Ezra 6:4

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 6:4 meticulously details the architectural specifications and financial provisions for the Second Temple's reconstruction in Jerusalem, as decreed by King Darius I of Persia. This verse, part of a comprehensive royal mandate, specifies the use of "three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber" for the building's structure and unequivocally states that "the expenses be given out of the king's house," thereby ensuring both the quality of the edifice and the secure funding for its completion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 6:4 is embedded within King Darius's official decree, which serves as a pivotal turning point in the post-exilic narrative of the Temple's rebuilding. This decree directly follows the discovery of King Cyrus's original mandate in the archives at Ecbatana, confirming the Jews' legal right to reconstruct the Temple. The preceding verse, [Ezra 6:3](/ezra/6-3 "Ezra 6:3 - Dimensions of the Temple"), establishes the Temple's impressive height and width, setting the stage for the material specifications found in verse 4. The broader literary context reveals a period of significant opposition and delay, as detailed in [Ezra 4:4-5](/ezra/4-4 "Ezra 4:4-5 - Opposition to Rebuilding"), which saw the work halted for years. Darius's decree, therefore, is not merely a re-affirmation but a robust, legally binding document that provides unprecedented imperial backing, including financial support, to overcome all previous obstacles and ensure the Temple's swift and complete restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the Persian Achaemenid Empire, a vast and powerful dominion that had absorbed the Neo-Babylonian Empire. King Darius I (522-486 BC) was a highly organized and effective ruler, known for his administrative reforms and his policy of religious tolerance, which allowed subject peoples to worship their own deities, often with imperial support, as long as it contributed to the stability of the empire. For the returning Jewish exiles, who were a small, vulnerable community in a politically charged region, the decree from "the king's house" represented an extraordinary act of imperial patronage. This was not merely permission but an active endorsement and financial subsidy, reflecting the Persian strategy of maintaining peace and loyalty through the support of local religious institutions. The mention of "great stones" and "new timber" also speaks to the high standards of Persian imperial construction, often utilizing the best available materials and craftsmanship for significant public works.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Ezra and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of **Divine Providence**, demonstrating God's sovereign hand at work even through a pagan king like Darius to fulfill His promises concerning the restoration of His people and their worship. The meticulous details of materials and funding highlight God's commitment to a **Meticulous Restoration**, emphasizing that the Temple was to be rebuilt not as a mere functional structure, but as a grand and durable dwelling place worthy of His name, reflecting the reverence due to Him. Furthermore, the decree for expenses from the "king's house" vividly portrays the theme of **Assured Provision**, illustrating God's ability to open unexpected channels of resources and remove financial obstacles for His work, even when His people are facing economic hardship, as seen in the broader context of the post-exilic community's struggles (cf. [Haggai 1:6](/haggai/1-6 "Haggai 1:6 - You Have Sown Much, But Harvest Little")). This royal support ensures the project's viability and underscores the completeness of God's commitment to His redemptive plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Great stones (Aramaic, _ʾeben gᵉlal'_):** This term refers to large, hewn, and costly blocks of stone, typically used for monumental and durable construction. It signifies that the Temple was not to be built with hastily gathered or inferior materials, but with the highest quality, ensuring its structural integrity and impressive appearance. The use of such stones implies a significant investment of labor and resources, underscoring the importance of the edifice.
* **New timber (Aramaic, _ḥadaṯ ʾāʿ'_): This phrase specifies fresh, unblemished, and perhaps specially prepared wood, likely for the roof and interior finishing. "New" implies not merely recently cut, but also of prime quality, free from rot or defects. Like the "great stones," this detail emphasizes the commitment to excellence and durability in the Temple's construction, reflecting the sacred nature of the building.
* **King's house (Aramaic, _bêṯ malkā'_):** This refers to the royal treasury or the imperial palace's administrative budget. It signifies that the funding for the Temple's reconstruction was to come directly from the vast resources of the Persian Empire, rather than relying on the limited means of the returning exiles. This royal patronage was an immense blessing, removing a significant financial burden and ensuring the project's completion without monetary constraints.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[With] three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber":** This clause provides precise architectural specifications for the Temple's foundation and superstructure. The "three rows of great stones" likely refers to a substantial foundation or lower courses of the wall, indicating stability and grandeur. The "row of new timber" probably refers to a wooden course laid between stone courses, or more likely, the main timber beams for the roof structure, which would have been critical for the building's integrity and aesthetic. This detail underscores the meticulous planning and high-quality materials mandated for God's dwelling place.
* **"and let the expenses be given out of the king's house":** This second clause addresses the crucial financial aspect of the rebuilding project. It mandates that all necessary costs, from materials to labor, are to be covered directly by the Persian royal treasury. This provision was a game-changer for the impoverished Jewish community, removing the primary obstacle of funding and transforming the project from a local endeavor into one with imperial backing, thereby guaranteeing its completion.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 6:4 employs **Specification** and **Emphasis** to convey the thoroughness of Darius's decree and the significance of the Temple project. The precise enumeration of "three rows of great stones" and "a row of new timber" provides concrete details that ground the decree in tangible reality, emphasizing the high quality and robust nature of the intended construction. The phrase "out of the king's house" uses **Metonymy**, where "king's house" stands for the royal treasury or imperial funds, thereby highlighting the immense and authoritative source of provision. The verse also utilizes **Juxtaposition**, placing the material requirements alongside the financial provision, demonstrating a comprehensive and holistic approach to the project's success. This detailed articulation serves to reassure the Jewish community of the decree's legitimacy and the project's assured completion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 6:4 is a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His sovereign control over human affairs, even those of powerful pagan rulers. It demonstrates that God orchestrates events and moves the hearts of kings to accomplish His divine purposes, ensuring the restoration of His people and the re-establishment of their worship. The meticulous details concerning materials and funding underscore the importance of the Temple as the dwelling place of God's presence and the center of Israel's spiritual life, signifying that God desires excellence and provides abundantly for what He ordains. This divine provision, channeled through an unexpected source, serves as a profound encouragement that God will always supply the means for His work to be completed, regardless of the obstacles or the perceived inadequacy of His servants.

* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")
* [Isaiah 44:28](/isaiah/44-28 "Isaiah 44:28 - Cyrus's Decree to Rebuild Jerusalem")
* [Haggai 1:8](/haggai/1-8 "Haggai 1:8 - Go Up to the Mountains and Bring Wood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 6:4 offers profound lessons for believers today, reminding us that God remains committed to His plans and purposes, even when they seem impossible or face overwhelming opposition. Just as He moved the heart of King Darius, an unlikely source, to provide not only permission but also generous resources for the Temple's rebuilding, He can open unexpected doors and supply for His work in our lives and ministries. This verse encourages us to cultivate a steadfast trust in God's provision, understanding that His resources are limitless and His methods often surprising. It also challenges us to commit to excellence in our service to Him, recognizing that He deserves our very best efforts, talents, and resources, just as the Temple was to be built with "great stones" and "new timber." Our perseverance in obedience, even amidst hardship, can lead to the glorious completion of God's purposes, just as the Jews' faithfulness culminated in the Temple's dedication.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or ministry are you currently facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles, and how does the provision in Ezra 6:4 encourage you to trust God for unexpected solutions?**
* **What does "excellence" in service to God look like in your current context, and how can you commit to using "new timber" and "great stones" – your best resources and efforts – for His glory?**
* **How can recognizing God's sovereign hand in the affairs of the world, even through secular authorities, strengthen your faith and motivate your prayers for leaders today?**

### FAQ
**Why was Darius's decree so significant for the rebuilding of the Temple?**

Answer: Darius's decree was profoundly significant because it not only re-affirmed King Cyrus's earlier mandate for the Temple's reconstruction but also added comprehensive and legally binding provisions that addressed the major obstacles the Jewish community faced. Specifically, it provided explicit architectural details, guaranteed protection from opposition, and, crucially, mandated that all expenses be paid directly "out of the king's house" [Ezra 6:4](/ezra/6-4 "Ezra 6:4 - Materials and Funding for the Temple"). This removed the financial burden from the impoverished exiles and elevated the project to an imperial undertaking, ensuring its completion. It transformed the rebuilding from a local, vulnerable effort into a state-sponsored enterprise, backed by the immense power and resources of the Persian Empire.

**What was the symbolic importance of using "three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber"?**

Answer: The specification of "three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber" was symbolically and practically important. Practically, it ensured the structural integrity, durability, and grandeur of the Temple, indicating it was to be a permanent and impressive edifice, not a temporary structure. Symbolically, it underscored the reverence due to God's dwelling place. The use of "great stones" (large, costly, hewn blocks) and "new timber" (fresh, unblemished wood) signified a commitment to excellence and a desire to offer God nothing but the very best. This attention to quality reflected the sacredness of the Temple and the importance of worship, mirroring the meticulous instructions given for the first Temple and the Tabernacle [Exodus 25:1-9](/exodus/25-1 "Exodus 25:1-9 - Instructions for the Tabernacle").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 6:4, with its emphasis on the rebuilding of a physical temple through divine provision and royal decree, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate Temple and the ultimate provision found in Jesus Christ. The earthly Temple, built with "great stones" and "new timber," served as a temporary dwelling place for God's presence among His people. However, Jesus declared Himself to be the true 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"). Through His death and resurrection, Christ became the ultimate meeting place between God and humanity, the perfect and enduring dwelling of God's Spirit [Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - The Fullness of God in Christ"). Just as Darius's "king's house" provided for the physical Temple, God's boundless grace and "riches in glory by Christ Jesus" [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs") provide for the spiritual building of His church. We, as believers, are now "living stones" being built into a "spiritual house" with Christ as the cornerstone [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones, Spiritual House"), signifying that God's dwelling is no longer confined to a physical structure but resides in the community of His redeemed people, purchased and sustained by the ultimate sacrifice and provision of the Lamb of God [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

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.