Ezra 6:8

Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, [even] of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.

Moreover I {H4481} make {H7761} a decree {H2942} what {H3964} ye shall do {H5648} to {H5974} the elders {H7868} of these {H479} Jews {H3062} for the building {H1124} of this {H1791} house {H1005} of God {H426}: that of the king's {H4430} goods {H5232}, even of {H1768} the tribute {H4061} beyond {H5675} the river {H5103}, forthwith {H629} expenses {H5313} be {H1934} given {H3052} unto these {H479} men {H1400}, that they be not {H3809} hindered {H989}.

"Moreover, I herewith issue this order concerning how you are to assist these leaders of the Judeans in rebuilding this house of God: the expenses of these men are to be defrayed promptly from the royal funds, from the taxes collected beyond the River, so that the work can continue.

I hereby decree what you must do for these elders of the Jews who are rebuilding this house of God: The cost is to be paid in full to these men from the royal treasury out of the taxes of the provinces west of the Euphrates, so that the work will not be hindered.

Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king’s goods, even of the tribute beyond the River, expenses be given with all diligence unto these men, that they be not hindered.

Commentary

Context of Ezra 6:8

Ezra 6:8 is part of King Darius's decree concerning the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. Following the initial decree by King Cyrus, the work on the Temple had faced significant opposition and eventually ceased for many years (Ezra 4:24). Prophets Haggai and Zechariah then encouraged the Jews to resume construction (Haggai 1:1). When Tatnai, the governor of the region "beyond the river," questioned their authority and wrote to King Darius, Darius ordered a search of the royal archives. Upon discovering Cyrus's original decree, Darius not only confirmed it but also issued a strong mandate for the work to continue, providing royal support and severe penalties for those who would hinder it. This verse specifically outlines the financial provision.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Royal Mandate and Divine Provision: King Darius's decree demonstrates how God can use even pagan rulers to accomplish His purposes. The "king's goods" and "tribute beyond the river" were to be used to fund the Temple's construction, highlighting God's providential hand in supplying resources for His work, even from unexpected sources. This reflects the principle that God often works through human authorities and systems to provide for His people, as seen in the return from Babylonian exile.
  • Unwavering Support for God's House: The decree emphasizes that "forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered." This highlights the importance of ensuring that God's work proceeds without unnecessary delays or financial obstacles. The command for immediate provision underscores the urgency and priority of the Temple's completion, which was central to the spiritual life of the returning exiles.
  • Overcoming Opposition: The context of this verse is the overcoming of opposition to the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. Darius's decree not only permitted the work but actively provided for it and threatened severe consequences for those who would obstruct it. This shows God's commitment to protect and empower His people in fulfilling His will, even when faced with significant adversaries.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "tribute beyond the river" refers to the tax revenues collected from the satrapy of Trans-Euphrates, a vast region west of the Euphrates River that included Judah. This indicates that the very taxes collected from the Jewish people and their neighbors, originally intended for the Persian empire, were now being redirected by royal decree to support the sacred work of the Temple. The term "forthwith expenses" (or "without fail" in some translations) stresses the immediacy and certainty of the provision, ensuring no further delays.

Practical Application

Ezra 6:8 serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and His ability to provide for His work. For believers today, this verse encourages us to trust in God's provision for ministry and Kingdom initiatives. It also highlights the importance of supporting those who are engaged in God's work, ensuring they are not "hindered" by lack of resources. Just as Darius was moved to support the Temple, God can stir the hearts of individuals and institutions to contribute to His purposes. This verse encourages perseverance in the face of opposition, knowing that God will ultimately ensure His plans are carried out.

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Cross-References

  • Ezra 6:4 (4 votes)

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

  • Haggai 2:8 (3 votes)

    The silver [is] mine, and the gold [is] mine, saith the LORD of hosts.

  • Ezra 7:15 (3 votes)

    And to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counsellors have freely offered unto the God of Israel, whose habitation [is] in Jerusalem,

  • Ezra 7:22 (3 votes)

    Unto an hundred talents of silver, and to an hundred measures of wheat, and to an hundred baths of wine, and to an hundred baths of oil, and salt without prescribing [how much].

  • Ezra 5:5 (2 votes)

    But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, that they could not cause them to cease, till the matter came to Darius: and then they returned answer by letter concerning this [matter].

  • Ezra 4:16 (2 votes)

    We certify the king that, if this city be builded [again], and the walls thereof set up, by this means thou shalt have no portion on this side the river.

  • Psalms 68:29 (2 votes)

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