Ezra 6:15

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.

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}.

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

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

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

Context of Ezra 6:15

Ezra 6:15 marks a significant milestone in the post-exilic history of the Jewish people: the completion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. After decades of exile in Babylon, a remnant of God's people returned to Judah under the decree of King Cyrus of Persia, as detailed in Ezra 1. The initial enthusiasm for rebuilding the Temple quickly met with fierce opposition from neighboring peoples, causing the work to cease for many years (Ezra 4). However, spurred by the prophetic ministries of Haggai and Zechariah (Haggai 1, Zechariah 4), the Jews resumed construction. This verse celebrates the culmination of that perseverance, confirming the divine faithfulness that enabled the temple's completion despite all obstacles, under the reign of Darius I, who reaffirmed Cyrus's original decree (Ezra 6:1-12).

Key Themes

  • Divine Faithfulness and Providence: The completion of the Temple, after many years of delay and opposition, underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises. It demonstrates His sovereign control over nations and kings, even those seemingly opposed to His people, to ensure His purposes are fulfilled.
  • Perseverance and Dedication: The Jewish community, led by Zerubbabel and Joshua, displayed remarkable perseverance. Their renewed commitment to the work, despite past failures and ongoing challenges, ultimately led to the successful completion of the sacred house.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: This event represents a significant fulfillment of prophecies regarding the return from exile and the restoration of Jerusalem, particularly the seventy years of desolation foretold by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 29:10). The Temple's completion marked a new era for the covenant community.

Historical Precision and Significance

The verse's 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.

  • Month Adar: Adar was the twelfth month of the Jewish religious calendar, typically falling in February/March. This specific date highlights the historical accuracy and verifiable nature of the account.
  • Sixth Year of Darius: This corresponds to approximately 516 BC. This means the Second Temple was completed roughly 70 years after the destruction of Solomon's Temple by the Babylonians (586 BC), a timeframe that resonates with Jeremiah's prophecy of the 70-year exile. This precise dating provides a clear historical anchor for the restoration period.
The meticulous record-keeping reflects the importance of this event for the Jewish people, signifying the re-establishment of their central place of worship and national identity.

Significance and Application

The completion of the Second Temple, as recorded in Ezra 6:15, serves as a powerful reminder for believers today.

  • God's Timing is Perfect: Even when projects seem stalled or opposition is overwhelming, God's ultimate plan will prevail according to His perfect timing.
  • Perseverance in Faith: We are called to persist in spiritual endeavors, even when facing discouragement or setbacks. The "Zerubbabel principle" ("Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts") reminds us that divine enablement is key to overcoming obstacles.
  • Celebration of Milestones: The completion of the Temple was a cause for great rejoicing and dedication (Ezra 6:16-18). It teaches us the importance of celebrating spiritual victories and recognizing God's hand in our accomplishments.
This verse stands as a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His people and His ability to bring His purposes to fruition through faithful obedience and perseverance.

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Cross-References

  • Esther 3:7 (4 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.