Ezra 6 2

Ezra 6:2 kjv

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:

Ezra 6:2 nkjv

And at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province of Media, a scroll was found, and in it a record was written thus:

Ezra 6:2 niv

A scroll was found in the citadel of Ecbatana in the province of Media, and this was written on it: Memorandum:

Ezra 6:2 esv

And in Ecbatana, the citadel that is in the province of Media, a scroll was found on which this was written: "A record.

Ezra 6:2 nlt

But it was at the fortress at Ecbatana in the province of Media that a scroll was found. This is what it said: "Memorandum:

Ezra 6 verses

Ezra 6 2 Meaning

Ezra 6:2 states that a crucial decree was discovered in the archives of Achmetha (Ecbatana), which was a royal palace within the province of the Medes. This decree, found as an official record or scroll, specifically detailed the command to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem, validating the claims of the Jewish people to resume their work. The discovery was providentially significant for the continued rebuilding of the Temple.

Ezra 6 2 Context

Ezra 6:2 occurs in a crucial moment for the rebuilding of the second Temple in Jerusalem. Following the return of exiles from Babylon, under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Joshua, construction began but faced significant opposition from surrounding peoples. These adversaries, led by Tatnai, the governor "beyond the river" (Trans-Euphrates), sent a letter to King Darius, questioning the legality of the Jews' building efforts and requesting clarification on King Cyrus's original decree. Darius, upon receiving the letter, ordered a search of the royal archives for the relevant record. Ezra 6:1 states Darius initiated the search in Babylon. This verse, Ezra 6:2, then announces the successful finding of that foundational document, not in Babylon as first sought, but in the less obvious royal archive in Achmetha, thereby legally validating the Jews' ongoing construction project.

Ezra 6 2 Word analysis

• And there was found: Aramaic: וְאִשְׁתְּכַח֙ (wə-ʼiš·tə·ḵaḥ), a passive form. This phrasing highlights that the discovery was not necessarily due to extensive human searching efforts alone, but strongly implies divine orchestration. It signifies God's providential hand guiding the process to ensure His purposes for the temple's rebuilding would be realized. The scroll was found, as if providentially placed for this moment.
• in Achmetha: Aramaic: בְּאַחְמְתָא (bə-ʼaḥ·mə·ṯā), identified as Ecbatana, the ancient capital of Media, a key city in the Persian Empire, located in modern-day Iran. It served as a summer residence and treasury for the Persian kings. Its significance lies in being a major administrative and archival center of the empire, validating the authenticity and importance of any document stored there. This specific detail underscores the authoritative nature of the found decree.
• in the palace: Aramaic: בְּבִירְתָא (bə-ḇîr·tā), meaning 'fortress,' 'citadel,' or 'palace.' This term denotes a royal stronghold or governmental complex, indicating that the scroll was found in a highly official and secure location, not merely a common archive. This reinforces the legal authority and genuine nature of the document.
• that is in the province of the Medes: This geographical clarification firmly situates Achmetha within its political and administrative context within the vast Persian Empire. It shows the detailed nature of Persian record-keeping and bureaucracy. The Medes were integral to the initial formation of the Achaemenid Empire, and their capital, Ecbatana, maintained strategic importance.
• a roll: Aramaic: מְגִלְּתָא (mə·ḡil·lə·ṯā), referring to a scroll. This was the common format for official documents, royal decrees, and sacred texts in the ancient Near East. The use of "roll" indicates it was a formal, written document suitable for official decree.
• and therein was a record thus written: Aramaic: דִכְרָנָה (diḵ·rānā), meaning 'memorandum,' 'memorial,' 'record,' or 'remembrance.' This confirms that the content was an official historical record or legal document, meticulously preserved for administrative reference. It implies the content was exactly as reported by the Jews, proving their claims to be legitimate.

• And there was found in Achmetha... a roll: This group of words powerfully conveys divine providence. The seemingly serendipitous discovery in a far-off archive, away from where the initial search was conducted (Babylon, Ezr 6:1), underscores that God's plan transcends human limitations and administrative structures. The specific, secure location lent unimpeachable authenticity to the document.
• in the palace that is in the province of the Medes, a record thus written: This phrase emphasizes the highly official and geographically precise nature of the finding. It assures the reader of the document's legal weight and unquestionable validity. It showcases the comprehensive reach of Persian administration, inadvertently serving God's purposes.

Ezra 6 2 Bonus section

The efficiency and meticulous nature of the ancient Persian Empire's record-keeping system are implicitly highlighted in this verse. The ability to locate a specific decree, issued years prior by a previous king, in a different archive city than the one initially searched, demonstrates a highly organized bureaucratic structure. This detail underscores that God can and does utilize established political and administrative systems of human governments to achieve His divine will. The choice of Achmetha (Ecbatana) for the decree's filing, a city perhaps more significant under Cyrus due to its location, rather than the primary capital of Susa or even Babylon, shows a nuanced understanding of the Persian administrative centers and suggests that documents might be filed in various relevant archives depending on their original issuance or immediate impact.

Ezra 6 2 Commentary

Ezra 6:2 is a testament to divine sovereignty working through secular channels. The discovery of Cyrus's decree in the royal archives of Achmetha was a pivotal moment, affirming the legal basis for the Temple rebuilding against formidable opposition. This finding validated the claims of the Jews, discrediting their accusers and confirming that the hand of God guided the affairs of nations for the sake of His people and His kingdom purposes. It speaks to God's meticulous care in preserving truth and establishing justice, even through unexpected administrative means. This event reassured the returning exiles of God's faithfulness and spurred the work forward with renewed royal endorsement and financial support, demonstrating that no human obstacle can thwart God's ultimate plan.