Ezra 6 3

Ezra 6:3 kjv

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;

Ezra 6:3 nkjv

In the first year of King Cyrus, King Cyrus issued a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem: "Let the house be rebuilt, the place where they offered sacrifices; and let the foundations of it be firmly laid, its height sixty cubits and its width sixty cubits,

Ezra 6:3 niv

In the first year of King Cyrus, the king issued a decree concerning the temple of God in Jerusalem: Let the temple be rebuilt as a place to present sacrifices, and let its foundations be laid. It is to be sixty cubits high and sixty cubits wide,

Ezra 6:3 esv

In the first year of Cyrus the king, Cyrus the king issued a decree: Concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, let the house be rebuilt, the place where sacrifices were offered, and let its foundations be retained. Its height shall be sixty cubits and its breadth sixty cubits,

Ezra 6:3 nlt

"In the first year of King Cyrus's reign, a decree was sent out concerning the Temple of God at Jerusalem. "Let the Temple be rebuilt on the site where Jews used to offer their sacrifices, using the original foundations. Its height will be ninety feet, and its width will be ninety feet.

Ezra 6 verses

Ezra 6 3 Meaning

Ezra 6:3 records the rediscovered decree issued by King Cyrus of Persia regarding the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. This decree, established in his first year, mandates that the house of God be reconstructed at its sacred site in Jerusalem. It specifies that the Temple's foundational elements must be securely laid and outlines grand dimensions of sixty cubits in both height and width. Crucially, the decree also designates the Temple as the specific location where sacrifices are to be offered, reaffirming its purpose as a central hub for covenantal worship and atonement for the returned exiles.

Ezra 6 3 Context

Ezra chapter 6 details the successful resolution of a period of opposition and inquiry concerning the rebuilding of the Jerusalem Temple. In chapter 5, the Persian officials (Tattenai and Shethar-Bozenai) challenged the Jews' right to rebuild, asking for their authority and the names of the builders. The Jews responded by referring to a decree by Cyrus. Consequently, King Darius I, after receiving their report, ordered a search through the royal archives for the said decree. Ezra 6:1-2 describe this search, leading to the discovery of the memorandum at Ecbatana (Achmetha), a provincial capital. Ezra 6:3 is the exact text of that rediscovered original decree issued by Cyrus, confirming the legitimate divine command for the Temple's reconstruction. This discovery validates the Jews' work and sets the stage for the unimpeded continuation and completion of the Temple, backed by imperial authority.

Ezra 6 3 Word analysis

• In the first year: This phrase marks the precise time of Cyrus's reign, dating the decree to approximately 538 BC, immediately after his conquest of Babylon. This dating signifies the swift divine intervention after the exiles' release, marking the beginning of the return and rebuilding.
• Cyrus the king: Cyrus II the Great (Persian: Kūruš) was the founder of the Achaemenid Persian Empire. Though a pagan ruler, the Bible consistently portrays him as an instrument of God's sovereign will (Isa 44:28; 45:1). His policy of allowing exiled peoples to return and rebuild their sanctuaries was a calculated political move to foster loyalty, but God sovereignly used it to fulfill His prophecies regarding Israel.
• issued a decree: The Aramaic word for "decree" here is דִּכְרוֹן (dikhrôn), meaning a "memorandum," "record," or "royal dispatch." This emphasizes that the document was an official, recorded state directive, not merely a verbal command. It was stored in the royal archives, indicating its importance and authority. The act of "issuing" it implies its authoritative promulgation across the empire.
• concerning the house of God: The Aramaic בֵּית־אֱלָהָא (beit-ʾElāhā), "House of God," explicitly refers to the Temple in Jerusalem. This designation acknowledges Yahweh as the legitimate deity associated with the specific structure, even from a non-Israelite perspective. This contrasts with pagan beliefs where many gods could inhabit many temples; for Israel, this was the singular place where God's name would dwell.
• at Jerusalem: Specifies the unique and sacred location, Zion, which God chose for His dwelling place (Ps 132:13). This reaffirmation reinforces the city's religious and national significance for the exiled people.
• that it be rebuilt: This direct command underscores the imperative nature of the project. It signifies restoration and renewal of what was lost during the Babylonian exile, implying divine favor returning to Israel.
• the place where sacrifices are offered: The Aramaic דִבְחִין מְהַקְרִין (dibkhîn mehaqrin) means "sacrifices are offered/brought." This highlights the primary function of the Temple: the divinely ordained system of animal sacrifices, central to the Mosaic Law for atonement, communion, and worship. This specific function was crucial for the restoration of proper worship after the exile.
• and that its foundations be strongly laid: The Aramaic וְאֻשּׁוֹהִי מְסוֹבְלִין יִתְיְמֵרוּן (wĕʾušshôhî mĕsôbělîn yityĕmērûn) conveys that its foundations should be "solidly borne/endured," implying a durable and substantial structure. Strong foundations symbolize permanence and stability, essential for any building and particularly significant for a spiritual house meant to last.
• its height sixty cubits and its width sixty cubits: A cubit is an ancient unit of measurement, approximately 18 inches (45 cm). So, 60 cubits is about 90 feet. These dimensions are notably larger in width and height compared to Solomon's Temple (1 Ki 6:2-3, 20 cubits width, 30 cubits height), which had a length of 60 cubits. This might refer to the entire Temple complex including courtyards or an idealized or enlarged vision for the new temple, ensuring a more magnificent structure fitting for a grander decree. The dimensions are symmetrical, perhaps indicating divine order or Persian architectural style.

• "Cyrus the king issued a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem": This phrase highlights God's sovereignty over earthly rulers. Cyrus, a Gentile monarch, is divinely prompted and empowered to issue a decree directly concerning the worship and sacred place of the God of Israel. This showcases Yahweh's dominion extending beyond Israel's borders.
• "that it be rebuilt, the place where sacrifices are offered": This connection of rebuilding with the explicit purpose of offering sacrifices is vital. It signals a return to covenant fidelity and proper worship practices after the long period of exile. The physical structure is indispensable for the reestablishment of the sacrificial system as outlined in the Torah.
• "and that its foundations be strongly laid; its height sixty cubits and its width sixty cubits": The emphasis on "strongly laid foundations" signifies a commitment to permanence and stability. The precise and considerable dimensions prescribed suggest not merely a functional building but a majestic structure befitting the God of Israel. The scale implies restoration not just to prior state, but to a significant and robust stature.

Ezra 6 3 Bonus section

The mention of the "sixty cubits height and sixty cubits width" is a notable point of discussion among scholars, given that Solomon's Temple (1 Ki 6:2) was 60 cubits long, 20 wide, and 30 high. Several theories address this:

1. Refers to the entire complex: The decree might refer to the broader dimensions of the entire Temple enclosure, including walls, courts, and the main structure, rather than just the central sanctuary (Hekal).
2. Increased scale: It's possible Cyrus envisioned a grander structure or an architectural ideal, exceeding the original's height or overall footprint. The Persians were known for grand architecture.
3. Varied measurement standards: Aramaic cubit measurements could differ slightly, or the scribe in Ecbatana recorded common building module dimensions rather than precise inner sanctuary figures.
4. Symmetry in Persian planning: The identical height and width (60x60) might reflect a Persian emphasis on architectural symmetry and scale, even if it led to a larger final product.Regardless of the exact architectural reconciliation, the stated dimensions underscore the intention for a magnificent and substantial building, signifying the divine dignity associated with the house of God. The finding of this document at Ecbatana (Achmetha) and not Babylon also highlights the vastness of the Persian Empire's record-keeping and how administrative foresight served God's plans.

Ezra 6 3 Commentary

Ezra 6:3 serves as the pivotal rediscovery that confirms God's unfailing plan for His people and the restoration of His sanctuary. Cyrus's original decree, rediscovered in a distant archive, unequivocally validates the exiles' authority to rebuild the Temple. This historical document not only confirms the divine mandate but also highlights the meticulous care given to the Temple's construction, emphasizing sturdy foundations and impressive dimensions, symbolizing permanence and significance. The decree’s explicit mention of sacrifices reinforces the theological core: the Temple's primary purpose was to facilitate proper worship and atonement, re-establishing Israel's covenant relationship with God. It underscores how God utilizes even secular political systems to advance His divine purposes, ensuring His Word is fulfilled regardless of opposition or human forgetfulness.