To discover:
As you read note how God shows
himself sovereign over all.
To ponder:
Darius finds Cyrus’ decree in the
archive just as the Jews said. The dimensions commanded for the temple (6v3)
seem unfeasible and may reflect an error in the decree. But what is significant
is that because God brought around the crisis in which Darius was consulted,
his people now receive significantly more help than Cyrus was prepared to give
(6v6-12), and out of a concern that the priests pray for the benefit of Darius
and his sons. When faced with a crisis, whether national or pastoral, we should
not forget by God’s hand it may create an even better situation than that which
preceded it.
Because
of Darius’ support, the work was completed in 516BC as the elders kept building
and prospering under the preaching of Haggai and Zechariah. It reminds us of
the constant need to hear God’s word if we are to keep at his work. The command
of God here is linked to the decrees of the great Persian kings, showing their
decrees were his doing (see 6v22). This is a dominant theme in the book
(7v27-28, see Prov 19v21, 21v1).
With
echoes of the dedication of the first temple (1 Kgs 8), this one was then
dedicated with joy, and the Passover celebrated at the right time and according
to God’s law. We should note that despite their concern for purity (4v3) the
people happily welcomed God-fearing Gentiles to the Passover who sought God and
had turned from the unclean practices of their neighbours.
As
chapter 7 begins the book jumps 57 years, showing its concern just with
significant events. Ezra is introduced with lineage from Aaron, leading a
second wave of returning exiles. Ezra is an example to Christian ministers as
one who was well versed in God’s law, and committed to studying, observing and
teaching it. He had also somehow gained favour with Artaxerxes, who gave him
“everything he asked for.” We are told why: “The hand of the LORD his God was
upon him.” And because of this “gracious” hand he and those with him made the
journey safely in four months.
Artaxerxes
letter shows he was willing for any Israelites to go with Ezra, and had commissioned
him to enquire of God’s law and take silver and gold from the Babylonians and
Jews to ensure offerings were made in the temple. The Jews were permitted to
use any surplus as they saw fit. Up to a limit, the king even ordered the
treasurers of the province to give whatever was necessary and not require
revenues from temple workers. Echoing Darius (6v10), this was so there would
not be “wrath against the king” and “his sons.” This doublet suggests Darius
and Artaxerxes are modelling an attitude to God’s people that should be seen as
appropriate, right and wise for secular rulers today too. Indeed, the
suggestion is that those who do not bless God’s people are in danger of his
displeasure and judgement (see also Gen 12v3).
Artaxerxes
also commissioned Ezra to appoint magistrates and judges to administer God’s
law throughout the region. His political model was a pluralistic one in which
God’s law would be adhered to in this province, and no doubt that of other gods
in other provinces. This would ensure stability of the various peoples Persia
had conquered. 7v26 notes the tension of working this out. On pain of death the
people are not only to obey God’s law but that of the Persian king too. Of
course, where the two conflicted, they should have known God’s law takes
precedence (Acts 4v19).
Whether
as author, editor or just a source, Ezra now speaks in the first person,
praising God for governing the king and his officials to achieve all this
(7v27-28), and noting how this gave him courage – as it should us. His concern
for the temple is seen in not leaving without Levites to aid the work there, and
God’s grace was displayed in them being capable. Ezra also appointed priests
and Levites to take and guard the articles donated for the temple.
The gospel Ezra
shared with Artaxerxes was that God’s gracious hand is on everyone who looks to
him, but his great anger against those who forsake him. Because it might
suggest he didn’t actually trust this to be true, Ezra was ashamed to ask for
protection for the journey and so proclaimed a fast to pray for safety. God
answered. After resting for just three days on arrival, the silver, gold and
articles were then passed to those at the temple, the returnees offered burnt
offerings in devotion to God, and Artaxerxes’ orders were delivered to his
officials.
Praying it home:
Praise God for the good he is
working for the growth of his kingdom in your country today. Pray that ministers
would teach carefully and faithfully how Christians are to live in this context.
Thinking further:
None today.
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