Ezra 6 Devotional
by Pastor Mark Hudson
In Ezra 6, as we said yesterday, we need to consider chapters 5-6 as one unit. So, we will focus on chapter 6 as part two in this devotion of this 2-chapter section. We ended with Tattenai asking for a search to verify the words of the Jews who claimed they were sent by Cyrus. So, a search is made by Darius. They do find a decree in the summer residence of the Persian kings in the city of Ecbatana. This shows us the Ezra is almost certainly in Babylon to know such detail. And what a search! They have to physically search through various cities and they find this detailed decree after possibly months of searching.
This is no incomplete decree giving the okay for the building of a temple. This is a detailed command listing the dimensions, building materials, and explaining that the cost will come out of the royal treasury. So the original decree is found in verses 2-5. But that is not all. Now, Darius adds more to this original decree. Darius tells Tattenai, Shethar-bozenai and associates to stay away from this project. I want this temple rebuilt, says Darius. The tax revenue will fund this project. And whatever they need to sacrifice will be supplied, “day by day without fail” so v. 10, “they may offer pleasing sacrifices to the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king and his sons.”
Still Darius is not done. If anyone alters this decree, “a beam shall be pulled out of his house, and he shall be impaled on it, and his house shall be made a dunghill.” This is a unique situation for the Jews to be in but welcomed. This reminds us that not all governments have been or are against the faith. At times, governments do persecute. But not all the time and everywhere.
It is curious that the Persian kings had such a policy of supporting “local” deities. They worshipped Ahura Mazda (Wise Lord). These followers of Ahura Mazda were monotheists yet had tolerance and even support for other faiths. In our chapter, Darius wanted the Jews to offer sacrifices for the King and his sons. In this case, there was no threat from the government but encouragement.
This chapters ushers in the conclusion of chapters 1-6. Chapters 7 begins the time when Ezra, the scribe, travels to Jerusalem, almost 60 years later. Notice who is involved in the completion of the temple: Darius, Tattenai, Shethar-bozenai, the elders, Haggai, Zechariah, Cyrus, Artexerxes, and primarily God (1:1). This hints at the complicated way God uses events and people to accomplish His will. This is providence working out in real life.
In 16-18, the people, priests, and Levites celebrate with sacrifices and joy. They are beginning to set the things of worship according to the Scripture or as Ezra calls it “the Book of Moses.” Then in v. 19, they celebrate Passover. The priests and Levites purify themselves; the people separated themselves from the peoples of the land. The keep the feast of Unleaved Bread. It looks like an Old Testament revival.
One rather curious phrase is found in v. 22 “the king of Assyria.” This is curious since these are Persian kings. One suggestion is that these kingdoms follow Assyria so by calling them the king of Assyria, this may be saying originally this kingdom was Assyrian before it was Babylonian, before it was Median, and then Persian.
We find ourselves optimistic as this chapter ends. They are worshipping according to God’s word, in God’ place, and experiencing God’s blessing. What could go wrong? As you know, a moral and spiritual crisis is always around the corner. We should enjoy this time that serves as a corrective for their slow response to God’s command to build a temple.
Up to chapter 7, there is no Ezra in this story. This changes in the next chapter as we meet Ezra for the first time. There is still much to learn and even more corrective discipline in Ezra’s teaching. Building skills are needed for the temple and in Nehemiah’s case for the city. Ezra’s study, personal application, and teaching are also essential to what God is doing in Jerusalem.
God’s people learn how to please God when the governing authorities allow them freedom and believers learn how to prosper and grow when the opposition is strong against them. This is something for us to pray about as we think of the many believers around the world who find themselves in problematic places. We need to pray regularly for fellow believers who have to keep a low profile and share their faith cautiously.
We also need to pray for those who live in wealthy, affluent countries that they may not get sucked into a worldly mindset mirroring the culture with a veneer of Christianity plastered on their secular worldview. What dangers lurk in our culture. Secular worldviews seep into our minds masquerading as normal and necessary accommodations. We must always be on guard.
Dear Holy Father, we love and worship You. We approach You repenting of our sins yet in the name of the One who died for those very sins. By the blood, death, resurrection, ascension of Christ we are Yours and You are ours. You have filled us with Your Spirit so keep us vigilant against the destructive power of sin. Remind us to see Your providence in the “gains” and “losses” of our lives. You ordain all the events in our lives and cause them to redound for Your glory. Restore our worship both individually and corporately so our worship pleases You. We also pray for the people of Ukraine to keep them safe. We ask that You would stop this senseless violence. In Christ’s name. Amen.