Ezra 6:3 – “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.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Ezra 6:3 recounts a key moment in the history of the Jewish people—King Cyrus of Persia’s decree allowing the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. This verse gives the specifics of the decree, authorizing the reconstruction of the temple, its purpose as a place of worship where sacrifices would be offered to God, and the dimensions of the building. The temple, once the center of Israel’s spiritual life, had been destroyed by the Babylonians when Jerusalem fell. Now, through the decree of a foreign king, God’s people were given permission and resources to rebuild.
This decree from King Cyrus wasn’t just a simple act of diplomacy or political strategy. In the Bible, it is portrayed as part of God’s divine plan to restore His people and their worship. The rebuilding of the temple meant the restoration of a vital part of Israel’s identity—returning to the land God had given them, restoring the central place of worship, and renewing their relationship with Him through the sacrificial system.
Historical Context
This verse is set in the period after the Jewish exile in Babylon. In 586 BC, the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem, including the temple built by Solomon. The Jewish people were carried into exile, and for decades they lived as captives in a foreign land. However, in 538 BC, King Cyrus of Persia conquered Babylon and issued a decree that allowed the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland and rebuild the temple.
This decree is recorded in both the book of Ezra and in historical records outside the Bible, such as the Cyrus Cylinder, an ancient artifact that confirms Cyrus’ policy of allowing displaced peoples to return to their homelands and restore their temples. The dimensions and specifics given in the decree underscore the importance of the temple not just as a building but as the heart of Jewish religious life.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse demonstrates that God is sovereign over all nations and rulers. Even though Cyrus was not an Israelite and did not worship the God of Israel, God used him to accomplish His divine purposes. This is a powerful reminder that God can work through anyone, even those who may not know Him, to bring about His plans for His people.
The decree to rebuild the temple also emphasizes the importance of worship in the life of God’s people. The temple was where sacrifices were offered and where God’s presence was symbolically located. It was a place of atonement, prayer, and community. Rebuilding the temple meant restoring the Jewish people’s ability to worship God as He had commanded them, highlighting the centrality of worship in their lives.
Literary Analysis
Ezra 6:3 is part of the official decree issued by King Cyrus, making it a direct quotation of a royal command. The structure of the verse is formal and authoritative, reflecting the legal and binding nature of the decree. The specifications of the temple’s height and width, along with the clear mention of its purpose—sacrifices—point to the detailed care that was taken to restore the temple to its proper function.
The verse also reflects a larger biblical theme: God working through history and foreign powers to fulfill His promises to Israel. In the literary flow of Ezra, this decree serves as a turning point, enabling the Jews to overcome opposition and return to worshiping God in the temple.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Isaiah 44:28 – “Who says of Cyrus, ‘He is my shepherd and will accomplish all that I please; he will say of Jerusalem, ‘Let it be rebuilt,’ and of the temple, ‘Let its foundations be laid.’” This verse prophetically foretells Cyrus’ role in allowing the rebuilding of the temple, showing that God had planned this long before.
- 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 – This passage also records Cyrus’ decree, showing its significance in the history of Israel’s return from exile.
- Haggai 1:8 – “Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build my house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored.” This verse reflects God’s command to prioritize the rebuilding of the temple as an act of worship.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Ezra 6:3 is a reminder that God always makes a way for His people to worship Him, even in difficult circumstances. Just as He used King Cyrus to enable the rebuilding of the temple, God works in our lives to create opportunities for us to draw near to Him and worship, no matter what opposition or obstacles we may face. This verse encourages us to prioritize worship, recognizing that it is central to our relationship with God.
The rebuilding of the temple also points to the importance of renewal and restoration. In our spiritual lives, we may face seasons of exile or struggle, but God is always at work, inviting us to rebuild and restore our relationship with Him.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows God’s love for His people by demonstrating how He takes initiative to restore them to Himself. After years of exile and separation, God orchestrates their return and the rebuilding of the temple, ensuring that they can once again worship Him properly. His love is shown in how He provides for their needs, using even a foreign king to make sure that His people have what they need to worship Him.
God’s desire for His people to have a place where they can offer sacrifices and meet with Him reflects His deep love and commitment to them. He doesn’t leave them abandoned in exile, but brings them back and restores their worship.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The temple in Jerusalem, which was rebuilt under the decree of Cyrus, foreshadows Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate temple. In John 2:19-21, Jesus declares that His body is the true temple, meaning that He is the place where we meet with God. Just as the temple was the center of worship and sacrifices in the Old Testament, Jesus becomes the center of our worship and the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.
Through Jesus, we no longer need a physical temple to access God. He fulfilled all that the temple represented—atonement, forgiveness, and the presence of God. The decree to rebuild the temple ultimately points forward to the greater work of salvation that Jesus would accomplish on the cross.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Ezra 6:3 encourage you to trust God’s sovereignty in world events and in your own life?
- In what ways does this passage remind you of the importance of worship in your daily life?
- How does the rebuilding of the temple in Ezra point forward to Jesus and the work He accomplished for us?
- What obstacles might be preventing you from fully experiencing worship and relationship with God, and how can you trust Him to help you overcome them?
- How does this passage deepen your understanding of God’s love and His desire to restore us to Himself?