Ezra 6:8 kjv
Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.
Ezra 6:8 nkjv
Moreover I issue a decree as to what you shall do for the elders of these Jews, for the building of this house of God: Let the cost be paid at the king's expense from taxes on the region beyond the River; this is to be given immediately to these men, so that they are not hindered.
Ezra 6:8 niv
Moreover, I hereby decree what you are to do for these elders of the Jews in the construction of this house of God: Their expenses are to be fully paid out of the royal treasury, from the revenues of Trans-Euphrates, so that the work will not stop.
Ezra 6:8 esv
Moreover, I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the rebuilding of this house of God. The cost is to be paid to these men in full and without delay from the royal revenue, the tribute of the province from Beyond the River.
Ezra 6:8 nlt
"Moreover, I hereby decree that you are to help these elders of the Jews as they rebuild this Temple of God. You must pay the full construction costs, without delay, from my taxes collected in the province west of the Euphrates River so that the work will not be interrupted.
Ezra 6 8 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 12:7 | Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, "To your offspring I will give this land." | God's promise of land and presence |
| Ex 35:21 | And every man... came, and brought the Lord's offering for the work of the tent of meeting. | People's willing contributions to the tabernacle |
| 1 Chr 29:3 | Moreover, in my devotion to the house of my God... gold and silver... I have given for the house of my God. | David's devotion and provision for the Temple |
| 2 Chr 6:6 | But I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there... | God chose Jerusalem for His name to dwell |
| Psa 127:1 | Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build labor in vain. | God's ultimate role in building |
| Prov 21:1 | The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wills. | God's sovereignty over kings |
| Isa 44:28 | who says of Cyrus, ‘He is My shepherd, and he shall fulfill all My purpose’; saying of Jerusalem, ‘She shall be built,’ and of the temple, ‘Your foundation shall be laid.’ | Prophecy of Gentile rulers aiding Israel |
| Isa 45:1 | Thus says the Lord to His anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have grasped... | God raising up kings for His purposes |
| Jer 29:10 | For thus says the Lord, ‘When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you and fulfill My good word to you, to bring you back to this place.’ | Prophecy of seventy-year exile and return |
| Hag 1:4 | Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? | Reproach for neglecting God's house |
| Hag 2:7-9 | 'The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,' declares the Lord of hosts... 'and in this place I will grant peace.' | God's provision for His house |
| Zech 4:6 | ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts. | God empowers the building |
| Zech 8:9 | Thus says the Lord of hosts: "Let your hands be strong, you who hear in these days these words..." | Encouragement for rebuilding |
| Ezra 1:2-4 | Thus says Cyrus king of Persia, ‘The Lord, the God of heaven... has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem.’ | Cyrus's original decree |
| Ezra 7:20-22 | Whatever else may be needed... you may pay for it out of the royal treasury... up to 100 talents of silver... | Artaxerxes' later provisions for Ezra |
| Neh 2:8 | And may a letter be given to Asaph, the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give me timber... | Nehemiah's provision for rebuilding walls |
| Neh 11:3 | These are the heads of the province who lived in Jerusalem; but in the towns of Judah everyone lived... | Mention of taxation/provision for inhabitants |
| Rom 13:6-7 | For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God's ministers, attending to this very thing. | Christian duty to civil authorities/taxes |
| 1 Tim 2:2 | for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. | Pray for authorities, as they impact peace |
| Phil 1:6 | And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. | God completes His work |
| Heb 12:22 | But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem... | The ultimate heavenly sanctuary |
Ezra 6 verses
Ezra 6 8 Meaning
Ezra 6:8 records a decisive decree issued by King Darius I of Persia. This royal edict not only authorized the continuation of the Jewish Temple rebuilding project in Jerusalem but also mandated financial support for it. Specifically, it declared that funds for the expenses of the Jewish elders and the temple construction were to be provided "forthwith" from the "king's goods," which primarily meant the tribute collected from the satrapy "beyond the river," encompassing the region where Judah was located. The decree's ultimate purpose was to ensure that the work would proceed without any further hindrance or delay. This demonstrates God's sovereign control over even powerful earthly rulers to accomplish His purposes and fulfill His covenant promises to His people.
Ezra 6 8 Context
Ezra chapter 6 details King Darius I's favorable decree regarding the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. Following challenges from local Persian officials like Tatnai, the satrap of Trans-Euphrates, who questioned the Jews' authority, a letter was sent to Darius for clarification. The king, upon discovering Cyrus's original decree in the archives of Ecbatana (Ezra 6:1-5), not only confirmed its legitimacy but expanded upon it with Ezra 6:8-12. This specific verse (Ezra 6:8) highlights the Persian king's active and immediate support by commanding financial provisions for the Temple's construction from the royal treasury's regional taxes. This context showcases a dramatic turning point from opposition and cessation (Ezra 4) to royal endorsement and mandated provision, ultimately enabling the completion of the Temple, a pivotal event in post-exilic Jewish history. The historical context reflects the vastness and administrative structure of the Persian Empire, where central decrees held absolute authority, illustrating how God can work through even secular powers to fulfill His divine will.
Ezra 6 8 Word analysis
- Moreover: (אף - 'aph in Aramaic) An emphatic particle signifying "also," "indeed," or "furthermore." It underscores that this provision is an additional, strong command, not just a permission.
- I make a decree: (טְעֵם שְׂמָה - ṭᵉʿēm shᵉmâ) The Aramaic ṭᵉʿēm means a royal command, edict, or official decision, indicating its binding and authoritative nature. It signifies Darius’s personal and direct involvement.
- what ye shall do: (דִּי תַעַבְדוּן - dî taʿaḇdûn) This phrase highlights the specific instructions and actions required from the regional administrators like Tatnai, emphasizing compliance.
- to these elders of the Jews: (לְשֵׂיבֵי יְהוּדָיֵא אִלֵּךְ - lᵉseivei yᵉhûdāyēʾ ilēkh) The "elders" (seivei) were the Jewish leaders responsible for the Temple project, indicating Darius's recognition of their authority and his direct support for them.
- for the building of this house of God: (לְבֵית אֱלָהָא דָנָה - lᵉḇēyt ʼElāhāʾ dānāh) Explicitly states the sacred purpose of the financial allocation – the Temple (or "House of God"), signifying its divine importance and protection under royal decree.
- that of the king's goods: (דִּי מָמוֹנָא דִי מַלְכָּא - dî māmônāʾ dî malkāʾ) "King's goods" (māmônāʾ) refers to royal wealth, treasury, or property. This clarifies the source of funding as belonging to the monarch himself, lending great weight and legitimacy to the expenditure.
- even of the tribute beyond the river: (מִדַּת עֲבַר נַהֲרָא - middaṯ ʿaḇar nahărāʾ) This is a precise administrative directive. Middat denotes taxes or tribute, and Abar Nahara ("Beyond the River") was the name of the satrapy west of the Euphrates, which included Judah. It mandates that local tax revenues fund the project, thereby using local funds for a local religious need, facilitated by central authority. This reflects a practical administrative approach of the Persian Empire in supporting the loyalty of its diverse populations.
- forthwith expenses be given: (אָסְפַּר נִפְקָא תֶהֱוֵא מִתְיַהֲבָא - āspaṙ nipqāʾ tᵉhĕwēʾ miṯyaḥăḇāʾ) Asaphar implies urgency and immediate action – "quickly" or "forthwith." Nipqah means "outgo" or "expenditure," specifying the provision of necessary funds. This ensures no further delays due to financial constraints.
- unto these men: (לְגֻבְרַיָּא אִלֵּךְ - lᵉguḇrayyāʾ ilēkh) Referring back to the elders and those directly involved in the construction, ensuring direct access to the funds without bureaucratic obstruction.
- that they be not hindered: (דִּי לָא יִתְבַּטַּלּוּן - dî lāʾ yiṯbaṭṭălûn) This powerful concluding phrase is the core motivation for the immediate and generous provision. Yitbattalun means "to be made to cease," "to be interrupted," or "to be undone." The decree aims to eliminate any reason for the work to stop, showcasing God's desire for His work to proceed without obstruction. It reflects divine protection for the builders against the very opposition detailed in earlier chapters.
Ezra 6 8 Bonus section
- The use of Aramaic for Ezra 4:8-6:18, including this verse, highlights that these are official royal documents and correspondence, giving an authentic voice to the decrees of the Persian Empire that directly impacted Jewish history.
- The reference to "tribute beyond the river" is a testament to the efficient administrative structure of the Persian Empire. This allowed local resources (taxes collected from the satrapy) to be directly channeled back into local projects of royal significance, illustrating a practical aspect of governance through which divine will could be executed.
- Darius’s decree not only ensures material support but also carries implicit moral and political support, granting legitimacy to the Temple work and intimidating local adversaries who had previously tried to halt it. It effectively shifts the balance of power decisively in favor of the Jewish builders.
Ezra 6 8 Commentary
Ezra 6:8 is a powerful declaration of God's providence working through unexpected channels. It underscores the divine orchestration of affairs, even involving pagan rulers, to fulfill His covenant promises and bring about the completion of His Temple. This verse illustrates that God not only raises up leaders (like Cyrus) but also influences the hearts of rulers (like Darius) to serve His purposes (Prov 21:1). The detailed specification of funding source ("tribute beyond the river") and the immediate disbursement ("forthwith") showcases the meticulousness of God's provision and His active removal of obstacles ("that they be not hindered"). It served as a divine guarantee that the Temple project, so vital for the spiritual life and identity of post-exilic Judah, would not merely continue, but would be fully funded and protected, reinforcing the principle that God ensures the resources for His work. The unwavering support from a foreign king, rooted in an earlier decree and now strongly reaffirmed, served as a profound encouragement to the disheartened remnant, proving that "unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain" (Psa 127:1) but with His endorsement, success is assured.