave permanent shape and direction to Judaism, then …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Ezra 6:12 NIVEzra 6:12 NLTEzra 6:12 ESVEzra 6:12 NASBEzra 6:12 KJV
Ezra 6:12 Commentaries
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