Scriptural text: Ezra 6:13-22
Lesson Context:
The resettled Jewish exiles, under Zerubbabel’s leadership, rebuilt the foundation of the Jerusalem temple (Ezra 3:8). After the work began, Persian officials questioned under whose authority they rebuilt. The Persian King Darius responded and reiterated a declaration of King Cyrus. Only then were the exiles free to rebuild without interference. Further, King Darius made allowances to financially support the reconstruction. The exiles were able to rebuild a place for the Lord’s worship.
Obedient Dedication (Ezra 6:13-18).
Tatani, Shetharboznai, and their companions having received and read the letter, acquainted the Jews with what the king had written, were so far from hindering the work going forward, that they encouraged it, and made disbursements from the king’s tribute, and furnished them with everything necessary for sacrifice, and this they did immediately and without delay.
Elders and Prophets (vv.14-15).
The building of the temple carried on, and finished in a little time. Now the elders of the Jews built with cheerfulness. The elders themselves labored with their own hands, and if they did, it was no disparagement to their eldership, but an encouragement to the other workers.
And the elders of the Jews prospered.
There are three events recorded in this passage-the completion of the Temple, its dedication, and the keeping of the Passover, some weeks thereafter. Four years intervene between the resumption of the building and its successful finish, much of which had been occupied by the interference of the Persian governor, which compelled a reference to Darius, and resulted in his confirmation Cyrus’ charter. The king’s stringent orders silenced opposition, and seem to have been loyally, however unwillingly obeyed. About twenty-three years passed between the return of the exiles and the completion of the Temple.
Celebratory Fellowship (Ezra 6:19-22).
As God himself wished it to be, “according to the commandment of the God of Israel”(verse 14), so the building was “finished.” The last stone had been placed; the last test had been applied; all was ready for use. The observation of the Passover gave space for remembrance. Israel was to remember God’s deliverance of their nation from oppression in Egypt. The one-day celebration of Passover preceded a week long observance of the feast of unleavened bread. During this week, participation ate bread that was unleavened, or without yeast. This was to remember Israel’s salvation and rescue out of Egypt.
References: 2021-2022 KJV Standard Lesson Commentary, Matthew Henry Commentary