Ezra 6:7
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.
Original Language Analysis
בֵּית
house
H1005
בֵּית
house
Strong's:
H1005
Word #:
3 of 15
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
וּלְשָׂבֵ֣י
and the elders
H7868
וּלְשָׂבֵ֣י
and the elders
Strong's:
H7868
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, to become aged, i.e., (by implication) to grow gray
בֵּית
house
H1005
בֵּית
house
Strong's:
H1005
Word #:
10 of 15
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
Historical Context
Persian policy generally allowed subject peoples religious autonomy as long as they maintained political loyalty and paid tribute. Darius's order went beyond tolerance to active protection—'let alone' meant preventing others from interfering. This created space for Jewish community to rebuild according to Torah rather than imperial religious preferences. Early church similarly benefited from periods when Roman authorities protected religious practice despite refusing to worship Caesar.
Questions for Reflection
- How does governmental protection of religious self-governance demonstrate God's common grace through natural law and civic order?
- What does Darius's 'hands-off' approach teach about appropriate limits of state involvement in religious communities?
Analysis & Commentary
Darius's command—'Let the work of this house of God alone'—orders non-interference. The phrase 'let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place' grants autonomy for Jewish religious leadership to direct the project. This represents remarkable liberty—imperial power protecting minority religion's self-governance. God's sovereignty secures religious freedom through pagan rulers, demonstrating that civil authority can protect rather than threaten faithful worship.