Ezra 6 describes how King Darius of Persia, who reigned from 522 to 486 BC, discovered the original decree of King Cyrus allowing the reconstruction of the temple in Jerusalem. Tattenai, the governor of the region, had questioned the legitimacy of the Jewish exiles’ work, prompting him to write to Darius. In response, the king ordered a search of the royal archives, finding Cyrus’s words preserved in books stored at Ecbatana (modern—day Hamadan in western Iran). Darius reaffirmed that the Jews had every right to rebuild the temple of God in Jerusalem, declaring, “Leave this work on the house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews rebuild this house of God on its site” (verse 7). This royal decree helped the Jewish community resume their project without intimidation.

Empowered by the king’s proclamation, the elders and people of Israel pressed on and successfully completed the temple around 515 BC. Jerusalem, situated in the heart of the Judean hills, served as a spiritual center for the exiles returning from Babylon. Darius not only extended his approval, but also provided financial aid and resources for sacrificial offerings. He warned that any attempt to obstruct the temple’s completion would bring severe penalties, illustrating how God used earthly rulers to accomplish divine purposes.

Upon finishing the construction, the returning exiles dedicated the temple to the Lord with great celebration. Verse 16 emphasizes their joy in fulfilling God’s instructions and seeing their work brought to completion: “And the sons of Israel, the priests, the Levites and the rest of the exiles, celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy.” Shortly afterward, they observed the Passover with reverence and gratitude, echoing the ancient deliverance from Egypt and honoring the God who had brought them back as a restored people.

This chapter also points forward to a greater reality. The temple functioned as the dwelling place of God among His people, a theme later fulfilled in Jesus, who referred to Himself as God’s true temple (John 2:19-21). Just as the exiles rejoiced at the completed structure in Jerusalem, believers today rejoice in God’s eternal presence, accessed through Christ. Ezra 6, in the context of the entire book, illustrates how the Lord weaves restoration into His redemptive plan, culminating in Jesus’s ultimate work of salvation for all who believe.