Ezra 6:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Ezra 6:14
14 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.
Chapter Context
Ezra 6 is a historical narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, faith, judgment. Written during the post-exilic return (c. 458-440 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The Persian Empire allowed religious freedom while maintaining political control.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-22: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Ezra and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Ezra 6:14
14 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.
Analysis
The summary statement identifies multiple causation: 'the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah.' Human builders worked, prophets encouraged, and God blessed—multiple simultaneous causes at different levels. The phrase 'they builded and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel' establishes ultimate divine causation. The continuation 'and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia' shows God working through political authority.
Historical Context
This verse synthesizes the entire restoration narrative showing God's sovereignty operating through:
- prophetic word
- human labor
- divine command,
- governmental decrees.
Artaxerxes' mention (who reigned 465-424 BC) looks forward to his support of Ezra's later mission (Ezra 7), demonstrating biblical theology's comprehensive view of interconnected events across decades. The temple's completion in 516 BC fulfilled prophecy (Jeremiah 25:11-12, 29:10) exactly seventy years after destruction (586 BC).
Reflection
- How does Scripture's attribution of success to multiple simultaneous causes avoid reductionism—neither only human effort nor only divine sovereignty?
- What does the inclusion of three Persian kings demonstrate about God's long-term faithfulness across generations and regimes?