Ezra 6:13 – “Then, because of the decree King Darius had sent, Tattenai, governor of Trans-Euphrates, and Shethar-Bozenai and their associates carried it out with diligence.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Ezra 6:13 describes the response of Tattenai, the governor of the region west of the Euphrates River, and his associates to King Darius’ decree about the rebuilding of the Jewish temple. After Darius issued his command to support the Jews in their construction efforts, Tattenai and his officials obeyed the order immediately and with diligence. Earlier in the story, these local leaders had questioned the legitimacy of the temple’s rebuilding and sent a letter to Darius to inquire about it. However, after receiving Darius’ decree, they fully complied and supported the project.
This verse highlights the authority of the Persian king’s decree and the promptness with which the officials followed through. It also illustrates how God worked through the Persian empire’s government to ensure the completion of His temple, using even those who had initially been skeptical or opposed.
Historical Context
The events of Ezra 6 take place during the period when the Jewish people were returning from exile in Babylon and attempting to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians. King Cyrus of Persia had originally allowed the Jews to return and start the reconstruction, but opposition from local officials, including Tattenai, caused delays. Tattenai and others were uncertain whether the Jews had the legal right to rebuild the temple, so they sent a letter to King Darius seeking clarification.
King Darius, after finding Cyrus’ original decree, reaffirmed the Jews’ right to rebuild the temple and ordered that the project be supported with funds and resources from the royal treasury. Ezra 6:13 records the obedient response of the local officials, who carried out the king’s orders, allowing the temple’s construction to continue unhindered.
Theological Implications
This verse reminds us of God’s sovereignty over human affairs. Even though Tattenai and his associates had initially questioned the rebuilding of the temple, God worked through King Darius to ensure that the project moved forward. God’s plans cannot be thwarted by human opposition, and He is able to use even those who may be indifferent or opposed to His work to accomplish His purposes.
Additionally, this verse speaks to the importance of obedience to authority when that authority is aligned with God’s will. Tattenai and his associates might not have initially supported the temple’s rebuilding, but once Darius’ decree was issued, they diligently obeyed. This shows that God can work through secular leaders and governments to carry out His plans, and it reminds us to respect and obey authorities when they are aligned with what is right and just.
Literary Analysis
Ezra 6:13 is written in a straightforward and factual style, reflecting the historical narrative of the book. The phrase “carried it out with diligence” highlights the thoroughness and care with which Tattenai and his associates obeyed the king’s decree. The verse marks a shift in the narrative, moving from opposition and uncertainty about the temple’s construction to full support and action.
The verse also demonstrates a key theme in the book of Ezra: God’s ability to work through human leaders and political systems to accomplish His divine purposes. The obedience of Tattenai and Shethar-Bozenai, after receiving Darius’ decree, reinforces the authority of the Persian king and, ultimately, the sovereignty of God in guiding the outcome.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Proverbs 21:1 – “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.” This verse reflects the idea that God can direct the hearts of rulers, just as He did with King Darius to ensure the temple’s construction.
- Romans 13:1 – “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” This passage teaches that God uses human authority for His purposes, just as He did in the case of Darius and Tattenai.
- Isaiah 46:10 – “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’” This verse reminds us that God’s purposes cannot be stopped, as seen in the successful continuation of the temple project in Ezra’s time.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Ezra 6:13 teaches the importance of trusting in God’s sovereignty over all aspects of life, including government and politics. Even when there is opposition or uncertainty, we can trust that God is in control and that His purposes will be accomplished. Just as God worked through King Darius and the local officials in Ezra’s time, He continues to work through human authorities to fulfill His plans.
This verse also encourages us to respond with diligence when we are called to carry out God’s work. Whether we are asked to serve in our church, community, or workplace, we should approach our tasks with care and commitment, knowing that we are ultimately serving God’s purposes.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Ezra 6:13 reflects God’s love for His people by showing how He protected and provided for them during a challenging time. Despite the opposition they faced, God ensured that the temple would be rebuilt by working through King Darius and the local officials. This demonstrates God’s faithfulness to His promises and His commitment to caring for His people, ensuring that they could worship Him in the temple once again.
God’s love is also seen in the way He brings about His plans through unlikely sources. Tattenai and his associates initially questioned the Jews’ right to rebuild the temple, but through God’s intervention, they became supporters of the project. This shows that God is always working behind the scenes to bring about good for His people, even when it seems like there are obstacles in the way.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The rebuilding of the temple in Ezra’s time points forward to the greater spiritual restoration that would come through Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, the temple was the place where God’s people came to offer sacrifices and worship Him. In the New Testament, Jesus becomes the true and living temple. In John 2:19-21, Jesus refers to His body as the temple, showing that through His death and resurrection, He would become the ultimate way for people to connect with God.
Just as God ensured the rebuilding of the physical temple in Ezra’s time, He ensured the fulfillment of His greater plan of salvation through Jesus. The opposition faced during the temple’s construction mirrors the opposition Jesus faced during His ministry, but in both cases, God’s purposes prevailed. Jesus’ resurrection stands as the ultimate victory over sin and death, just as the completion of the temple in Ezra’s time symbolized the restoration of God’s people.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Ezra 6:13 encourage you to trust in God’s control over governments and leaders today?
- In what areas of your life are you called to “carry out with diligence” the tasks God has given you?
- How does this verse demonstrate the importance of obedience to authority when it is aligned with God’s will?
- In what ways do you see God working behind the scenes in your life, even when things seem uncertain or difficult?
- How does the successful rebuilding of the temple point you to the ultimate victory of Jesus over sin and death?