Ezra 6:16

And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy,

And the children {H1123} of Israel {H3479}, the priests {H3549}, and the Levites {H3879}, and the rest {H7606} of the children {H1123} of the captivity {H1547}, kept {H5648} the dedication {H2597} of this {H1836} house {H1005} of God {H426} with joy {H2305},

The people of Isra'el, the cohanim, the L'vi'im and the other people from the exile joyfully dedicated this house of God.

Then the people of Israel—the priests, the Levites, and the rest of the exiles—celebrated the dedication of the house of God with joy.

And the children of Israel, the priests and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy.

Commentary

Commentary on Ezra 6:16

Ezra 6:16 describes a momentous occasion in the history of post-exilic Israel: the joyful dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. After decades of desolation, exile, and then the arduous task of rebuilding, this verse marks the triumphant culmination of God's faithfulness and His people's perseverance.

Context

Following the seventy-year Babylonian captivity, a remnant of Israelites returned to Judah under the decree of King Cyrus of Persia. Their initial efforts to rebuild the Temple were met with fierce opposition and delays, leading to a standstill for many years (Ezra 4:24). However, spurred by the prophetic encouragement of Haggai and Zechariah, and with the renewed sanction of King Darius's decree, the work was finally completed. This verse celebrates the grand dedication ceremony, involving all segments of the community: "the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity."

Key Themes

  • Restoration and Fulfillment: The completion and dedication of the Temple signified the restoration of formal worship in Jerusalem and the fulfillment of God's promises to bring His people back to their land and re-establish His presence among them. It was a tangible sign of God's enduring covenant.
  • Unity in Worship: The verse explicitly mentions "the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity." This comprehensive list highlights the unity of the entire community in this act of dedication and worship, transcending tribal distinctions and shared experiences of exile.
  • Joy in God's Presence: The most striking aspect of the verse is the phrase "kept the dedication... with joy." This deep, communal rejoicing was a natural response to seeing God's hand in bringing such a monumental task to completion despite immense challenges. It reflects the spiritual delight in renewing their relationship with God through His appointed place of worship.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "dedication" is chanukkah (חֲנֻכָּה), which means "consecration" or "inauguration." This same root word is famously used for the later Feast of Dedication, or Hanukkah, commemorating the rededication of the Temple in the Maccabean period. The term emphasizes the solemn setting apart of the structure for sacred use. The word for "joy" is simchah (שִׂמְחָה), indicating a profound and often outward expression of happiness, frequently associated with feasts and celebrations of God's goodness.

Practical Application

The dedication of the Second Temple with joy offers several timeless lessons:

  • Perseverance in Faith: The Israelites faced significant opposition and discouragement, yet they ultimately completed the Temple. This encourages believers to persist in God's work, trusting that He will enable them to overcome obstacles and bring His purposes to fruition.
  • The Importance of Corporate Worship: The communal joy and participation underscore the value of gathering together as God's people for worship and celebration. There is unique strength and encouragement found in shared spiritual experiences.
  • Finding Joy in God's Faithfulness: The "joy" here is a direct result of witnessing God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Today, believers can find similar joy in recognizing God's work in their lives and in the church, remembering that the joy of the Lord is our strength. As New Testament believers, we understand that we are living temples of the Holy Spirit and part of a spiritual house (1 Corinthians 6:19), called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and service.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 7:5 (6 votes)

    And king Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty and two thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep: so the king and all the people dedicated the house of God.

  • 1 Kings 8:63 (4 votes)

    And Solomon offered a sacrifice of peace offerings, which he offered unto the LORD, two and twenty thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep. So the king and all the children of Israel dedicated the house of the LORD.

  • Ezra 6:22 (3 votes)

    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.

  • John 10:22 (3 votes)

    ¶ And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.

  • Philippians 4:4 (3 votes)

    Rejoice in the Lord alway: [and] again I say, Rejoice.

  • Psalms 122:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ A Song of degrees of David. I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.

  • Ezra 4:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto the LORD God of Israel;