Ezra 6:14

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Context of Ezra 6:14

Ezra 6:14 marks a significant milestone in the post-exilic history of the Jewish people: the successful completion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. This verse concludes a period of immense challenge and divine intervention. After returning from Babylonian captivity, the initial efforts to rebuild the Temple faced strong opposition, causing the work to cease for many years (Ezra 4:4-5). However, the narrative here emphasizes that the work was resumed and brought to fruition not only by human effort but also by divine impetus and the decrees of powerful Persian kings, leading to the dedication of the new Temple.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Mandate and Provision: The verse explicitly states the Temple was built "according to the commandment of the God of Israel." This underscores that the rebuilding was not merely a human endeavor but a divinely ordained task. God's will was the ultimate driving force, and He provided the means, even working through Gentile rulers to ensure His purposes were fulfilled.
  • The Power of Prophetic Encouragement: The prophets Haggai and Zechariah played a pivotal role. Their divinely inspired messages rekindled the people's zeal and courage, helping them overcome apathy and fear. Their prophesying was the catalyst for the renewed effort and subsequent prosperity in the work, demonstrating the vital role of God's Word in galvanizing His people.
  • God's Sovereignty Over Rulers: The completion was also "according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia." This highlights God's ability to use even pagan kings to accomplish His purposes (Proverbs 21:1). Cyrus had initially decreed the return and rebuilding (Ezra 1:1-4), Darius confirmed it (Ezra 6:1-12), and Artaxerxes later supported Ezra and Nehemiah in the broader restoration of Jerusalem. This demonstrates God's long-term providential care over His people and their land.
  • Obedience and Prosperity: The phrase "they prospered" is directly linked to their obedience in building. This suggests that divine favor and success accompany those who diligently follow God's commands and heed His prophetic voice, even in the face of significant obstacles.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "prospered" (ืฆืœื— - tsalach) implies success, advancement, and being effective in an undertaking. It suggests that their work was not just completed, but completed effectively and fruitfully, indicating divine blessing on their efforts. The term "commandment" (ื˜ืขื - แนญaสฟam) can also mean "decree" or "official order," emphasizing the authoritative nature of both God's instruction and the Persian kings' edicts that facilitated the Temple's completion.

Practical Application

Ezra 6:14 offers powerful lessons for believers today. It reminds us that:

  • God's Purposes Will Prevail: Even when facing opposition or discouragement, God's ultimate plan for His people will be accomplished, often through unexpected means and over extended periods.
  • The Importance of Spiritual Leadership: Just as Haggai and Zechariah spurred the people, faithful spiritual leaders and God's Word are crucial for motivating and guiding us in our spiritual 'building' projects and overcoming challenges.
  • Diligence and Obedience Bring Blessing: When we commit to God's work and obey His call, we can expect His enabling and blessing, leading to true prosperity and completion in our endeavors for His glory.
This verse stands as a profound testament to God's faithfulness to His promises and His ability to work through both spiritual and secular authorities to achieve His divine will.

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Cross-References

  • Ezra 7:1 (5 votes)

    ยถ 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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    ยถ 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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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.