61 Then Darius the king made a decree, and they sought in the house of the books of the treasuries placed there in Babylon, 2 and there hath been found at Achmetha, in a palace that 'is' in the province of Media, a roll, and a record thus written within it 'is': 3 'In the first year of Cyrus the king, Cyrus the king hath made a decree concerning the house of God in Jerusalem: the house let be builded in the place where they are sacrificing sacrifices, and its foundations strongly laid; its height sixty cubits, its breadth sixty cubits; 4 three rows of rolled stones, and a row of new wood, and the outlay let be given out of the king's house. 5 'And also, the vessels of the house of God, of gold and silver, that Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple that 'is' in Jerusalem, and brought to Babylon, let be given back, and go to the temple that 'is' in Jerusalem, 'each' to its place, and put 'them' down in the house of God. 6 'Now, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shethar-Boznai, and their companions, the Apharsachites, who 'are' beyond the river, be ye far from hence; 7 let alone the work of this house of God, let the governor of the Jews, and the elders of the Jews, build this house of God on its place. 8 'And by me is made a decree concerning that which ye do with the elders of these Jews to build this house of God, that of the riches of the king, that 'are' of the tribute beyond the river, speedily let the outlay be given to these men, that they cease not; 9 and what they are needing—both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs for burnt-offerings to the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil according to the saying of the priests who 'are' in Jerusalem—let be given to them day by day without fail, 10 that they be bringing near sweet savours to the God of heaven, and praying for the life of the king, and of his sons. 11 'And by me is made a decree, that any one who changeth this thing, let wood be pulled down from his house, and being raised up, let him be smitten on it, and his house let be made a dunghill for this. 12 And God, who caused His name to dwell there, doth cast down any king and people that putteth forth his hand to change, to destroy this house of God that 'is' in Jerusalem; I Darius have made a decree; speedily let it be done.'
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ezra 6:1-12
Commentary on Ezra 6:1-12
(Read Ezra 6:1-12)
When God's time is come for fulfilling his gracious purposes concerning his church, he will raise up instruments to do it, from whom such good service was not expected. While our thoughts are directed to this event, we are led by Zechariah to fix our regard on a nobler, a spiritual building. The Lord Jesus Christ continues to lay one stone upon another: let us assist the great design. Difficulties delay the progress of this sacred edifice. Yet let not opposition discourage us, for in due season it will be completed to his abundant praise. He shall bring forth the head-stone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it.