Ezra 6:3

KJV

In the first year of Cyrus the king [the same] Cyrus the king made a decree [concerning] the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be builded, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid; the height thereof threescore cubits, [and] the breadth thereof threescore cubits;

KJV (with Strong's)

In the first {H2298} year {H8140} of Cyrus {H3567} the king {H4430} the same Cyrus {H3567} the king {H4430} made {H7761} a decree {H2942} concerning the house {H1005} of God {H426} at Jerusalem {H3390}, Let the house {H1005} be builded {H1124}, the place {H870} where they offered {H1684} sacrifices {H1685}, and let the foundations {H787} thereof be strongly laid {H5446}; the height {H7314} thereof threescore {H8361} cubits {H521}, and the breadth {H6613} thereof threescore {H8361} cubits {H521};

Complete Jewish Bible

"In the first year of Koresh the king, Koresh the king issued this decree: 'Concerning the house of God in Yerushalayim, let the house be rebuilt, the place where they offer sacrifices; and let its foundations be firmly laid. Its height is to be ninety feet and its breadth ninety feet,

Berean Standard Bible

In the first year of King Cyrus, he issued a decree concerning the house of God in Jerusalem: Let the house be rebuilt as a place for offering sacrifices, and let its foundations be firmly laid. It is to be sixty cubits high and sixty cubits wide,

American Standard Version

In the first year of Cyrus the king, Cyrus the king made a decree: Concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, let the house be builded, the place where they offer sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid; the height thereof threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof threescore cubits;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 6:3 records the pivotal decree of King Cyrus, issued in his inaugural year, which authorized the rebuilding of the house of God in Jerusalem. This foundational edict, specifying the Temple's purpose as a place for sacrifices and detailing its substantial dimensions and the requirement for strongly laid foundations, was later rediscovered under King Darius, providing the crucial legal validation for the Jewish exiles' ongoing efforts to reconstruct their sacred sanctuary.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 6:3 is situated within a crucial narrative arc concerning the post-exilic return and the rebuilding of the Second Temple. Following the initial return of a Jewish remnant to Jerusalem under Zerubbabel and Jeshua, efforts to reconstruct the Temple faced significant opposition from local adversaries, leading to a cessation of work (Ezra 4). [Ezra chapter 5](/ezra/5 "Ezra 5 - Resumption of Temple Building") describes how the prophets Haggai and Zechariah powerfully re-ignited the people's zeal to resume building. When Persian governors, Tattenai and Shethar-Bozenai, questioned their authority, the Jews confidently appealed to King Darius, asserting that their work was sanctioned by an earlier decree from Cyrus. [Ezra 6:1-2](/ezra/6-1 "Ezra 6:1-2 - Darius's Search for the Decree") then details Darius's diligent search for this decree, which was miraculously found in the archives at Ecbatana. Verse 3, therefore, presents the very heart of that rediscovered decree, providing the legal and divine mandate that validated the Jews' perseverance and led to the Temple's completion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The decree in Ezra 6:3 is set against the backdrop of the early Persian Empire, specifically during the reign of Cyrus the Great (559-530 BC), a monarch renowned for his enlightened policy towards conquered peoples. Unlike previous empires (e.g., Assyria, Babylon) that forcibly assimilated or deported populations, Cyrus implemented a policy of allowing exiled peoples to return to their homelands and rebuild their religious sanctuaries, often providing financial support. This was a strategic move to foster loyalty and stability within his vast empire. For the Jewish exiles, this policy was a direct fulfillment of prophetic words, particularly those of Isaiah and Jeremiah, concerning their return after 70 years of Babylonian captivity (e.g., [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Seventy Years of Exile")). The discovery of the decree in Ecbatana, a major Persian summer capital and administrative center, highlights the sophisticated archival system of the Achaemenid Empire, ensuring that royal edicts were meticulously recorded and preserved.
* **Key Themes:** Ezra 6:3 profoundly contributes to several key themes within the book of Ezra and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Orchestration**, demonstrating how God uses even pagan rulers like Cyrus, "His shepherd" (as prophesied in [Isaiah 44:28](/isaiah/44-28 "Isaiah 44:28 - Cyrus as God's Shepherd")), to accomplish His redemptive purposes and fulfill His covenant promises to Israel. The decree's rediscovery under Darius further emphasizes God's providential hand in overcoming obstacles. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Restoration and Rebuilding**, not merely of a physical structure but of the spiritual and national identity of Israel. The Temple was the symbolic center of God's presence among His people, the place of atonement, and the hub of their worship. Its reconstruction was essential for the renewal of their covenant relationship with Yahweh. Finally, the specific instructions regarding the Temple's dimensions and the emphasis on "strongly laid foundations" speak to the theme of **Foundational Stability and Divine Mandate**. This detail not only ensures the physical integrity of the building but also symbolizes the enduring nature of God's promises and the firm basis upon which His people's faith and future were to be built.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Decree (Aramaic, _ṭeʻēm'_):** This Aramaic term refers to an official royal command, edict, or pronouncement. Its use here emphasizes the binding and authoritative nature of Cyrus's word. It was not merely a suggestion or a permission, but a legally enforceable mandate from the highest authority in the land, underscoring its weight and the divine backing behind it. The discovery of this `ṭeʻēm` was critical for the Jewish community, as it provided irrefutable legal grounds for their building activities, silencing their adversaries and securing Persian imperial support.
* **House of God (Aramaic, _bêṯ ʾĕlāhāʾ'_):** This phrase explicitly identifies the structure as belonging to God, not merely a Jewish temple. It highlights the sacred purpose and divine ownership of the building. The Persians, while polytheistic, respected the deities of their subject peoples, and Cyrus's decree recognized the Temple as the legitimate dwelling place for the God of Israel. This designation elevated the project beyond a mere construction effort, imbuing it with profound theological significance as the designated place for worship and sacrifice to Yahweh.
* **Strongly laid (Aramaic, _ʾāšāʾ'_):** The phrase "let the foundations thereof be strongly laid" uses a form of the Aramaic root *ʾāšāʾ*, meaning "to found" or "to lay a foundation." The emphasis on "strongly laid" (often implying a robust, deep, or permanent foundation) speaks to the stability and permanence intended for the Temple. This was crucial given the destruction of the first Temple and the opposition faced by the builders. It signifies not only structural integrity but also the enduring nature of God's plan for His dwelling place among His people, a plan that would withstand challenges and endure for generations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the first year of Cyrus the king [the same] Cyrus the king made a decree [concerning] the house of God at Jerusalem":** This clause establishes the precise historical context and the ultimate authority behind the decree. The repetition of "Cyrus the king" underscores the definitive and unchallengeable nature of the command. It highlights that the initiative for rebuilding the Temple came from the highest secular power, yet implicitly, it was God who moved the heart of this pagan king to issue such a benevolent order, fulfilling ancient prophecies. The decree's target is explicitly "the house of God at Jerusalem," clearly identifying the sacred site and its location.
* **"Let the house be builded, the place where they offered sacrifices":** This is the core command of the decree. "Let the house be builded" is a direct imperative, authorizing and mandating the construction. The subsequent phrase, "the place where they offered sacrifices," defines the primary function of the Temple. It was not merely a meeting hall or a monument, but a sacred space designated for cultic worship, particularly the offering of sacrifices, which was central to Israelite atonement and communion with God. This detail confirms the Temple's religious purpose and legitimacy.
* **"and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid;":** This directive emphasizes the critical importance of a robust and enduring base for the structure. The phrase implies a deep and stable foundation, signifying permanence and resilience. Beyond the literal architectural requirement, it carries symbolic weight, suggesting the need for a firm and unwavering basis for the spiritual life and community of the returned exiles. It speaks to the divine intention that this restored place of worship would be built to last.
* **"the height thereof threescore cubits, [and] the breadth thereof threescore cubits;":** These specific dimensions (60 cubits, approximately 90 feet, for both height and breadth) provide concrete details for the Temple's main structure. While scholars debate whether these dimensions refer to the main sanctuary or the overall complex, they indicate a substantial and impressive edifice. These specific measurements, mandated by royal decree, ensured that the Temple would be a significant and dignified structure, reflecting the glory of the God to whom it was dedicated and providing a clear architectural blueprint for the builders.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 6:3 employs several literary devices to convey its significant message. The **Repetition** of "Cyrus the king" at the beginning of the verse serves to emphasize the ultimate authority and unwavering nature of the decree, reinforcing its legal weight and the divine hand working through the monarch. The verse is essentially an **Edict** or **Royal Proclamation**, characterized by its direct, declarative, and prescriptive language ("Let the house be builded," "let the foundations thereof be strongly laid"). This formal, legalistic tone underscores the binding nature of the command and the imperial backing for the Temple's construction. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is evident, particularly in the emphasis on "strongly laid foundations." While literally referring to the physical structure, it also symbolically represents the firm and enduring nature of God's promises, His faithfulness, and the secure basis upon which the restored community of Israel was to be built. The Temple itself is a powerful **Symbol** of God's presence and covenant with His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 6:3 stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His sovereign control over human history. The decree of Cyrus, a pagan king, demonstrates God's ability to use any means, even unexpected ones, to accomplish His divine purposes and fulfill His prophetic word. This verse highlights that the rebuilding of the Temple was not merely a human endeavor but a divinely ordained project, crucial for the restoration of Israel's spiritual life and national identity after the exile. It underscores the importance of a designated place for worship and sacrifice, a physical manifestation of God's covenant presence among His people, and a reminder that God's plans for His people will ultimately prevail despite opposition and delays. The specific dimensions and the command for "strongly laid foundations" speak to the enduring nature of God's work and the necessity of building on a firm, divinely sanctioned basis.

* [Isaiah 44:28](/isaiah/44-28 "Isaiah 44:28 - Cyrus, God's Shepherd")
* [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Seventy Years of Exile Fulfilled")
* [Haggai 1:8](/haggai/1-8 "Haggai 1:8 - Build the House")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 6:3 offers profound encouragement for believers today, reminding us that God's purposes are immutable and His faithfulness is steadfast, even when circumstances seem to contradict His promises. Just as God moved the heart of a powerful king like Cyrus to facilitate the rebuilding of His house, He continues to orchestrate events and use unexpected individuals or avenues to accomplish His will in our lives and in the world. This passage challenges us to trust in God's sovereign plan, even when our own efforts face delays or opposition. The emphasis on "strongly laid foundations" is a timeless principle: whether in our personal faith, our families, or our ministries, we are called to build upon a firm and enduring basis. This foundation is ultimately Christ himself, and any work built on Him will withstand the storms of life. We are encouraged to persevere in God's work, knowing that His ultimate "decree" for our lives and for His kingdom will prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Cyrus's decree encourage us about God's ability to work through unexpected channels and even secular authorities to achieve His divine purposes?**
* **In what areas of your life or ministry do you feel called to "build" or "restore," and what "foundations" are you ensuring are "strongly laid"?**
* **Considering the opposition faced by the builders, how does this passage encourage perseverance and faith in God's ultimate plan when our own endeavors face challenges?**

### FAQ

**Was this Temple larger than Solomon's original Temple?**

Answer: Ezra 6:3 specifies the height and breadth as "threescore cubits" (60 cubits, approximately 90 feet) each. Comparing this to Solomon's Temple, [1 Kings 6:2](/1_kings/6-2 "1 Kings 6:2 - Dimensions of Solomon's Temple") states its dimensions were 60 cubits long, 20 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high. This suggests that the Second Temple, at least in its main hall (the "house" referred to), was significantly wider and taller than Solomon's, though perhaps not as long. Many scholars interpret the 60x60 cubits in Ezra 6:3 as referring to the overall dimensions of the main sanctuary building, possibly including surrounding structures or the height of the main hall and its porch. While the Second Temple was indeed substantial, it's important to note that the older men who had seen Solomon's Temple wept when the foundations of the Second Temple were laid ([Ezra 3:12](/ezra/3-12 "Ezra 3:12 - Weeping and Shouting at the Foundation")), suggesting it did not match the grandeur or perhaps the overall scale and ornamentation of the first. The decree simply ensured a building of significant and respectful size.

**Why was Cyrus's decree found in Ecbatana and not Jerusalem?**

Answer: The decree was found in Ecbatana (modern Hamadan, Iran) because it was one of the primary summer capitals and administrative centers of the Persian Empire. Persian kings often moved between various capitals (like Susa, Persepolis, Babylon, and Ecbatana) throughout the year, and each capital maintained extensive archives for royal edicts, administrative records, and historical documents. It was standard practice for important decrees to be duplicated and stored in multiple locations for security and accessibility. The fact that Darius's officials found the original decree in Ecbatana's archives ([Ezra 6:2](/ezra/6-2 "Ezra 6:2 - Darius's Search for the Decree")) speaks to the meticulous record-keeping of the Persian administration and provided irrefutable proof of the Jews' right to rebuild.

**What was the significance of the "first year of Cyrus the king"?**

Answer: The "first year of Cyrus the king" (538/539 BC) is profoundly significant as it marks the precise fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy concerning the 70-year Babylonian exile. [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Seventy Years of Exile") prophesied that after 70 years, God would bring His people back to Jerusalem. With the fall of Babylon to Cyrus in 539 BC, and his subsequent decree in his first regnal year, the period of exile officially ended, and the process of return and restoration began. This timing underscores God's perfect timing and His faithfulness to His covenant promises, demonstrating that He is sovereign over the rise and fall of empires and works through them to achieve His redemptive plan for His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 6:3, with its focus on the rebuilding of the physical Temple in Jerusalem, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Temple was the dwelling place of God among His people, the center of worship, and the place where atonement was made through sacrifice. However, the physical Temple was always a shadow, pointing forward to the true and ultimate dwelling of God. Jesus declared Himself to be the new Temple, stating, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" ([John 2:19](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")), referring to His body and resurrection ([John 2:21](/john/2-21 "John 2:21 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple")). Just as Cyrus's decree authorized a physical structure, God's ultimate decree in Christ established a spiritual reality: through His sacrifice, He became the perfect and final Lamb of God, taking away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The "strongly laid foundations" of the Temple foreshadow Christ as the cornerstone upon whom the spiritual house, the Church, is built ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ as the Cornerstone"); [1 Peter 2:4-5](/1_peter/2-4 "1 Peter 2:4-5 - Living Stones")). No longer confined to a building of specific dimensions, God's presence now dwells in believers through the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")), making the Church the living Temple of God, a reality far surpassing the physical structure authorized by Cyrus. The sovereign hand of God, moving a pagan king to rebuild a physical temple, ultimately points to His greater work of moving heaven and earth to establish His eternal spiritual kingdom through His Son, Jesus Christ, the true and everlasting Temple.

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 36:22

¶ Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD [spoken] by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, 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.

Revelation 21:16

And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.

Ezekiel 41:13

So he measured the house, an hundred cubits long; and the separate place, and the building, with the walls thereof, an hundred cubits long;

Ezekiel 41:15

And he measured the length of the building over against the separate place which [was] behind it, and the galleries thereof on the one side and on the other side, an hundred cubits, with the inner temple, and the porches of the court;

1 Kings 6:2

And the house which king Solomon built for the LORD, the length thereof [was] threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof twenty [cubits], and the height thereof thirty cubits.

1 Kings 6:3

And the porch before the temple of the house, twenty cubits [was] the length thereof, according to the breadth of the house; [and] ten cubits [was] the breadth thereof before the house.