📖 Ezra — Chapter 6 (KJV)
Read the complete King James Version chapter below, then explore the passage sections, check what you remember, and keep your private study notes.
Scripture source: Project Gutenberg KJV, ebook 10.
Ezra 6:1 Then Darius the king made a decree, Rand search was made in the house of the Trolls, where the treasures were Tlaid up in Babylon.
Ezra 6:2 And there was found at TAchmetha, in the palace that is in the province of the Medes, a roll, and therein was a record thus written:
Ezra 6:3 In Rthe first year of Cyrus the king the same Cyrus the king made a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be builded, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid; the height thereof threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof threescore cubits;
Ezra 6:4 With Rthree rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let the expenses be given out of the king’s house:
Ezra 6:5 And also let Rthe golden and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and brought unto Babylon, be restored, and Tbrought again unto the temple which is at Jerusalem, every one to his place, and place them in the house of God.
Ezra 6:6 Now therefore, RTatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and Tyour companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence:
Ezra 6:7 RLet the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place.
Ezra 6:8 Moreover TI make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king’s goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not RThindered.
Ezra 6:9 And that which they have need of, both Ryoung bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail:
Ezra 6:10 That they may offer sacrifices Tof Rsweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.
Ezra 6:11 Also I have made a decree, that Rwhosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, Tlet him be hanged thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this.
Ezra 6:12 And the God that hath Rcaused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed.
Ezra 6:13 Then RTatnai, governor on this side the river, Shetharboznai, and their companions, according to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did speedily.
Ezra 6:14 RAnd 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 Tcommandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.
Ezra 6:15 And this house was finished on the third day of the month RAdar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.
Ezra 6:16 And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of Tthe children of the captivity, kept Rthe dedication of this house of God with joy.
Ezra 6:17 And Roffered at the dedication of this house of God an hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.
Ezra 6:18 And they set Rthe priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem; Tas it is written in the book of Moses.
Ezra 6:19 And the children of the captivity Rkept the passover upon the fourteenth day of the first month.
Ezra 6:20 For the priests and the Levites were Rpurified together, all of them were pure, and killed the passover for all the children of the captivity, and for their brethren the priests, and for themselves.
Ezra 6:21 And the children of Israel, which were come again out of captivity, and Rall such as had separated themselves unto them from the filthiness of the heathen of the land, to seek the LORD God of Israel, did eat,
Ezra 6:22 And kept Rthe feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for the LORD had made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.
📚 Study This Chapter
📖 What We’re Reading
Ezra 6:1–12 — The decree found and confirmed
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
A record of Cyrus's decree is found, and Darius orders the work left alone and funded. He also provides supplies for worship and states severe penalties for interference. These penalties describe Persian royal law in this episode, not authority for readers to punish opponents. The verified record changes the officials' response.
Key Truth: Truthful records can help resolve opposition.
Check What You Remember
1. Where was the record found? (Ezra 6:2)
Find it in Ezra 6:2 (KJV).
2. Whose earlier decree did it contain? (Ezra 6:3)
Find it in Ezra 6:3 (KJV).
3. Who ordered the builders left alone? (Ezra 6:12)
Find it in Ezra 6:12 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
Ezra 6:13–18 — The temple completed
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
The officials obey, and the elders finish the house with prophetic encouragement and royal authorization. The people dedicate it with joy and arrange service according to Moses' book. Years of interruption do not prevent completion. The account joins encouragement, practical support, and perseverance within God's unfolding purpose.
Key Truth: Carry renewed work faithfully to completion.
Check What You Remember
1. Name one prophet whose ministry helped the building. (Ezra 6:14)
Find it in Ezra 6:14 (KJV).
2. In which year of Darius was the house finished? (Ezra 6:15)
Find it in Ezra 6:15 (KJV).
3. How many goats were offered for all Israel? (Ezra 6:17)
Find it in Ezra 6:17 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
Ezra 6:19–22 — Passover and joy
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
The returned people keep Passover with purified priests and Levites. Others who separate from the land's religious uncleanness to seek the LORD participate too. The chapter ends with joy attributed to God's help and the ruler's changed disposition. Restoration reaches beyond construction into the renewed practice of worship.
Key Truth: Let completed work lead to renewed faithful practice.
Check What You Remember
1. On which day of the first month was Passover kept? (Ezra 6:19)
Find it in Ezra 6:19 (KJV).
2. How long was the feast of unleavened bread kept? (Ezra 6:22)
Find it in Ezra 6:22 (KJV).
3. Who made the people joyful? (Ezra 6:22)
Find it in Ezra 6:22 (KJV).
Related Scripture (KJV)
Psalms 126:3 — The psalm rejoices in the great things the LORD has done.
This related passage is selected for its connection with this chapter. It is separate from the chapter text.
Reflect and Apply
What faithful practice should continue after an important task is completed?
Advanced Questions and Answers
Study this chapter’s wording, patterns, contrasts, and meaning in greater depth.
1. How does the discovered record address building and vessels?
2. What does Darius require of Tatnai and his companions?
3. Why are supplies to be provided for offerings?
4. How does the dedication represent all Israel?
5. How does the Passover gathering include people beyond the returnees?
Notes
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