Ezra 6:15

KJV

And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.

KJV (with Strong's)

And this {H1836} house {H1005} was finished {H3319} on {H5705} the third {H8532} day {H3118} of the month {H3393} Adar {H144}, which was {H1932} in the sixth {H8353} year {H8140} of the reign {H4437} of Darius {H1868} the king {H4430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of Daryavesh the king.

Berean Standard Bible

And this temple was completed on the third day of the month of Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius.

American Standard Version

And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 6:15 marks a pivotal moment in post-exilic Jewish history, recording the triumphant completion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. After years of delay, opposition, and renewed effort, the sacred house of God was finally finished on the third day of the month Adar, in the sixth year of King Darius I's reign. This verse encapsulates the culmination of divine faithfulness, human perseverance, and the fulfillment of prophecy, signifying the re-establishment of central worship and national identity for the returned exiles.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 6:15 is the climax of the narrative detailing the rebuilding of the Temple after the Babylonian exile. The book of Ezra begins with Cyrus's decree allowing the Jews to return and rebuild ([Ezra 1](/ezra/1 "Ezra 1 - Cyrus's Decree and Return from Exile")), and the initial laying of the foundation was met with both joy and lament ([Ezra 3](/ezra/3 "Ezra 3 - Laying the Temple Foundation")). However, fierce opposition from surrounding peoples, particularly the Samaritans, led to a prolonged cessation of work, as documented in [Ezra 4](/ezra/4 "Ezra 4 - Opposition to the Temple Rebuilding"). The narrative then shifts to the renewed prophetic ministries of Haggai and Zechariah, who spurred the people back to work ([Ezra 5:1-2](/ezra/5-1 "Ezra 5:1-2 - Haggai and Zechariah Prophesy")). This resumption prompted a new inquiry from Tattenai, the governor of Trans-Euphrates, leading to the discovery of Cyrus's original decree in the archives of Ecbatana ([Ezra 6:1-5](/ezra/6-1 "Ezra 6:1-5 - Darius's Decree Confirms Cyrus's Order")). Darius I then issued his own decree, not only reaffirming Cyrus's permission but also commanding assistance and protection for the builders ([Ezra 6:6-12](/ezra/6-6 "Ezra 6:6-12 - Darius's Support for the Temple")). Ezra 6:15, therefore, is the triumphant conclusion to this long and arduous process, immediately preceding the joyful dedication ceremonies described in [Ezra 6:16-18](/ezra/6-16 "Ezra 6:16-18 - Dedication of the Second Temple").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The completion of the Second Temple occurred during the Persian Empire's rule, specifically under Darius I Hystaspes (522-486 BC). This era followed the Babylonian exile, which had seen the destruction of Solomon's Temple in 586 BC. The return of the Jewish exiles was a remarkable act of divine providence, as no other exiled people were granted such a privilege by their conquerors. The Temple was not merely a building; it was the spiritual and national heart of Israel, symbolizing God's presence among His people and the continuation of the covenant. Its completion was a profound statement of restoration, identity, and hope for a people who had endured immense suffering and displacement. The precise dating in the verse—the sixth year of Darius's reign, approximately 516 BC—is historically significant as it places the completion roughly 70 years after the destruction of the First Temple, fulfilling Jeremiah's prophecy regarding the seventy years of desolation for Jerusalem ([Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of 70 Years of Exile")). The meticulous record-keeping reflects the importance of this event for the Jewish community and its historical veracity within the Persian administrative system.
* **Key Themes:** The completion of the Temple in Ezra 6:15 powerfully underscores several key themes. First, **Divine Faithfulness and Providence** are paramount. Despite decades of delay, fierce opposition, and human discouragement, God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises is evident. He sovereignly orchestrated events, even using pagan kings like Cyrus and Darius, to ensure His purposes for His people and His dwelling place were fulfilled ([Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")). Second, **Perseverance and Dedication** are highlighted. The Jewish community, led by Zerubbabel and Joshua, demonstrated remarkable resilience. Their renewed commitment, spurred by the prophets, illustrates that faithful obedience and persistence are crucial in God's work, even when facing formidable obstacles ([Galatians 6:9](/galatians/6-9 "Galatians 6:9 - Do Not Grow Weary in Doing Good")). Third, this event signifies the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**. The 70-year period of exile and desolation, foretold by Jeremiah, culminates with the Temple's completion, marking a new era of restoration and the re-establishment of the covenant community in their land ([Daniel 9:2](/daniel/9-2 "Daniel 9:2 - Daniel's Understanding of Jeremiah's Prophecy")). This completion was a tangible sign that God was indeed bringing His people back and rebuilding their spiritual center.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Adar (Hebrew, _'Adar'_):** The twelfth month of the Jewish religious calendar (corresponding to February/March). The specific mention of "the third day of the month Adar" emphasizes the meticulous historical record-keeping and the precise timing of this monumental event. It grounds the narrative in verifiable chronology, underscoring the factual nature of the account and the significance of the exact date for the Jewish community.
* **Darius (Persian/Hebrew, _Daryavesh'_):** Refers to Darius I Hystaspes, who reigned over the Persian Empire from 522 to 486 BC. His "sixth year" (approximately 516 BC) provides a crucial historical anchor for the completion of the Second Temple. This specific dating allows for the correlation of biblical events with external historical records, confirming the accuracy of the Ezra narrative and highlighting the providential timing of God's work within the geopolitical landscape of the ancient world.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And this house was finished":** This simple yet profound statement declares the successful completion of the Second Temple. After decades of interruption and opposition, the long-awaited goal was finally achieved. The phrase "this house" refers specifically to the Temple, the central place of worship for the Jewish people, signifying the restoration of their religious life and national identity.
* **"on the third day of the month Adar":** This provides the precise date of completion. The "third day" emphasizes the exactness of the record, while "Adar" identifies the twelfth month of the Jewish calendar. This level of detail underscores the historical veracity and the profound importance of this milestone for the community, a date that would have been remembered and celebrated.
* **"which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king":** This further anchors the event in secular history, dating it to approximately 516 BC. The reign of Darius I Hystaspes was a period of stability and expansion for the Persian Empire. This precise chronological marker not only confirms the historical context but also highlights God's sovereign control over world leaders and empires to accomplish His purposes for His people, even through those who do not explicitly acknowledge Him.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 6:15 is a concise verse, yet it employs several effective literary devices. The most prominent is **Historical Precision**, evident in the exact dating ("the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king"). This meticulous detail serves as a **Chronological Marker**, firmly rooting the event in verifiable history and lending credibility to the entire narrative of the Temple's rebuilding. It contrasts with the long, arduous process described in previous chapters, presenting the completion as a definitive, undeniable fact. There is also an element of **Understatement**; the simple declaration "And this house was finished" belies the immense struggle, perseverance, and divine intervention that led to this moment. The brevity of the statement emphasizes the finality and certainty of the accomplishment, allowing the reader to reflect on the magnitude of what was achieved after such prolonged difficulty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The completion of the Second Temple, as recorded in Ezra 6:15, is a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and His sovereign control over history. It demonstrates that despite human failure, formidable opposition, and lengthy delays, God's ultimate purposes will always prevail. This event serves as a tangible reminder that God initiates, sustains, and completes His work, often through the perseverance of His people and even through the decrees of earthly rulers. It underscores the theme of restoration, not just of a physical structure, but of a people's spiritual identity and their relationship with God, providing a foundation for renewed worship and obedience.

* [Isaiah 44:28](/isaiah/44-28 "Isaiah 44:28 - Cyrus as God's Shepherd")
* [Haggai 2:9](/haggai/2-9 "Haggai 2:9 - The Latter Glory of the Temple")
* [Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God Completes His Work")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The completion of the Second Temple in Ezra 6:15 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's ultimate plans will always come to fruition, even when faced with overwhelming obstacles or prolonged delays. In our own lives, whether in personal spiritual growth, ministry endeavors, or community projects, we often encounter opposition, discouragement, and setbacks. This verse encourages us to persevere in faith, trusting that God is at work behind the scenes, orchestrating circumstances and empowering His people. It calls us to reflect on the "finished" aspects of our faith—the completed work of Christ on the cross—and to draw strength from His faithfulness to complete what He has started in us. Just as the Jews celebrated the Temple's completion, we too should pause to acknowledge and celebrate God's faithfulness in bringing His purposes to pass in our lives and in the church, giving Him all the glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "building projects" (spiritual goals, ministries, personal growth areas) in your life have faced significant opposition or delay, and how can the perseverance of the exiles encourage you?**
* **How does the precise dating of the Temple's completion in Ezra 6:15 strengthen your faith in the historical reliability of God's Word and His providential control over history?**
* **In what ways can you better acknowledge and celebrate God's faithfulness in completing His work, both in your life and in the broader church, even when the process is long and difficult?**

### FAQ
**Why is the date of the Temple's completion so precisely stated in Ezra 6:15?**

Answer: The precise dating—"the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king"—is highly significant for several reasons. First, it underscores the historical veracity and accuracy of the biblical account, allowing it to be correlated with external historical records of the Persian Empire. This precision lends credibility to the narrative. Second, it highlights the immense importance of this event for the Jewish people. The completion of the Temple was not just another building project; it was the re-establishment of their spiritual center and national identity after decades of exile and struggle. Recording the exact date made it a memorable and celebrated milestone. Third, it implicitly connects to the fulfillment of prophecy, particularly Jeremiah's foretelling of a 70-year period of desolation for Jerusalem ([Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah's Prophecy of 70 Years")). The Temple's destruction occurred in 586 BC, and its completion in 516 BC (Darius's sixth year) aligns remarkably with this 70-year timeframe, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His word.

**What was the significance of the Second Temple's completion for the Jewish people?**

Answer: The completion of the Second Temple was profoundly significant for the Jewish people. It marked the physical and spiritual re-establishment of their presence in the land of Judah after the Babylonian exile. The Temple was the central place of worship, where sacrifices were offered, and the presence of God was believed to dwell. Its completion meant the restoration of proper worship according to the Mosaic Law, allowing the community to renew their covenant relationship with God. It also served as a powerful symbol of their national identity and resilience. After years of displacement, opposition, and discouragement, the finished Temple was a tangible sign of God's faithfulness to His promises of restoration, providing hope and a renewed sense of purpose for the returned exiles. It paved the way for the subsequent dedication ceremonies and the celebration of Passover, as described in [Ezra 6:16-22](/ezra/6-16 "Ezra 6:16-22 - Dedication and Passover Celebration").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The completion of the Second Temple, celebrated in Ezra 6:15, points forward to the ultimate and perfect "Temple" in Jesus Christ. While the physical structure was a place where God's presence dwelt and sacrifices were offered for sin, it was always a shadow of a greater reality. Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking of the temple of His body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). Through His death and resurrection, Christ became the true and living Temple, the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")). He is the perfect sacrifice, fulfilling all the Temple's sacrificial system and making direct access to God possible for all believers ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Furthermore, believers in Christ are now collectively the "temple of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Believers as God's Temple")) and are being built together into a spiritual house, a dwelling place for God by the Spirit ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone, Believers as the Temple")). Thus, the completion of the physical temple in Ezra foreshadows the glorious reality of God's permanent and intimate presence with His people, fully realized in Christ and His church, culminating in the new heavens and new earth where God Himself will dwell with humanity, and there will be no temple, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with Humanity") and [Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - No Temple in the New Jerusalem")).

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

Esther 3:7

¶ In the first month, that [is], the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that [is], the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, [to] the twelfth [month], that [is], the month Adar.

Esther 9:21

To stablish [this] among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly,

Esther 9:15

For the Jews that [were] in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and slew three hundred men at Shushan; but on the prey they laid not their hand.

Esther 3:13

And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, [even] upon the thirteenth [day] of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and [to take] the spoil of them for a prey.

Esther 9:1

¶ Now in the twelfth month, that [is], the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, (though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;)

Esther 9:19

Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar [a day of] gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another.

Esther 9:17

On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.