Ezra 6:4

[With] three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let the expenses be given out of the king's house:

With three {H8532} rows {H5073} of great {H1560} stones {H69}, and a row {H5073} of new {H2323} timber {H636}: and let the expenses {H5313} be given {H3052} out of {H4481} the king's {H4430} house {H1005}:

with three rows of large stones and one row of new timber. The expenses are to be charged to the king's treasury.

with three layers of cut stones and one of timbers. The costs are to be paid from the royal treasury.

with three courses of great stones, and a course of new timber: and let the expenses be given out of the kingโ€™s house.

Commentary

Ezra 6:4 provides specific architectural and financial details for the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem, as mandated by the decree of King Darius I of Persia.

Context

This verse is part of King Darius's official decree concerning the reconstruction of the Jewish Temple. After the initial decree by King Cyrus, the work had been halted due to opposition (Ezra 4:4-5). Years later, under Darius, the satrap Tatnai questioned the Jews' authority to rebuild. The Jews appealed to the king, who then ordered a search for Cyrus's original decree. Upon finding it, Darius not only affirmed Cyrus's decree but also added his own comprehensive provisions, including the specific dimensions and materials for the Temple, as well as the crucial funding mechanism mentioned here. This verse, following Ezra 6:3 which specifies the Temple's height and width, details the quality of materials and the source of finance.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Royal Support: The verse highlights God's sovereignty, working through a pagan king (Darius) to ensure the Temple's reconstruction. The Persian Empire, despite its power, became an instrument for God's purposes, even providing financial backing from the "king's house." This demonstrates God's ability to direct the hearts of kings.
  • Meticulous Restoration: The specification of "three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber" emphasizes the quality and precise nature of the construction materials. This wasn't merely a functional building; it was to be a grand and durable house for God, reflecting the reverence due to Him.
  • Assured Provision: The decree that "the expenses be given out of the king's house" provided a stable and generous source of funding, removing a major obstacle for the returning exiles who were often poor and facing economic hardship. This royal treasury support underscores the completeness of the king's commitment to the project.

Linguistic Insights

The term "great stones" (ืึถื‘ึถืŸ ื’ึฐึผืœึธืœ) in Hebrew implies large, costly, and carefully prepared blocks, suitable for monumental construction. This was not a temporary or cheap structure, but one built to last and to impress. "New timber" (ื—ึฒื“ึทืช ืึธืข) suggests fresh, unblemished wood, again pointing to quality and a commitment to excellence in the rebuilding effort.

Practical Application

Ezra 6:4 reminds us that God is committed to His plans and purposes, even when they seem impossible or face significant opposition. Just as He moved the heart of King Darius to provide not just permission but also generous resources, He can open unexpected doors and provide for His work today. This verse encourages us to trust in God's provision and to commit to excellence in our service to Him, recognizing that He deserves our best efforts and resources. It also highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, as the Jews' perseverance led to the eventual completion of the Temple.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 6:36

    And he built the inner court with three rows of hewed stone, and a row of cedar beams.

  • Psalms 68:29

    Because of thy temple at Jerusalem shall kings bring presents unto thee.

  • Psalms 72:10

    The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.

  • Revelation 12:16

    And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.

  • Isaiah 60:6

    The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD.

  • Isaiah 60:10

    And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee.

  • Ezra 7:20

    And whatsoever more shall be needful for the house of thy God, which thou shalt have occasion to bestow, bestow [it] out of the king's treasure house.
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