Ezra 6:7

KJV

Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let the work {H5673} of this {H1791} house {H1005} of God {H426} alone {H7662}; let the governor {H6347} of the Jews {H3062} and the elders {H7868} of the Jews {H3062} build {H1124} this {H1791} house {H1005} of God {H426} in {H5922} his place {H870}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Let the work of this house of God alone. Let the governor of the Judeans and the leaders of the Judeans rebuild this house of God on its site.

Berean Standard Bible

Leave this work on the house of God alone. Let the governor and elders of the Jews rebuild this house of God on its original site.

American Standard Version

let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in its place.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 6:7 records a pivotal and authoritative decree issued by King Darius I of Persia, commanding his imperial officials to cease all interference with the reconstruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. This royal edict not only removes previous obstacles but actively mandates that the Jewish leaders, specifically Zerubbabel and the elders, be allowed and even supported in completing the sacred edifice. The verse marks a dramatic turning point in the post-exilic narrative, powerfully illustrating God's sovereign hand in orchestrating the hearts of powerful pagan rulers to ensure the fulfillment of His divine purposes, guaranteeing the protection and successful completion of His house despite formidable human opposition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 6:7 is strategically positioned within the larger narrative of the Second Temple's rebuilding, marking a critical shift from opposition to imperial endorsement. The preceding chapters detail the initial return of the exiles, the laying of the Temple's foundation, and the subsequent efforts of local adversaries who successfully halted the work during the reign of Artaxerxes, as recounted in [Ezra 4](/ezra/4 "Ezra 4 - Opposition to Rebuilding"). After a period of inactivity, prophetic encouragement from Haggai and Zechariah (see [Haggai 1](/haggai/1 "Haggai 1 - Call to Rebuild the Temple") and [Zechariah 4](/zechariah/4 "Zechariah 4 - Zerubbabel to Complete the Temple")) spurred the Jews to resume building in the second year of Darius's reign. This resumption prompted Tatnai, the governor of Trans-Euphrates, to send an official inquiry to King Darius, questioning the legitimacy of the project. Darius's diligent search of the royal archives uncovered Cyrus's original decree, which explicitly authorized the Temple's reconstruction and even provided for its funding (referenced in [Ezra 6:3-5](/ezra/6-3-5 "Ezra 6:3-5 - Cyrus's Original Decree for Temple Reconstruction")). Thus, Ezra 6:7 serves as Darius's authoritative royal response, not merely validating the work but actively protecting it and empowering the Jewish leadership to complete the sacred task.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Achaemenid Persian Empire, at its zenith, was a vast and meticulously organized dominion, characterized by a sophisticated administrative system that included regional governors like Tatnai. Royal decrees, once issued, held immense authority and were meticulously recorded in imperial archives, as evidenced by Darius's search for Cyrus's original edict in Ecbatana. The Persian policy towards conquered peoples often involved allowing them to return to their lands and rebuild their religious centers, a strategy that fostered stability, loyalty, and often, tribute. For the returning Jewish exiles, the Temple was far more than a mere building; it was the spiritual heart of their identity, the prescribed place for worship, sacrifice, and the manifestation of God's presence. Its reconstruction was paramount for the re-establishment of their national and religious life, signifying a return to covenant faithfulness after generations of exile. The decree in Ezra 6:7 thus reflects both the pragmatic administrative policies of the Persian Empire and the profound spiritual significance of the Temple for the Jewish people, demonstrating how God worked through the established political structures of the day.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several major themes within the book of Ezra and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating God's ability to orchestrate events and influence even powerful pagan rulers, like Darius, to accomplish His purposes. This echoes the truth found in [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand"), which states that the king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, who directs it wherever He wills. Secondly, the decree emphasizes the **Legitimacy and Protection of God's Work**. By commanding officials to "Let the work... alone" and implicitly providing resources (as seen in the broader context of Darius's decree in [Ezra 6](/ezra/6 "Ezra 6 - Darius's Decree and Temple Completion")), Darius's edict removed obstacles and established imperial protection for the sacred project, ensuring its unhindered progress. Thirdly, the verse clearly delineates **Leadership and Responsibility**, explicitly naming "the governor of the Jews" (Zerubbabel) and "the elders of the Jews" as the authorized parties responsible for the construction. This underscores the importance of divinely appointed and recognized leadership in carrying out God's will. Finally, the successful rebuilding of the Temple paved the way for the **Resumption of Proper Worship and Covenant Life**, which was central to the spiritual restoration of the returning community, fulfilling God's promises to His people after the exile.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Work (Aramaic, _ʻăbîydâh'_):** From H5673, this term refers to "labor or business." In Ezra 6:7, it specifically denotes the ongoing task of rebuilding the Temple. The command to "let the work... alone" signifies a cessation of all interference with this particular sacred enterprise, acknowledging its status as a legitimate and important undertaking that should not be hindered by imperial officials.
* **Alone (Aramaic, _shᵉbaq'_):** From H7662, this verb means "to quit" or "to allow to remain." It is an imperative command, conveying a strong injunction for the Persian officials to completely stop their opposition and allow the Temple construction to proceed without any further obstruction. It implies a reversal of previous hostile actions and a mandate for non-intervention.
* **Build (Aramaic, _bᵉnâʼ'_):** From H1124, this verb means "to build" or "to make." This word highlights the primary activity that Darius's decree is now empowering. It moves beyond merely ceasing opposition to actively commanding and enabling the Jewish leaders to construct the "house of God," emphasizing the positive and constructive nature of the royal mandate.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let the work of this house of God alone;":** This is the initial, decisive command from King Darius to Tatnai and his provincial colleagues. It is a direct injunction to cease all opposition, interference, or obstruction of the Temple building project. The phrase "house of God" immediately establishes the sacred and divinely sanctioned nature of the work, implying that to hinder it is to oppose not just the Jews, but their God. This part of the decree removes the negative impediments.
* **"let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews":** This clause explicitly identifies the authorized parties responsible for the construction. Zerubbabel, as the "governor," represents the divinely appointed civil leader, while "the elders of the Jews" represent the spiritual and communal leadership. This dual mention underscores that the work is to be carried out by the legitimate, recognized authorities within the Jewish community, further validating their efforts and assigning clear responsibility.
* **"build this house of God in his place.":** This is the positive command, following the negative injunction. It not only permits but actively mandates the continuation of the construction. The repetition of "this house of God" reinforces the sacred object of the decree. The phrase "in his place" is significant, emphasizing that the Temple is to be rebuilt on its original, divinely designated site in Jerusalem, ensuring continuity with the Solomonic Temple and its sacred traditions, and preventing any relocation or alteration of its established sanctity.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 6:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is the **Royal Decree**, which lends absolute authority and finality to the command. The very nature of the text as an official edict from the highest earthly power underscores the dramatic and decisive shift in circumstances for the Jewish people. There is also significant **Repetition** of the phrase "house of God," which serves to emphasize the sacred object of the decree and its paramount importance. This repetition acts as a theological anchor, constantly reminding the reader of the divine purpose behind the human actions. Furthermore, the verse presents a stark **Contrast** between the previous imperial decree to stop the work (as seen in [Ezra 4:21](/ezra/4-21 "Ezra 4:21 - Artaxerxes' Decree to Stop the Work")) and this new, protective mandate. This contrast highlights the **Divine Irony** and **Providence** at play, where a pagan king, through the meticulous administrative processes of his empire, becomes an unwitting yet powerful instrument in fulfilling God's covenant promises to His people. The structure of the command—first negative ("let alone"), then positive ("let... build")—is a form of **Chiasm** or **Parallelism**, effectively communicating both the cessation of hindrance and the active permission and support for the work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 6:7 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and sovereign control over human affairs, even those seemingly outside the direct sphere of His people. It reveals that God's plans for His kingdom and His people cannot be ultimately thwarted by human opposition or political machinations. Just as He "turns the king's heart wherever He wills" ([Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")), God orchestrated the discovery of Cyrus's original decree and moved Darius to issue a protective edict, ensuring the Temple's completion. This demonstrates that divine intervention is not limited to miraculous signs but often works through the ordinary, albeit divinely directed, channels of human governments and administrative processes. The verse assures believers that God actively oversees His work on earth, providing the necessary protection, resources, and leadership for His purposes to prevail, even against formidable odds. It is a profound declaration that God's word and promises will accomplish their intended purpose, regardless of the obstacles.

* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")
* [Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God Completes His Good Work")
* [Ezra 6:15](/ezra/6-15 "Ezra 6:15 - Completion of the Temple")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 6:7 offers profound encouragement and practical lessons for believers today, reminding us that our God is sovereign over all earthly powers and circumstances. When we face opposition, delays, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles in our personal callings, our ministries, or the collective work of the church, this verse assures us that God's purposes will ultimately prevail. Just as He turned the heart of King Darius, God can influence authorities, open doors, and remove hindrances to His kingdom work. This should inspire us to persevere in our God-given tasks, trusting that He will provide the necessary protection and resources, even through unexpected and secular means. The verse also underscores the importance of legitimate leadership and communal responsibility in carrying out God's will. We are called to be faithful stewards of the spiritual "house of God"—the Church and our individual lives—knowing that God watches over His work and will bring it to completion. Our perseverance, coupled with fervent prayer and unwavering reliance on His divine providence, is key to seeing His plans unfold in our lives and in the world around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the sovereignty of God displayed in Ezra 6:7 encourage you when facing opposition or delays in your own life or ministry?**
* **In what ways might God be calling you to "build" or contribute to His "house" (the Church) today, and what obstacles might you need to trust Him to remove?**
* **How does the example of Darius's decree challenge your perspective on how God works through secular authorities or unexpected channels?**
* **What role does perseverance, coupled with faith in God's providence, play in seeing His purposes fulfilled, both in the biblical narrative and in your personal experience?**

### FAQ
**Who was King Darius I, and why was his decree so significant for the Jews?**

Answer: King Darius I, often referred to as Darius the Great, reigned over the vast Persian Empire from 522 to 486 BC. He was renowned for his exceptional administrative skills, extensive building projects, and highly organized governance. His decree in [Ezra 6:7](/ezra/6-7 "Ezra 6:7 - Darius's Decree to Protect the Temple Work") was supremely significant for the Jews because it officially reversed previous imperial interference (as seen in [Ezra 4:21](/ezra/4-21 "Ezra 4:21 - Artaxerxes' Decree to Stop the Work")), validated the Jews' right to rebuild their Temple based on Cyrus's original edict, and most importantly, provided imperial protection and resources for the project. This royal endorsement removed all legal and political obstacles, allowing the work to proceed unhindered and ultimately be completed, fulfilling God's prophetic word and enabling the re-establishment of Jewish religious life.

**What was the "house of God," and why was its rebuilding so important to the returning exiles?**

Answer: The "house of God" refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, originally built by King Solomon. For the returning Jewish exiles, it was far more than just a physical structure; it was the central place of worship, sacrifice, and communion with Yahweh, representing God's dwelling among His people. Its destruction by the Babylonians was a devastating blow, signifying divine judgment for Israel's unfaithfulness. Rebuilding it was crucial for the re-establishment of their covenant relationship with God, the resumption of prescribed worship according to the Mosaic Law, and the restoration of their national and religious identity. It symbolized God's faithfulness to His promises of restoration and the spiritual renewal of the community. The completion of this "house of God" was essential for the spiritual and communal life of the post-exilic Jewish people, as detailed throughout the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.

**How does this verse relate to the earlier opposition faced by the Jews in Ezra?**

Answer: Ezra 6:7 stands in stark contrast to the earlier opposition described in the book of Ezra, particularly in [Ezra 4](/ezra/4 "Ezra 4 - Opposition to Rebuilding"). After the initial enthusiasm for rebuilding the Temple, local adversaries wrote letters of accusation to the Persian kings, leading to a decree from Artaxerxes to stop the work ([Ezra 4:21](/ezra/4-21 "Ezra 4:21 - Artaxerxes' Decree to Stop the Work")). This injunction halted construction for many years. However, in [Ezra 5](/ezra/5 "Ezra 5 - Temple Work Resumes"), spurred by the powerful prophetic messages of Haggai and Zechariah, the Jews courageously resumed building. This resumption prompted Tatnai's new inquiry to Darius. The decree in [Ezra 6:7](/ezra/6-7 "Ezra 6:7 - Darius's Decree to Protect the Temple Work") is Darius's definitive response, not only overturning the previous injunction but actively commanding protection and provision for the Temple work. It powerfully demonstrates God's ultimate triumph over opposition and His ability to turn the hearts of kings to accomplish His divine will, ensuring His purposes are fulfilled.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 6:7, while focused on the physical rebuilding of the Second Temple, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate "house of God" and the divine building project centered on Jesus Christ. The earthly Temple, though significant as the dwelling place of God's presence among His people, was always a type and shadow pointing to a greater reality. Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking not of the physical structure but of the temple of His body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the True Temple")). He is the true and ultimate Temple, the very dwelling place of God among humanity, where perfect worship and atonement are offered through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection. Furthermore, Christ is the Master Builder of His Church, declaring, "I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Christ Builds His Church")). Just as Darius's decree protected the physical Temple work, Christ's sovereign power ensures the building of His spiritual Temple—the Church—against all opposition. Believers, united in Christ, become living stones in this spiritual house, a holy priesthood, a dwelling place for God by the Spirit ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone, Believers as the Temple"); [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")). The divine protection and provision granted to Zerubbabel and the elders for the physical Temple find their ultimate and eternal fulfillment in Christ's unwavering commitment to His Church, which He continues to build, preserve, and sanctify until His glorious return.

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

Acts 5:38

And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:

Acts 5:39

But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.