Ezra 6:14

KJV

And 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 commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the elders {H7868} of the Jews {H3062} builded {H1124}, and they prospered {H6744} through the prophesying {H5017} of Haggai {H2292} the prophet {H5029} and Zechariah {H2148} the son {H1247} of Iddo {H5714}. And they builded {H1124}, and finished {H3635} it, according {H4481} to the commandment {H2941} of the God {H426} of Israel {H3479}, and according to the commandment {H2942} of Cyrus {H3567}, and Darius {H1868}, and Artaxerxes {H783} king {H4430} of Persia {H6540}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The leaders of the Judeans made good progress with the rebuilding, thanks to the prophesying of Hagai the prophet and Z'kharyah the son of 'Iddo. They kept building until they were finished, in keeping with the command of the God of Isra'el and in accordance with the order of Koresh, Daryavesh and Artach'shashta king of Persia.

Berean Standard Bible

So the Jewish elders built and prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah son of Iddo. They finished building according to the command of the God of Israel and the decrees of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes, kings of Persia.

American Standard Version

And the elders of the Jews builded and 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 decree of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 6:14 powerfully chronicles the triumphant completion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, a monumental achievement for the post-exilic Jewish community. This verse profoundly asserts that the successful rebuilding was not merely the product of human endeavor but a divinely orchestrated work, propelled by the prophetic encouragement of Haggai and Zechariah, and remarkably facilitated by the sovereign decrees of powerful Persian kings—Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes. It stands as an enduring testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and His sovereign ability to utilize both spiritual and secular authorities to accomplish His redemptive purposes, culminating in the prosperity and finalization of His sacred house.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 6:14 serves as the climactic conclusion to the narrative of the Second Temple's rebuilding, which commenced in [Ezra 3](/ezra/3 "Ezra 3 - The Altar and Foundation of the Temple") following the initial return from Babylonian exile. Chapters 1-6 meticulously detail the initial enthusiasm, the subsequent opposition that tragically halted the work for many years (as recounted in [Ezra 4](/ezra/4 "Ezra 4 - Opposition to the Rebuilding")), and the crucial divine intervention through the ministries of prophets Haggai and Zechariah (highlighted in [Ezra 5](/ezra/5 "Ezra 5 - The Prophets Stir the People to Build")) that spurred the people to resume construction. This verse, immediately preceding the joyous dedication of the Temple in [Ezra 6:16-18](/ezra/6-16-18 "Ezra 6:16-18 - Dedication of the Temple and Passover Celebration"), signifies the successful culmination of this arduous, multi-decade endeavor. It seamlessly bridges the historical account of the Temple's construction with its subsequent dedication and the celebration of Passover, emphatically highlighting God's faithfulness in bringing His plans to fruition despite significant and prolonged obstacles.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in Ezra 6:14 is the post-exilic era, specifically the late 6th century BCE, following the Jewish people's return from seventy years of Babylonian captivity. The Persian Empire, having overthrown Babylon, was the dominant world power, and its administrative structure played a pivotal role in the Jewish restoration. Cyrus the Great had issued a benevolent decree permitting the Jews to return and rebuild their Temple, as explicitly stated in [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1-4 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree for the Temple's Return"), but subsequent opposition from local adversaries led to a cessation of work under later kings. The reign of Darius I (522-486 BCE) proved crucial; his discovery and re-affirmation of Cyrus's original decree, meticulously detailed in [Ezra 6:1-12](/ezra/6-1-12 "Ezra 6:1-12 - Darius's Decree to Support the Temple"), provided the necessary political and financial backing for the work to resume and be completed. Artaxerxes, mentioned here, refers to a later king (likely Artaxerxes I, 465-424 BCE) whose decrees would further support the restoration of Jerusalem and its people, underscoring the long-term, providential care of God through successive Persian monarchs, demonstrating His ability to use even pagan rulers for His divine purposes.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes found throughout the book of Ezra and the broader post-exilic narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating God's absolute ability to orchestrate events and utilize even pagan rulers to accomplish His will, a truth echoed in [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Hand of the Lord"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Power of the Prophetic Word**; the ministries of Haggai and Zechariah were instrumental in rekindling the people's zeal and overcoming their apathy and fear, proving that God's word is living, active, and effective ([Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Word of God is Living and Active")). Thirdly, it illustrates the principle of **Obedience and Divine Blessing**, where the "prospering" of the work is directly linked to the people's renewed obedience in building according to God's command, reinforcing the biblical pattern of blessing following faithful action. Finally, it underscores the **Centrality of the Temple** as the dwelling place of God's presence and the focal point for Israel's worship and identity, a foundational theme throughout the Old Testament narrative, from the Tabernacle in [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") to Solomon's Temple in [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Solomon Builds the Temple").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Builded (Aramaic, _bᵉnâʼ'_):** This verb (H1124) signifies the act of construction or making. Its repeated use in Ezra 6:14 emphasizes the sustained, physical labor involved in the Temple's reconstruction. It highlights the tangible effort of the Jewish elders and the community in bringing the divine command to fruition, underscoring both human responsibility and the eventual successful completion of the arduous task.
* **Prospered (Aramaic, _tsᵉlach'_):** This verb (H6744) denotes success, advancement, or effectiveness in an undertaking. In this context, it implies more than mere completion; it suggests that the work was accomplished with divine favor and blessing, overcoming all obstacles and achieving its intended purpose with ease and fruitfulness. The prosperity was not solely in terms of material resources, but in the spiritual and communal flourishing that accompanied the renewed obedience to God's command.
* **Commandment (Aramaic, _ṭaʻam'_):** This term (H2941) refers to an official decree, order, or edict, often with judicial authority. Its repeated use in the verse emphasizes the authoritative nature of the directives that led to the Temple's completion. It highlights that the rebuilding was not an arbitrary human project but was carried out under the binding authority of both the God of Israel and the highest human rulers of the time, underscoring a divinely sanctioned and legally recognized endeavor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo."**: This opening clause establishes the primary human agents, "the elders of the Jews," representing the collective effort and leadership of the community. Crucially, their "prospering" in the building efforts is directly attributed to the "prophesying" of Haggai and Zechariah. These prophets delivered God's timely and divinely inspired word, challenging the people's apathy, reminding them of God's promises, and urging them to prioritize the Temple's construction. Their ministry ignited the people's zeal and secured divine favor on their work, demonstrating the transformative power of God's spoken word.
* **"And they builded, and finished [it],"**: This phrase emphasizes the successful and complete culmination of the arduous task. The repetition of "builded" underscores the sustained, diligent effort required over many years, while "finished [it]" marks the triumphant conclusion of the Temple's construction, bringing to an end years of delay, opposition, and discouragement. This completion was a monumental achievement, signaling a new era for the returned exiles and the restoration of proper worship.
* **"according to the commandment of the God of Israel,"**: This critical declaration asserts that the ultimate authority and driving force behind the Temple's completion was God Himself. The rebuilding was not merely a human initiative but a direct fulfillment of God's sovereign will and a response to His divine mandate. This highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and His active, providential involvement in the affairs of His people, orchestrating events to ensure His purposes are realized.
* **"and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia."**: This final clause profoundly demonstrates God's sovereign ability to work through secular authorities, even pagan kings, to accomplish His divine purposes. Cyrus initiated the return and the initial rebuilding decree, Darius confirmed and enforced that decree, and Artaxerxes later provided further support for the broader restoration of Jerusalem. The explicit mention of these three successive Persian kings underscores the long-term, consistent, and providential hand of God working through the highest world leaders to ensure His divine plan for His people and His house was realized, showcasing His dominion over all earthly powers.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 6:14 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Repetition** is prominent, with the verb "builded" appearing twice, emphasizing the sustained effort, perseverance, and ultimate success of the construction. More significantly, the phrase "according to the commandment of" is repeated, creating a powerful **Parallelism** that juxtaposes the divine command with the human royal decrees. This parallelism highlights the ultimate source of authority (God) and the instrumental means through which His will was executed (the Persian kings), thereby underscoring the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**—God's ultimate plan is so powerful that it compels even foreign rulers to act in ways that further His kingdom purposes. The verse also functions as a **Climax**, bringing to a triumphant close the long and challenging narrative of the Temple's reconstruction, providing a sense of resolution and divine vindication after years of struggle and delay. Furthermore, the inclusion of specific names (Haggai, Zechariah, Cyrus, Darius, Artaxerxes) lends a strong sense of **Historical Veracity** and concrete detail to the narrative, grounding the theological claims in verifiable historical events.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 6:14 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His sovereign control over all of history. The completion of the Temple, against all odds and through the decrees of pagan kings, testifies to God's ability to use any means necessary, even unexpected ones, to fulfill His promises. It affirms that God's purposes will ultimately prevail, regardless of human opposition, apathy, or changing political landscapes. The verse also underscores the vital role of prophetic ministry in stirring God's people to action and the immense blessing that accompanies obedience to His revealed will. It teaches that true prosperity in God's work comes not merely from human effort or strategic planning, but fundamentally from divine enablement, active participation, and faithful alignment with His commands. This completion represents a significant step in the restoration of Israel's identity and worship after exile.

* [Isaiah 45:1-7](/isaiah/45-1-7 "Isaiah 45:1-7 - God's Anointed Cyrus and His Sovereign Plan")
* [Haggai 1:1-11](/haggai/1-1-11 "Haggai 1:1-11 - Call to Rebuild the Temple and Divine Consequences")
* [Psalm 127:1](/psalm/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - Unless the Lord Builds the House")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 6:14 offers a profound encouragement for believers today, reminding us that God's purposes are unstoppable, and He is faithful to complete what He starts, even when the path is long and fraught with obstacles. In our own lives, whether facing personal challenges, spiritual apathy, or seemingly insurmountable hurdles in ministry or community, this verse calls us to trust in God's sovereign hand. It reminds us that our "building" projects—be they spiritual disciplines, family discipleship, community service, or vocational endeavors—are not reliant solely on our strength or ingenuity, but on God's enabling power and His divine command. We are called to heed the prophetic voice of God's Word, which, like Haggai and Zechariah's message, can rekindle our zeal, correct our priorities, and guide us to "prosper" in our endeavors for His glory. This verse also challenges us to recognize God's work in unexpected places and through unlikely means, even through secular authorities or challenging circumstances, and to faithfully persevere, knowing that diligence in obedience ultimately leads to divine blessing and the completion of His good work in and through us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in your life or ministry do you feel like the "building" has stalled due to opposition, apathy, or distraction?**
* **How might God be using "prophetic voices" (His Word, godly counsel, spiritual leaders) to stir you to renewed action and focus today?**
* **In what ways have you seen God use unexpected or secular means to advance His purposes in your life or in the broader world?**
* **What does "prospering" in God's work mean to you, beyond mere completion, in light of this verse's emphasis on divine favor and prophetic guidance?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of the prophets Haggai and Zechariah in the rebuilding effort?**

Answer: The prophets Haggai and Zechariah were absolutely critical to the successful completion of the Second Temple. After the initial enthusiasm for rebuilding waned due to opposition and the people's focus shifted to their own homes, God raised up these two prophets. Their divinely inspired messages, recorded in the books of [Haggai](/haggai/1 "Book of Haggai") and [Zechariah](/zechariah/1 "Book of Zechariah"), directly addressed the people's apathy, fear, and misplaced priorities. Haggai challenged them with the piercing question, "Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins?" ([Haggai 1:4](/haggai/1-4 "Haggai 1:4 - Is it Time for You to Dwell in Your Paneled Houses?")). Zechariah encouraged them with the powerful promise, "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord of hosts" ([Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might, Nor by Power")). Their words rekindled the people's zeal, instilled courage, and reminded them of God's presence and promises, directly leading to the resumption and successful completion of the Temple, as Ezra 6:14 clearly states. They were God's instruments to motivate and guide His people back to their divine task.

**How did the decrees of the Persian kings contribute to the Temple's completion?**

Answer: The decrees of the Persian kings were instrumental and divinely orchestrated in the completion of the Temple, demonstrating God's sovereignty over earthly rulers. Cyrus the Great, in [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1-4 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree for the Temple's Return"), issued the initial decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple, even providing resources. Later, when opposition halted the work, King Darius I, after a search of the archives, rediscovered and re-affirmed Cyrus's original decree, providing not only legal protection but also financial support from the royal treasury for the Temple's construction ([Ezra 6:1-12](/ezra/6-1-12 "Ezra 6:1-12 - Darius's Decree to Support the Temple")). While Artaxerxes' specific contribution to the *Temple's completion* isn't detailed in Ezra 6, his mention here likely refers to his later decrees (e.g., in [Ezra 7](/ezra/7 "Ezra 7 - Artaxerxes' Decree to Ezra")) that further supported the Jewish community and the restoration of Jerusalem, solidifying the long-term Persian policy of supporting the Temple and its worship. Thus, these kings' commands provided the necessary political and material framework for the work to proceed and be finished.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 6:14, with its focus on the completion of the physical Temple through divine command and human cooperation, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. The earthly Temple, though glorious, was ultimately a shadow of a greater reality: Jesus Christ Himself. He boldly declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking not of the stone structure, but of the temple of His own body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). Christ is the ultimate dwelling place of God, the true Temple where God's presence fully resides in bodily form ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")). The prophetic word that spurred the building in Ezra points to Christ as the very Word of God incarnate ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - In the Beginning Was the Word")), through whom all things are made and through whom God speaks His final and complete revelation ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). Furthermore, the "finished" work of the Temple in Ezra foreshadows Christ's triumphant declaration on the cross, "It is finished!" ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - It Is Finished!")), signifying the complete and perfect sacrifice that inaugurated the new covenant and fully accomplished God's redemptive plan. The building of the Temple in Ezra also prefigures the ongoing construction of God's spiritual temple, the Church, with Christ as the cornerstone and believers as living stones, continually being built into a holy dwelling for God's Spirit ([1 Peter 2:4-5](/1_peter/2-4-5 "1 Peter 2:4-5 - Living Stones, Spiritual House"); [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Foundation of Apostles and Prophets")). Thus, Ezra 6:14 is not just a historical account of a completed building, but a powerful testament to God's sovereign plan to establish His dwelling place among humanity, ultimately and perfectly fulfilled in Jesus Christ and His ongoing work through His Spirit in His church.

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.

Cross-References

Ezra 7:1

¶ Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah,

Ezra 4:24

Then ceased the work of the house of God which [is] at Jerusalem. So it ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.

Ezra 5:2

Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which [is] at Jerusalem: and with them [were] the prophets of God helping them.

Ezra 5:13

But in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon [the same] king Cyrus made a decree to build this house of God.

Ezra 1:1

¶ Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and [put it] also in writing, saying,

Ezra 1:4

And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that [is] in Jerusalem.

Ezra 6:12

And the God that hath caused 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.