Ezra 6

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with King Darius issuing a decree to search for the decree of King Cyrus, which authorized the rebuilding of the Temple. After finding the decree, King Darius orders the Samaritan officials to stop hindering the construction of the Temple and to provide the necessary resources for its completion. The Israelites then finish building the Temple, and it is dedicated with great joy and celebration. The chapter concludes with the Israelites observing the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, marking a new era of worship and obedience to God. Key verses include Ezra 6:1-5, which describe the search for King Cyrus' decree, and Ezra 6:13-15, which describe the completion and dedication of the Temple.

Context for the Chapter

Ezra chapter 6 is part of the larger narrative of the post-exilic period in Israel's history. The chapter follows the events of Ezra chapters 4-5, which describe the opposition to the rebuilding of the Temple from the Samaritans. The completion of the Temple marks a significant milestone in the restoration of Israel, and it paves the way for the events of the rest of the book of Ezra and the book of Nehemiah. The chapter is also connected to the larger biblical narrative, as it represents the fulfillment of God's promises to His people and the continuation of the covenant between God and Israel.

Heart Application

The completion of the Temple in Ezra chapter 6 has significant applications for believers today. Just as the Israelites were able to worship God in their newly rebuilt sanctuary, believers today are able to worship God through Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate sacrifice and mediator between God and humanity. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, which is a theme that is continued in the New Testament through the teachings of Jesus Christ. Believers today can apply this theme by seeking to obey God's commands and follow His leading in their lives, trusting in His sovereignty and faithfulness to bring about His promises.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Ezra chapter 6 is about the completion of the Temple in Jerusalem. The Israelites were able to finish building the Temple because they obeyed God's commands and followed the instructions of His prophets. The chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, and it emphasizes the theme of God's sovereignty in fulfilling His promises to His people. For example, in Ezra 6:14, we see the Israelites completing the Temple and worshiping God in their newly rebuilt sanctuary, which is a symbol of God's presence among His people.

Voices from the Church

“The Temple was a symbol of God's presence among His people, and its rebuilding is a reminder of God's faithfulness and covenant love. As believers today, we can learn from the example of the Israelites, who were able to complete the Temple and worship God in their newly rebuilt sanctuary because they obeyed God's commands and followed the instructions of His prophets.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The decree of King Darius is a remarkable example of God's sovereignty, as He is able to bring about the completion of the Temple despite the opposition from the Samaritans. This emphasizes the theme of God's sovereignty, which is a central theme of the Bible, and reminds us that God is able to bring about His promises despite any opposition or obstacle.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. The Search for King Cyrus' Decree (Ezra 6:1-5) — The chapter begins with King Darius issuing a decree to search for the decree of King Cyrus, which authorized the rebuilding of the Temple. This section highlights the importance of the decree in authorizing the rebuilding of the Temple and providing the necessary resources for its completion.
2. The Completion of the Temple (Ezra 6:6-12) — After finding the decree, King Darius orders the Samaritan officials to stop hindering the construction of the Temple and to provide the necessary resources for its completion. The Israelites then finish building the Temple, and it is dedicated with great joy and celebration.
3. The Dedication of the Temple (Ezra 6:13-18) — The dedication of the Temple is a joyous occasion, marking the completion of the building project and the beginning of a new era of worship and obedience to God. The Israelites offer sacrifices and celebrate the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, marking a new era of worship and obedience to God.
4. The Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Ezra 6:19-22) — The chapter concludes with the Israelites observing the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, marking a new era of worship and obedience to God. This section highlights the importance of these festivals in the Israelite calendar, and it emphasizes the theme of God's covenant love and faithfulness to His people.
5. Conclusion (Ezra 6:22) — The chapter concludes with a statement about the Israelites' obedience to God's commands and their commitment to worshiping Him in spirit and truth. This section emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, and it highlights the theme of God's sovereignty in fulfilling His promises to His people.

Core Doctrines

God's Sovereignty

The chapter highlights the theme of God's sovereignty, as He is able to bring about the completion of the Temple despite the opposition from the Samaritans. This emphasizes the idea that God is in control of all things, and that He is able to bring about His promises despite any opposition or obstacle.

The Importance of Obedience

The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, as the Israelites are able to complete the Temple and worship God in their newly rebuilt sanctuary because they obey God's commands and follow the instructions of His prophets. This highlights the theme of obedience, which is a central theme of the Bible.

The Role of Prophets

The chapter highlights the important role of prophets in encouraging the Israelites to complete the Temple. The prophets Haggai and Zechariah represent the voice of God, calling His people to obedience and faithfulness. This emphasizes the importance of listening to God's voice and following His leading in our lives.

The Covenant

The chapter is connected to the larger biblical narrative, as it represents the fulfillment of God's promises to His people and the continuation of the covenant between God and Israel. This emphasizes the theme of God's covenant love and faithfulness to His people, and it highlights the importance of the covenant in the biblical narrative.

Lessons from Ezra 6

1. The Importance of Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, as the Israelites are able to complete the Temple and worship God in their newly rebuilt sanctuary because they obey God's commands and follow the instructions of His prophets.
2. The Role of Prophets — The chapter highlights the important role of prophets in encouraging the Israelites to complete the Temple. The prophets Haggai and Zechariah represent the voice of God, calling His people to obedience and faithfulness.
3. God's Sovereignty — The chapter emphasizes the theme of God's sovereignty, as He is able to bring about the completion of the Temple despite the opposition from the Samaritans. This highlights the idea that God is in control of all things, and that He is able to bring about His promises despite any opposition or obstacle.
4. The Covenant — The chapter is connected to the larger biblical narrative, as it represents the fulfillment of God's promises to His people and the continuation of the covenant between God and Israel. This emphasizes the theme of God's covenant love and faithfulness to His people, and it highlights the importance of the covenant in the biblical narrative.
5. Worship and Celebration — The chapter concludes with the Israelites observing the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, marking a new era of worship and obedience to God. This section highlights the importance of these festivals in the Israelite calendar, and it emphasizes the theme of God's covenant love and faithfulness to His people.

Themes from Ezra 6

1. God's Sovereignty — The chapter emphasizes the theme of God's sovereignty, as He is able to bring about the completion of the Temple despite the opposition from the Samaritans. This highlights the idea that God is in control of all things, and that He is able to bring about His promises despite any opposition or obstacle.
2. The Importance of Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, as the Israelites are able to complete the Temple and worship God in their newly rebuilt sanctuary because they obey God's commands and follow the instructions of His prophets.
3. The Role of Prophets — The chapter highlights the important role of prophets in encouraging the Israelites to complete the Temple. The prophets Haggai and Zechariah represent the voice of God, calling His people to obedience and faithfulness.
4. The Covenant — The chapter is connected to the larger biblical narrative, as it represents the fulfillment of God's promises to His people and the continuation of the covenant between God and Israel. This emphasizes the theme of God's covenant love and faithfulness to His people, and it highlights the importance of the covenant in the biblical narrative.
5. Worship and Celebration — The chapter concludes with the Israelites observing the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, marking a new era of worship and obedience to God. This section highlights the importance of these festivals in the Israelite calendar, and it emphasizes the theme of God's covenant love and faithfulness to His people.

Questions for Meditation

1. What can we learn from the example of the Israelites, who were able to complete the Temple and worship God in their newly rebuilt sanctuary because they obeyed God's commands and followed the instructions of His prophets?
2. How does the completion of the Temple in Ezra chapter 6 point forward to the ultimate Temple, which is the body of Jesus Christ?
3. What role do prophets play in the chapter, and how can we apply this to our own lives today?
4. How does the chapter emphasize the theme of God's sovereignty, and what implications does this have for our understanding of God's character and nature?
5. What can we learn from the Israelites' celebration of the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and how can we apply this to our own worship and celebration of God's love and faithfulness?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Ezra 6

	Sermon	Description
	Ezra #2: Revival Starts at the Altar by Ed Miller	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the reasons why people quit and fail to complete their spiritual journey. He uses the example of the Israelites building the temple in the boo
	Progress of Redemption #04 by David Shirley	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of the word of God and how it can change people's lives. The sermon takes place in Judea, a Persian province, around 430 BC. T
	It's Not Enough to Get Out of Babylon by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher criticizes the trend of showcase charities that are primarily focused on raising money for airtime and advertisement. He warns that ministers will be h
	(Through the Bible) 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra by Zac Poonen	The sermon covers the journey of the children of Israel from Babylon back to Jerusalem after 70 years of captivity, focusing on the building of the temple and the challenges faced.
	Building the House of Prayer: A Prophetic Call to Action (Hag. 2) by Mike Bickle	Mike Bickle emphasizes the prophetic call to build the house of prayer as illustrated in Haggai's messages to the Israelites in 520 BC. He draws parallels between their struggles a
	Our Daily Homily - Ezra by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer emphasizes the divine stirring of Cyrus as a fulfillment of prophecy, highlighting the importance of prayer and obedience in responding to God's call. He reflects on the
	The Mountain Made a Plain by J.C. Philpot	J.C. Philpot preaches about the spiritual significance of Zerubbabel's completion of the temple, drawing parallels between the obstacles faced in rebuilding the physical temple and
	The Eternal Conception and Decision by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the eternal purpose of God in his sermon 'The Eternal Conception and Decision', focusing on the significance of God's house as a representation of His p
	The Angel' S Message by Sir Robert Anderson	Sir Robert Anderson delves into the prophecy of the seventy weeks in the book of Daniel, highlighting the specific timeline decreed upon the people and the holy city, leading to th
	Daniel in the Critic's Den by Robert Anderson	Robert Anderson delivers a sermon on the book of Daniel, addressing the controversy surrounding its authenticity and historical accuracy. He refutes the claims made by critics, hig

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Ezra 6

Matthew Henry's commentary on Ezra 6 emphasizes the theme of God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His people. The completion of the Temple is seen as a fulfillment of God's promises to His people, and it marks a new era of worship and obedience to God. The commentary also highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, as the Israelites are able to complete the Temple and worship God in their newly rebuilt sanctuary because they obey God's commands and follow the instructions of His prophets. The commentary concludes with a statement about the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, and of seeking to obey His commands in all areas of life. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?