Ezra 6:22

KJV

And kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for the LORD had made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And kept {H6213} the feast {H2282} of unleavened bread {H4682} seven {H7651} days {H3117} with joy {H8057}: for the LORD {H3068} had made them joyful {H8055}, and turned {H5437} the heart {H3820} of the king {H4428} of Assyria {H804} unto them, to strengthen {H2388} their hands {H3027} in the work {H4399} of the house {H1004} of God {H430}, the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and joyfully kept the feast of matzah for seven days; for ADONAI had filled them with joy by turning the heart of the king of Ashur toward them, so that he assisted them in the work of the house of God, the God of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

For seven days they kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread with joy, because the LORD had made them joyful and turned the heart of the king of Assyria toward them to strengthen their hands in the work on the house of the God of Israel.

American Standard Version

and kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for Jehovah had made them joyful, and had turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 6:22 captures a climactic moment of profound spiritual joy and divine intervention following the completion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. After decades of exile, opposition, and delay, the returned Jewish community celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread with exuberant gladness, recognizing that their joy was a direct gift from the LORD. This verse powerfully illustrates God's sovereign hand in history, as He supernaturally influenced the heart of the reigning Persian monarch—referred to here by the anachronistic but symbolically significant title "king of Assyria"—to not only permit but actively support the rebuilding efforts, thereby strengthening the hands of His people in their sacred task of restoring the house of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 6:22 marks the triumphant culmination of the temple rebuilding narrative, which began with the decree of Cyrus (Ezra 1:1-4) and faced significant opposition, particularly detailed in [Ezra 4](/ezra/4 "Ezra 4 - Opposition to Rebuilding"). Following King Darius I's decree, which reaffirmed Cyrus's original mandate and provided resources for the work ([Ezra 6:1-12](/ezra/6-1 "Ezra 6:1 - Darius's Decree")), the temple was finally completed in the sixth year of his reign ([Ezra 6:15](/ezra/6-15 "Ezra 6:15 - Temple Completion")). This verse describes the subsequent celebration of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, a joyous and symbolic act of worship that followed the temple's dedication ([Ezra 6:16-18](/ezra/6-16 "Ezra 6:16 - Temple Dedication")). It serves as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness in bringing His promises to fruition despite human obstacles, setting the stage for the later reforms under Ezra and Nehemiah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the post-exilic period, specifically the early Persian Empire (Achaemenid Dynasty), under the reign of Darius I (522-486 BC). The Jewish people had returned from Babylonian exile, a period of profound national and spiritual trauma. The mention of the "king of Assyria" in Ezra 6:22 is an interesting historical detail. By this time, the Assyrian Empire had long been conquered by Babylon, which in turn had fallen to Persia. Scholars generally interpret this as a metonymy or a general reference to the dominant Mesopotamian imperial power, whose vast empire now encompassed the former Assyrian territories, signifying the comprehensive reach of God's influence over all earthly rulers. Culturally, the celebration of the [Feast of Unleavened Bread](/exodus/12-15 "Exodus 12:15 - Feast of Unleavened Bread") (Pesach/Passover) was deeply significant, commemorating the original exodus from Egypt. Its observance here, after another "exodus" from Babylon and the rebuilding of the temple, symbolized a new beginning, a fresh act of divine deliverance, and the restoration of covenant relationship and proper worship in the land.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent throughout Ezra and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating God's active and meticulous involvement in human history. The turning of the king's heart is a clear manifestation of God's ability to orchestrate events and influence even the most powerful secular rulers to accomplish His divine will, as seen in [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand"). Secondly, the theme of **Joy as a Divine Gift** is prominent. The joy experienced by the people was not merely a natural reaction to success but a supernatural impartation from the LORD, emphasizing that true, lasting spiritual joy flows from recognizing God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His purposes. Finally, the verse underscores **God's Empowerment for His Work**. The support from the king was specifically "to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God," illustrating that God provides the necessary resources, removes obstacles, and enables His people to complete the tasks He has called them to, even when the undertaking seems insurmountable or faces prolonged opposition.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Joy (Hebrew, _simchah'_):** This word, appearing twice in the verse ("with joy" and "made them joyful"), denotes a deep, unadulterated happiness and gladness, often associated with religious festivals and divine blessing. It is not merely an emotional state but a spiritual condition, a gift from God that empowers and sustains His people, particularly in the context of worship and the fulfillment of His purposes. The repetition emphasizes its divine origin and profound impact on the community.
* **Turned (Hebrew, _haphak'_):** The verb "turned" signifies a decisive and complete change or reversal. When applied to the "heart" of the king, it denotes God's sovereign ability to alter the disposition, will, and intentions of individuals, even powerful rulers who might otherwise be hostile or indifferent. This action is not manipulative but rather a demonstration of God's ultimate authority over all human affairs, redirecting human will to align with His divine plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy:"** This clause describes the immediate action of the community. Following the dedication of the newly rebuilt temple, the people observed the Feast of Unleavened Bread, a foundational Israelite festival lasting seven days, immediately after Passover. The inclusion of "with joy" highlights the profound emotional and spiritual state accompanying this observance, indicating a celebration not merely of ritual but of heartfelt gratitude and delight in God's faithfulness.
* **"for the LORD had made them joyful,"** This explanatory clause reveals the source of their profound happiness. Their joy was not self-generated or merely a natural human reaction to a successful project; it was a supernatural gift directly from Yahweh. This underscores the theological truth that genuine, lasting spiritual joy is a divine impartation, flowing from God's active presence and benevolent work in the lives of His people.
* **"and turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them,"** This phrase identifies a key aspect of God's providential work. The LORD supernaturally influenced the disposition of the reigning monarch (Darius I, referred to here anachronistically as "king of Assyria"). This divine intervention ensured that the king was favorably disposed towards the Jewish people and their temple project, providing the necessary political and financial support rather than opposition. It highlights God's sovereign control over even the most powerful secular authorities.
* **"to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel."** This final clause states the ultimate purpose of God's intervention. The turning of the king's heart was not an end in itself but a means to an end: to empower and enable the Jewish community to complete the sacred task of rebuilding the temple. "Strengthen their hands" is an idiom for providing encouragement, resources, and removal of obstacles, ensuring the successful completion of the "work of the house of God," which is explicitly identified as belonging to "the God of Israel," emphasizing His unique covenant relationship with His people.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 6:22 is rich in literary devices that enhance its theological impact. The most prominent is **Divine Providence**, where God's unseen hand is explicitly revealed as the orchestrator of events, turning the heart of a powerful king to serve His purposes. This narrative technique emphasizes God's ultimate control over history and human affairs. **Symbolism** is evident in the celebration of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which, in this post-exilic context, symbolizes a new exodus and a renewed covenant relationship, mirroring the original deliverance from Egypt. The phrase "king of Assyria" is a form of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where a part (the former Assyrian empire, now part of Persia) or an associated name stands for the whole (the current Persian empire and its ruler). This usage underscores the vastness of the empire God controls and perhaps evokes the historical memory of past oppressors now unwittingly serving God's people. Finally, the **Repetition** of "joy" (simchah) serves to underscore the central theme of divine blessing and the profound emotional and spiritual state of the people, emphasizing its supernatural origin and significance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 6:22 is a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and sovereign control over all creation, including the hearts of human rulers. It demonstrates that God actively intervenes in history to accomplish His redemptive purposes for His people, transforming seemingly insurmountable obstacles into pathways for His will. The joy experienced by the Israelites was not merely a human emotion but a divine gift, flowing from their recognition of God's powerful and benevolent hand in their lives. This joy, rooted in God's faithfulness, served to strengthen them for the ongoing work of establishing His kingdom and worship. The passage teaches us that even in the face of political opposition or daunting tasks, God is able to turn circumstances and hearts to favor His plans, ensuring that His "house" – His presence and work among His people – is established and sustained.

* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")
* [Nehemiah 8:10](/nehemiah/8-10 "Nehemiah 8:10 - The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength")
* [1 Timothy 2:1-2](/1_timothy/2-1 "1 Timothy 2:1-2 - Prayers for Rulers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 6:22 offers powerful encouragement for believers today, reminding us that God remains sovereign over all earthly powers and circumstances. Just as He turned the heart of a powerful king to facilitate the rebuilding of His temple, so too can He orchestrate events and influence individuals to advance His kingdom purposes in our lives and in the world. This should instill in us a profound sense of hope and trust, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges or opposition to God's work. Our joy, like that of the Israelites, should be rooted not in fleeting circumstances but in the enduring faithfulness of the LORD, who empowers and strengthens our hands for the tasks He has called us to. This divine joy becomes our strength, enabling us to persevere with confidence, knowing that God is actively working behind the scenes, turning hearts and opening doors for the fulfillment of His perfect will. We are called to participate in His work with gladness, trusting that He provides all necessary resources and removes all ultimate obstacles.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or ministry do you need to trust God to "turn hearts" or orchestrate circumstances for His purposes?**
* **How does recognizing God as the source of your joy impact your perspective on difficulties or delays in fulfilling His call?**
* **What specific "work of the house of God" are you called to, and how can you lean on God to "strengthen your hands" for it?**
* **How does the historical context of Ezra 6:22 (return from exile, rebuilding) resonate with any personal or communal "new beginnings" or restorations you are experiencing?**

### FAQ
**Why does the verse mention the "king of Assyria" when Persia was the dominant empire at the time?**

Answer: The reference to the "king of Assyria" in Ezra 6:22 is an interesting historical detail. By the time of Darius I, the Assyrian Empire had long been conquered, first by Babylon, and then by the Persian Empire. Scholars generally interpret this as a form of metonymy or a general, anachronistic designation for the dominant imperial power of the region. The Persian Empire had absorbed the territories of the former Assyrian Empire, so from the perspective of the Jewish people, the current ruler held sway over what was once Assyrian land. This phrasing emphasizes God's comprehensive control over all imperial powers, past and present, demonstrating His ability to influence any ruler, regardless of their specific title or kingdom, to serve His divine purposes in strengthening His people for the work of the [house of God](/ezra/6-15 "Ezra 6:15 - Completion of the Temple").

**What is the significance of celebrating the Feast of Unleavened Bread at this particular time?**

Answer: The celebration of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, immediately following the dedication of the Second Temple, carries immense symbolic weight. This festival, observed for seven days after Passover, commemorated Israel's original deliverance from slavery in Egypt and the hasty departure that left no time for bread to rise ([Exodus 12:15-20](/exodus/12-15 "Exodus 12:15 - Feast of Unleavened Bread")). For the returned exiles, who had experienced their own "exodus" from Babylonian captivity, the observance of this feast symbolized a new beginning and a fresh act of divine deliverance. It marked the restoration of proper worship in the rebuilt temple, signifying a renewed covenant relationship with God in the land. The joy they experienced was tied to this profound sense of liberation and the re-establishment of their spiritual identity and communal life centered around God's dwelling place.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 6:22, with its themes of divine joy, God's sovereign control over rulers, and the strengthening of hands for the work of the house of God, finds profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The rebuilt temple, a place of God's presence and worship, ultimately points to Christ Himself, who 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 - Jesus and the Temple")). He is the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity, the true and greater temple. The joy experienced by the Israelites, supernaturally given by the LORD, foreshadows the "fullness of joy" found in God's presence through Christ ([Psalm 16:11](/psalm/16-11 "Psalm 16:11 - Fullness of Joy")). The Holy Spirit, given to believers, is the source of this divine joy, enabling us to rejoice even in suffering ([Romans 15:13](/romans/15-13 "Romans 15:13 - God of Hope") and [Philippians 4:4](/philippians/4-4 "Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord Always")). Furthermore, God's turning the heart of the king of Assyria to strengthen His people for the temple work points to Christ's ultimate victory over all earthly powers and His ongoing work through His church. He has "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), and He empowers His followers to build His spiritual house, the church, a "spiritual house to be a holy priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")), strengthening their hands for the Great Commission ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")) through the power of the Holy Spirit ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness")). The Feast of Unleavened Bread, a celebration of deliverance, finds its ultimate reality in Christ, "our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed" ([1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover Lamb")), who delivers us from the bondage of sin and death, initiating a new life of purity and truth.

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

2 Chronicles 30:21

¶ And the children of Israel that were present at Jerusalem kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with great gladness: and the Levites and the priests praised the LORD day by day, [singing] with loud instruments unto the LORD.

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,

Proverbs 21:1

¶ The king's heart [is] in the hand of the LORD, [as] the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

Proverbs 16:7

¶ When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Ezra 7:27

¶ Blessed [be] the LORD God of our fathers, which hath put [such a thing] as this in the king's heart, to beautify the house of the LORD which [is] in Jerusalem:

2 Chronicles 35:17

And the children of Israel that were present kept the passover at that time, and the feast of unleavened bread seven days.

Exodus 13:6

Seven days thou shalt eat unleavened bread, and in the seventh day [shall be] a feast to the LORD.