Ezra 6:1

KJV

¶ Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {H116} Darius {H1868} the king {H4430} made {H7761} a decree {H2942}, and search {H1240} was made in the house {H1005} of the rolls {H5609}, where {H8536} the treasures {H1596} were laid up {H5182} in Babylon {H895}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Daryavesh the king issued an order; and search was made in the archives building, where treasures were stored in Bavel;

Berean Standard Bible

Thus King Darius ordered a search of the archives stored in the treasury of Babylon.

American Standard Version

Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the archives, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 6:1 records the pivotal action taken by King Darius I in response to the inquiry from Tatnai, the governor of Trans-Euphrates, regarding the Jews' authority to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. This verse details Darius's immediate and diligent decree to initiate a thorough search within the imperial archives, specifically in the "house of the rolls" in Babylon, to verify the existence and legitimacy of King Cyrus's original edict that authorized the Temple's reconstruction. This administrative step was crucial for resolving the legal challenge and paving the way for the project's completion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 6:1 follows a period of intense opposition and administrative challenges to the rebuilding of the Second Temple. Chapters [Ezra 4](/ezra/4 "Ezra 4 - Opposition to Temple Rebuilding") and [Ezra 5](/ezra/5 "Ezra 5 - Resumption of Temple Work") describe how initial enthusiasm for the work under Zerubbabel and Jeshua was met with fierce resistance from local adversaries, leading to a royal decree from King Artaxerxes to halt construction ([Ezra 4:21](/ezra/4-21 "Ezra 4:21 - Royal Decree to Stop Building")). However, inspired by the prophetic ministries of [Haggai](/haggai/1 "Haggai 1 - Call to Rebuild the Temple") and [Zechariah](/zechariah/1 "Zechariah 1 - Call to Repentance and Rebuild"), the Jews courageously resumed building ([Ezra 5:1-2](/ezra/5-1 "Ezra 5:1-2 - Prophets Encourage Rebuilding")). This resumption prompted Tatnai, the governor "on this side the river" (west of the Euphrates), and Shethar-boznai to question their authority and send a detailed letter to the newly enthroned King Darius I, requesting an official verification of the original decree that permitted the temple's reconstruction ([Ezra 5:6-17](/ezra/5-6 "Ezra 5:6-17 - Tatnai's Letter to Darius")). Ezra 6:1 provides Darius's immediate and decisive administrative response to this critical inquiry, setting in motion the process that would ultimately vindicate the Jews' actions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Persian Empire, under the Achaemenid dynasty, was renowned for its sophisticated administrative system, meticulous record-keeping, and vast network of royal archives. Babylon, one of the empire's key capitals and administrative centers, was a natural location for such a comprehensive search, as it was a hub where significant decrees, especially those issued by previous kings like Cyrus, would have been initially promulgated and archived. Persian kings, including Darius I (522-486 BC), often adopted a policy of religious tolerance and even support for local cults, provided they did not threaten imperial stability. This policy was a pragmatic approach to managing a diverse empire. Darius's willingness to conduct a thorough search, rather than simply dismissing the Jewish claims or immediately siding with the accusers, reflects the Persian commitment to legal precedent and administrative due diligence. The "house of the rolls" (Aramaic: _bêṯ sip̄rayyā’_) was not merely a dusty storage room but a vital component of imperial governance, holding documents that served as the legal foundation for the empire's policies and actions.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several overarching themes within the book of Ezra and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Providence**, demonstrating how God orchestrates events and uses even pagan rulers like King Darius to accomplish His sovereign purposes. Despite human opposition, bureaucratic delays, and political intrigue, God's plan for the Temple's completion remained unstoppable, as seen in Darius's unexpected diligence. Secondly, the verse underscores the importance of **Legal Due Diligence** and administrative integrity. Darius's decision to "make a decree, and search was made" showcases the meticulous record-keeping and respect for established law within the Persian Empire. His pursuit of verification, rather than accepting accusations at face value, emphasizes the value of truth and legitimate authority. Finally, it reinforces the **Power of Official Decrees** and their legal weight. The original decree by [King Cyrus](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1 - Cyrus's Decree") was the legal foundation for the Temple rebuilding, and its discovery was absolutely crucial for legitimizing the Jews' work and securing renewed royal support, transforming opposition into imperial endorsement.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Darius (Hebrew, _Daryavesh'_):** This refers to Darius I Hystaspes, who reigned from 522-486 BC. He was a powerful and effective ruler who consolidated the Persian Empire after a period of instability. His reign is historically significant, and his administrative reforms, including his emphasis on law and order, are reflected in his actions here. His personal involvement in this matter underscores the gravity of the inquiry and the importance of the Temple project to the empire's stability in the region.
* **Decree (Aramaic, _ṭe'em'_):** This Aramaic term signifies an official order, command, or edict issued by a king or high authority. It carries the weight of royal authority and is legally binding. The fact that Darius "made a decree" immediately indicates a formal, authoritative response to Tatnai's letter, not a casual suggestion. It sets in motion a legal process that demands compliance throughout the empire.
* **House of the rolls (Aramaic, _bêṯ sip̄rayyā’'_):** Literally "house of the books" or "house of the scribes," this phrase denotes the royal archives or chancery. It was the central repository for official documents, decrees, treaties, and other vital state records. The mention of this specific location highlights the systematic and organized nature of Persian administration. It was a place of immense legal and historical significance, where past royal edicts could be verified and enforced.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Darius the king made a decree":** This opening phrase signifies an immediate and authoritative response from the highest imperial authority. Upon receiving Tatnai's letter, Darius does not hesitate or procrastinate but issues a formal, legally binding command. This demonstrates his commitment to justice and proper governance, as well as the seriousness with which he regarded the administrative query concerning the Temple.
* **"and search was made":** This indicates that the decree was not merely a verbal command but initiated an active, thorough investigation. The passive voice suggests that the search was carried out by imperial officials, scribes, and administrators under Darius's direct order. It implies a diligent and systematic process, reflecting the Persian Empire's reputation for meticulous record-keeping.
* **"in the house of the rolls":** This specifies the exact location for the search: the royal archives. This was not a general inquiry but a targeted search within the empire's central repository of official documents. It underscores the expectation that such a significant decree as Cyrus's would be formally recorded and preserved in the imperial records.
* **"where the treasures were laid up in Babylon":** The phrase "where the treasures were laid up" emphasizes the immense value placed on these documents. While "treasures" could literally refer to financial wealth also stored in royal treasuries, in this context, it primarily highlights the invaluable nature of the historical, legal, and administrative records. These "rolls" were the backbone of the empire's governance, containing the precedents and laws that governed its vast territories. The mention of "Babylon" as the location is significant, as it was a major imperial capital and likely the place where Cyrus's original decree concerning the Jews was first issued and archived.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 6:1, though seemingly a simple administrative statement, employs several subtle **Literary Devices**. The verse functions as a moment of **Foreshadowing**, as the very act of "search was made" inherently anticipates the discovery of the crucial decree, which will ultimately vindicate the Jews and allow the Temple rebuilding to proceed. There is also an element of **Irony** in the narrative: the inquiry initiated by Tatnai, intended to halt the work, paradoxically becomes the catalyst for its official legitimation and renewed imperial support. Furthermore, the phrase "house of the rolls" can be seen as a form of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where a part (the archive) stands for the whole (the entire Persian bureaucracy and its administrative power). This emphasizes the vast, organized, and legally grounded nature of the empire, which God uses as an instrument for His purposes. The concise, almost bureaucratic language itself serves to highlight the factual, undeniable nature of the events unfolding, grounding the divine intervention in tangible historical reality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 6:1 is a profound testament to God's sovereign control over human affairs, even over the most powerful earthly rulers and empires. It demonstrates that no human opposition or bureaucratic hurdle can ultimately thwart God's divine purposes. Darius's diligent search, though a secular administrative act, was divinely orchestrated to bring to light the very decree that would ensure the completion of God's Temple. This highlights God's faithfulness to His promises, proving that He works "behind the scenes" through unexpected means and seemingly mundane administrative processes to advance His kingdom. The verse assures us that God's plan is not subject to the whims of human politics or the efficiency of earthly systems, but rather, He uses them as instruments for His will.

* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")
* [Isaiah 45:1-7](/isaiah/45-1 "Isaiah 45:1-7 - God's Anointed, Cyrus")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 6:1 offers a powerful lesson in divine sovereignty and the nature of God's work in the world. When we face seemingly insurmountable obstacles, bureaucratic delays, or determined opposition in our pursuit of God's calling, this verse reminds us that God is actively at work, often in ways we cannot immediately perceive. Darius's thoroughness, though motivated by imperial protocol, became the vehicle for God's providential care. This encourages us to persevere in faith, trusting that God will vindicate His people and fulfill His promises, even through the most unexpected channels. It challenges us to look beyond immediate circumstances and recognize God's hand in the details of life, even in the "house of the rolls" of our own challenges, knowing that He is meticulously bringing His plans to fruition.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Darius's diligent search for truth challenge our own patience and diligence when facing administrative or legal hurdles?**
* **In what areas of your life are you waiting for God to "search the records" and bring about a resolution or vindication?**
* **How does Ezra 6:1 encourage you to trust God's sovereignty even when human systems seem to be working against His purposes?**
* **What "decrees" or promises of God are you holding onto, believing that He will bring them to light and fulfillment?**

### FAQ

**Why was the search for Cyrus's decree conducted specifically in Babylon, and not in Jerusalem or another Persian capital like Susa or Ecbatana?**

Answer: Babylon was a primary administrative capital of the Persian Empire, especially significant during the early years of its rule over the former Babylonian territories. Cyrus the Great had conquered Babylon and likely issued his original decree concerning the Jews from there, making it a logical place for the decree to be initially archived. While other capitals like Susa (the main administrative capital) or Ecbatana (a summer capital, where the decree was eventually found in [Ezra 6:2](/ezra/6-2 "Ezra 6:2 - Decree Found in Ecbatana")) also housed imperial archives, Babylon would have been a natural starting point for such a comprehensive search for a decree issued by Cyrus, particularly one concerning a region under Babylonian administration. The vastness of the Persian Empire meant that important documents might be duplicated or stored in multiple key administrative centers.

**What is the significance of "treasures were laid up" in the "house of the rolls"? Does it imply financial wealth?**

Answer: While royal treasuries often contained financial wealth, in the context of the "house of the rolls" (royal archives), "treasures" primarily refers to the immense value and importance of the documents themselves. These "rolls" contained official decrees, legal precedents, treaties, land grants, and historical records that were vital for the functioning and legitimacy of the empire. They were invaluable assets, representing the legal and administrative backbone of the Persian state, far more precious than mere gold or silver in terms of governmental operation. The phrase emphasizes that these documents were meticulously preserved and highly guarded, reflecting their critical role in imperial governance and the maintenance of order across a vast empire.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 6:1, with its emphasis on a king's decree leading to a search for a foundational document that legitimizes the building of God's Temple, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. Just as Darius's decree brought to light Cyrus's original edict, God's eternal decree for salvation, established before the foundation of the world ([Ephesians 1:4](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4 - Chosen in Christ")), was brought to light and fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christ Himself is the ultimate "decree" from God, the living Word who perfectly embodies God's will and purpose. He is not merely a builder of a physical temple, but the very foundation and cornerstone of the spiritual Temple, the Church ([1 Peter 2:5-6](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5-6 - Living Stones and Cornerstone")). The search for a validating document in Ezra foreshadows the ultimate legal vindication and justification that believers receive through Christ's atoning sacrifice. On the cross, Christ took upon Himself the "record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands" and "set it aside, nailing it to the cross" ([Colossians 2:14](/colossians/2-14 "Colossians 2:14 - Cancellation of Debt")). Through His resurrection, God's ultimate "decree" of righteousness for all who believe was made manifest ([Romans 4:25](/romans/4-25 "Romans 4:25 - Raised for Our Justification")). Thus, the administrative diligence of a pagan king in Ezra 6:1 ultimately points to the meticulous, sovereign plan of God, executed through His Son, to build His eternal spiritual house, where He dwells among His people, a dwelling far greater than any physical temple ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Destroy This Temple, and in Three Days I Will Raise It Up")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.