Ezr 6:1 | MHM | STEP | The Favourable Decree of Darius This section tells how King Darius responded to the Jews’ appeal about rebuilding the temple. The Samaritans had hoped that the original decree from Cyrus would not be found, so the Jews would have to stop their work. But God’s providence made sure the decree was discovered, and Darius not only confirmed it but also gave even more support to the Jews. This shows how God can use even the actions of unbelieving rulers to help His people and fulfill His promises. v. 1–5 : King Darius ordered a search for the decree of Cyrus about the temple (Ezra 6:1 ). At first, they looked in Babylon, where Cyrus had signed it, but did not find it there. Darius did not give up but ordered the search to continue in other places. Finally, the decree was found at Achmetha in Media (Ezra 6:2 ). The decree allowed the Jews to rebuild the temple, gave the dimensions, and said the costs should come from the king’s treasury (Ezra 6:3–5 ). It also ordered that the temple vessels taken by Nebuchadnezzar should be returned to Jerusalem.

‏ Ezra 6:1

The Favourable Decree of Darius

This section tells how King Darius responded to the Jews’ appeal about rebuilding the temple. The Samaritans had hoped that the original decree from Cyrus would not be found, so the Jews would have to stop their work. But God’s providence made sure the decree was discovered, and Darius not only confirmed it but also gave even more support to the Jews. This shows how God can use even the actions of unbelieving rulers to help His people and fulfill His promises.

v. 1–5: King Darius ordered a search for the decree of Cyrus about the temple (Ezra 6:1 ^a). At first, they looked in Babylon, where Cyrus had signed it, but did not find it there. Darius did not give up but ordered the search to continue in other places. Finally, the decree was found at Achmetha in Media (Ezra 6:2 ^b). The decree allowed the Jews to rebuild the temple, gave the dimensions, and said the costs should come from the king’s treasury (Ezra 6:3–5 ^c). It also ordered that the temple vessels taken by Nebuchadnezzar should be returned to Jerusalem.