Ezra 6:15 – “The temple was completed on the third day of the month Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Ezra 6:15 marks the completion of the temple in Jerusalem, a significant moment for the Jewish people who had returned from exile. The verse provides a specific date: the third day of the month of Adar, during the sixth year of King Darius’ reign. This detail emphasizes that the rebuilding of the temple, which had faced many challenges and delays, was finally finished. After years of opposition and obstacles, the temple—the center of Jewish worship and identity—was restored.
This verse is the culmination of years of labor, persistence, and reliance on God. It signifies the faithfulness of God in enabling the completion of the temple, despite all the difficulties the Jewish people had faced. It was a major turning point for the returning exiles, marking the restoration of their ability to worship God according to the Law and rebuild their spiritual life.
Historical Context
The events in this verse take place after the Jews were allowed to return from Babylonian exile to Jerusalem under the Persian king Cyrus. Cyrus had issued a decree permitting the Jews to return and rebuild the temple that had been destroyed by the Babylonians. However, after the initial enthusiasm, the rebuilding effort faced opposition from local enemies and even had to pause for some time.
When King Darius came to power, the project was revived, thanks to the confirmation of Cyrus’ original decree and the encouragement from the prophets Haggai and Zechariah. Despite the various challenges, including internal discouragement and external opposition, the Jewish people finally completed the temple during the reign of Darius.
The sixth year of Darius’ reign would place the completion of the temple around 516 BC. This date is significant because it marked the fulfillment of the Jews’ long struggle to rebuild what had been lost during the Babylonian conquest.
Theological Implications
Ezra 6:15 shows God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. The temple’s completion is a visible sign of God’s commitment to His people. Even though they had been exiled due to their disobedience, God did not abandon them. He provided for their return and ensured the restoration of the temple, which was central to their worship and spiritual life.
This verse also emphasizes the importance of persistence in the face of opposition. The Jewish people faced many challenges during the rebuilding process, but God provided encouragement through His prophets and worked through foreign rulers to bring the project to completion. This teaches us that when God calls us to a task, He will provide the strength, resources, and guidance needed to complete it.
Literary Analysis
Ezra 6:15 is a straightforward narrative statement that focuses on the completion of a significant task. The verse is factual, providing a specific date to mark the temple’s completion. The emphasis on the exact time (“the third day of the month of Adar”) and the mention of King Darius situates the event firmly in history, grounding the reader in the reality of this major accomplishment.
The verse serves as the climax to the earlier chapters that detailed the struggles and delays the Jews faced. It provides a sense of closure and fulfillment, showing that, despite all the obstacles, the work was completed in God’s timing.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Haggai 1:7-8 – “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Give careful thought to your ways. Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build my house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored,’ says the Lord.” This reflects God’s command to the people to rebuild the temple and His desire for their obedience.
- Zechariah 4:9 – “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; his hands will also complete it.” This verse prophesied the completion of the temple, and Ezra 6:15 shows the fulfillment of this promise.
- Psalm 127:1 – “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” The successful completion of the temple was ultimately because of God’s blessing and involvement in the process.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Ezra 6:15 serves as a reminder that God completes what He begins. The completion of the temple, despite opposition and delays, demonstrates that God’s plans cannot be stopped. When God calls us to a task, whether in our personal lives or in ministry, we can trust that He will give us the strength and resources to see it through to completion.
This verse also encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, even when we face challenges. The rebuilding of the temple took years, and there were times when it seemed like the work might never be finished. But the people persisted, trusting in God’s promises, and eventually, the temple was completed. In the same way, we are called to persevere in faith, trusting that God is with us in the midst of our challenges.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Ezra 6:15 reflects God’s love and faithfulness to His people. Despite their exile and the destruction of the temple, God did not forget His covenant with Israel. He brought them back to their land and allowed them to rebuild the temple, restoring their ability to worship Him.
God’s love is shown in how He provided everything the people needed to complete the temple, from the permission of foreign kings to the encouragement of prophets. Even in difficult times, God’s love remained constant, guiding His people toward the fulfillment of His promises.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The temple in the Old Testament was the place where God’s presence dwelled, and where sacrifices were made for the sins of the people. The completion of the temple in Ezra’s time was significant because it restored the center of Jewish worship. However, this physical temple pointed forward to a greater reality: Jesus Christ.
In the New Testament, Jesus referred to His body as the temple (John 2:19-21). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus fulfilled the purpose of the temple by becoming the ultimate way for people to come into God’s presence and receive forgiveness. Just as the physical temple was completed in Ezra’s time, Jesus completed the work of salvation through His sacrifice on the cross.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the completion of the temple in Ezra 6:15 encourage you to trust God to finish the work He has started in your life?
- What can we learn from the persistence of the Jewish people, who continued building despite opposition and delays?
- How does this verse remind you of God’s faithfulness to His promises, even when things seem difficult or uncertain?
- In what ways does the completion of the temple in Ezra’s time point forward to the ultimate work of Jesus Christ?
- How can you remain faithful in your own life and calling, trusting that God will provide what you need to accomplish His purposes?