Ezra Capítulo 6
KJV — King James Version · 22 versículos
Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.
Spiritual Insight
Darius ordered a search of the archives. When God wants to vindicate His people, He can make even kings look for evidence in their favor.
And there was found at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province of the Medes, a roll, and therein was a record thus written:
Spiritual Insight
The scroll was found in Ecbatana — not in Babylon where they first looked. Sometimes the answer is in an unexpected place.
In the first year of Cyrus the king the same Cyrus the king made a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be builded, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid; the height thereof threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof threescore cubits;
Spiritual Insight
Cyrus's original decree was found intact — complete with building specifications. God had planted the evidence before the opposition even began.
With three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let the expenses be given out of the king’s house:
Spiritual Insight
The construction costs were to be paid from the royal treasury. God not only opened the door — He paid for the building.
And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto the temple which is at Jerusalem, every one to his place, and place them in the house of God.
Spiritual Insight
The stolen temple vessels were to be returned to their proper place. God cares about restoring what was taken — every piece matters to Him.
Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence:
Spiritual Insight
Darius told the opponents to 'stay away.' The same officials who tried to stop the work were now ordered to back off. God can turn your enemies into your protectors.
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.
Spiritual Insight
The king told them not to interfere — let the Jews build. When God opens a door, no authority can shut it.
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.
Spiritual Insight
Not only did the king stop the opposition, he ordered the opponents to fund the project! God doesn't just remove obstacles — He makes them serve His purposes.
And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail:
Spiritual Insight
Daily provisions for the sacrifices were to be given without fail. God provided ongoing support, not just a one-time gift. Sustained provision for sustained ministry.
That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.
Spiritual Insight
The king wanted them to pray for him and his sons. Even a pagan ruler sensed that having God's people pray for you was valuable.
Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this.
Spiritual Insight
Darius added a severe penalty for anyone who altered the decree. God used a pagan king's severity to protect His people's work.
And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed.
Spiritual Insight
Darius invoked God's judgment on anyone who would harm the temple. He recognized the power of Israel's God, even if he didn't fully worship Him.
Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shetharboznai, and their companions, according to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did speedily.
Spiritual Insight
Tattenai and his associates complied quickly. When God turns the tide, the very people who opposed you will become the ones who cooperate.
And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.
Spiritual Insight
The elders built and prospered through the prophesying of Haggai and Zechariah. The combination of prophetic encouragement and faithful work is powerful.
And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.
Spiritual Insight
The temple was completed in the sixth year of Darius. Years of opposition, delays, and discouragement ended with a finished building. Persistence pays off.
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,
Spiritual Insight
The people celebrated the dedication with joy. After all the struggles, the joy was that much sweeter. Hard-won victories produce the deepest gratitude.
And offered at the dedication of this house of God an hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.
Spiritual Insight
They offered 100 bulls, 200 rams, 400 lambs, and 12 goats — one for each tribe. The offering was generous and inclusive, representing all of God's people.
And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem; as it is written in the book of Moses.
Spiritual Insight
They organized the priests and Levites according to Moses' law. Celebration was followed by organization — joy and order go together in God's house.
And the children of the captivity kept the passover upon the fourteenth day of the first month.
Spiritual Insight
They celebrated the Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month — just as their ancestors had done in Egypt. Some traditions are worth keeping because they remind us who we are.
For the priests and the Levites were purified together, all of them were pure, and killed the passover for all the children of the captivity, and for their brethren the priests, and for themselves.
Spiritual Insight
All the priests and Levites purified themselves. Preparation for worship included preparation of the heart. Clean hands and a clean heart go together.
And the children of Israel, which were come again out of captivity, and all such as had separated themselves unto them from the filthiness of the heathen of the land, to seek the LORD God of Israel, did eat,
Spiritual Insight
Both the returnees and those who had separated themselves from uncleanness joined the feast. God's table is open to anyone who chooses to belong.
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.
Spiritual Insight
They celebrated with joy for seven days, because God had turned the king's heart toward them. When God changes hearts — even kings' hearts — everything changes.