Ezra 6:13-18 · Bible study
Ezra 6:13-18 Commentary: Temple Completed and Dedicated
Hebrew · 10 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Ezra 6:13-18: The second temple is finished, dedicated with joy, and priestly service is restored. God's sovereignty over Persian kings is clearly at work.
Research Summary
- Meaning: The temple is completed and dedicated through God's providential use of Persian rulers and prophetic encouragement, with worship restored according to Mosaic law.
- Key words: “prospered” (H6744, Aphel: cause to prosper), “dedication” (H2597), “sin offering” (H2402), “divisions” and “courses” (H6392, H4255).
- Main debate: The mention of Artaxerxes in v14, some see an anachronism, others a summary of later support.
- Theological theme: God's sovereignty over rulers and his faithfulness to complete his redemptive work despite opposition.
- Best use: Preaching on perseverance, God's timing, and the restoration of faithful worship.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
13In response, Tattenai the governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates diligently carried out what King Darius had decreed.
14So the Jewish elders built and prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah son of Iddo. They finished building according to the command of the God of Israel and the decrees of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes, kings of Persia.
15And this temple was completed on the third day of the month of Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius.
16Then the people of Israel—the priests, the Levites, and the rest of the exiles—celebrated the dedication of the house of God with joy.
17For the dedication of the house of God they offered a hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs, and a sin offering for all Israel of twelve male goats, one for each tribe of Israel.
18They also appointed the priests by their divisions and the Levites by their groups to the service of God in Jerusalem, according to what is written in the Book of Moses.
WEB World English Bible 2000
13Then Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and their companions did accordingly with all diligence, because Darius the king had sent a decree.
14The elders of the Jews built and prospered, through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. They built and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the decree of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.
15This house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.
16The children of Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy.
17They offered at the dedication of this house of God one hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve male goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.
18They set the priests in their divisions and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God which is at Jerusalem, as it is written in the book of Moses.
KJV King James Version 1769
13Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shethar–boznai, and their companions, according to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did speedily.
14And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.
15And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.
16And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy,
17And offered at the dedication of this house of God an hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.
18And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem; as it is written in the book of Moses.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
13Then Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai, and their companions, because that Darius the king had sent, did accordingly with all diligence.
14And the elders of the Jews builded and prospered, through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the decree of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.
15And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.
16And the children of Israel, the priests and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy.
17And they offered at the dedication of this house of God a hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin-offering for all Israel, twelve he-goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.
18And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem; as it is written in the book of Moses.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
13Then Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shethar-Boznai, and their companions, according to that which Darius the king hath sent, so they have done speedily;
14and the elders of the Jews are building and prospering through the prophecy of Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah son of Iddo, and they have built and finished by the decree of the God of Israel, and by the decree of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.
15And this house hath gone out till the third day of the month Adar, that is in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.
16And the sons of Israel have made, and the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the sons of the captivity, a dedication of this house of God with joy,
17and have brought near for the dedication of this house of God, bullocks a hundred, rams two hundred, lambs four hundred; and young he-goats for a sin-offering for all Israel, twelve, according to the number of the tribes of Israel;
18and they have established the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, over the service of God that is in Jerusalem, as it is written in the book of Moses.
Darby Darby Bible 1890
13Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shethar-boznai, and their companions, because of that which king Darius had sent, did so diligently.
14And the elders of the Jews built; and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they built and completed [it] according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.
15And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of king Darius.
16And the children of Israel, the priests and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy;
17and they presented at the dedication of this house of God a hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs, and for a sin-offering for all Israel, twelve he-goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.
18And they set the priests in their classes, and the Levites in their divisions, for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem: as it is written in the book of Moses.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
13So then Thathanai, governor of the country beyond the river, and Stharbuzanai, and his counsellors diligently executed what Darius the king had commanded.
14And the ancients of the Jews built, and prospered according to the prophecy of Aggeus the prophet, and of Zacharias the son of Addo: and they built and finished, by the commandment of the God of Israel, and by the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes kings of the Persians.
15And they were finishing this house of God, until the third day of the month of Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of king Darius.
16And the children of Israel, the priests and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity kept the dedication of the house of God with joy.
17And they offered at the dedication of the house of God, a hundred calves, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs, and for a sin offering for all Israel twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.
18And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses over the works of God in Jerusalem, as it is written in the book of Moses.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · Ezra 6:13
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Tattenai's prompt obedience (v13) is explained by the royal decree's authority (Gill, Cambridge). The elders' prosperity is consistently linked to the prophetic ministry of Haggai and Zechariah (Wesley, Matthew Henry). The dedication sacrifices are noted as modest, 100 bulls, 200 rams, 400 lambs, in deliberate contrast to Solomon's lavish offerings (Barnes, Cambridge). The twelve male goats for a sin offering represent all twelve tribes, symbolizing corporate restoration (Clarke, Gill). The reestablishment of priestly divisions follows the order prescribed in the book of Moses (Gill, JFB). The inclusion of Artaxerxes in the kings list is debated as either a proleptic summary or an editorial addition (Keil). The overarching consensus: God's word through the prophets and His control over Persian kings brought the temple to completion.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Anachronistic insertion: Artaxerxes reigned after the temple's completion; Keil argues his name was added by Ezra when compiling the account.
- Proleptic summary: Artaxerxes later supported the temple (Ezra 7), and his inclusion here foreshadows his role, as do other kings of Persia who aided the Jews.
What is clear: The temple was completed on the third day of Adar in the sixth year of Darius, dedicated with prescribed sacrifices, and priestly service was restored according to Mosaic law.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Tattenai's motive for speed | He obeyed because of King Darius's decree (v13). | Whether the phrase 'according to that which Darius the king had sent' (some translations) indicates action because of the sending itself or because of the decree's content; the R.V. margin reads 'because of that which'. |
| Inclusion of Artaxerxes in v14 | Artaxerxes is listed among kings who supported the temple. | Keil sees it as a later addition from Ezra's time summarizing subsequent help; others view it as a proleptic reference to his future edicts (Ezra 7). |
| Sin offering for all Israel | The twelve male goats were a sin offering representing the whole nation. | Some argue it signifies the inclusion of the ten tribes in the covenant community; others hold it applied only to the returned exiles but typified the whole. |
| The joy of dedication versus earlier weeping | The dedication was marked by joy (v16). | Some commentators note the absence of weeping contrast (cf. Ezra 3:12-13) to emphasize that this was a moment of unmingled celebration. |
Historical & Cultural Context
The events of Ezra 6:13-18 take place in the Persian province of Eber-Nari (Beyond the River), the region west of the Euphrates. The Persian Empire under Darius I allowed subject peoples religious and local autonomy as long as they remained loyal to the crown. Tattenai, the governor (pechah), had previously written to Darius questioning the Jews' authority to rebuild the temple (Ezra 5). The king's reply, recorded in Ezra 6:1-12, not only confirmed the original decree of Cyrus but included severe penalties for any who interfered, death by impalement and destruction of property (v11-12). This explains Tattenai's 'diligence' in executing the decree (v13).
The completion date is precise: the third day of Adar (the twelfth month), in the sixth year of Darius, corresponding to March 12, 515 BC. The foundation had been laid in 536 BC, so the temple took about twenty-one years to complete, with a long hiatus due to opposition. The dedication sacrifices are comparatively small, 100 bulls, 200 rams, 400 lambs (v17). Barnes notes this fits Zechariah's phrase 'the day of small things' (Zech 4:10). The sin offering of twelve male goats (v17) represents all Israel, including the ten northern tribes, indicating that the returning remnant stood for the entire covenant people.
The organization of priests and Levites into divisions and courses (v18) follows the instructions found in the Pentateuch (Num 3:6-10) and elaborated in 1 Chronicles 23-26. The mention of Artaxerxes alongside Cyrus and Darius (v14) has puzzled interpreters; Keil suggests it is a later addition by Ezra summarizing subsequent Persian benefaction. This entire section is written in Aramaic, the official language of the Persian chancellery, underscoring the documentary nature of the narrative. The ceremonies described echo those of Solomon's dedication (1 Kings 8), but on a far more modest scale, reflecting the humble circumstances of the restored community.
Textual Notes
The supplied commentaries note no significant textual variants for the passage as a whole. In v13, the phrase “because Darius the king had sent” is rendered differently across translations; the Cambridge Bible notes that the R.V. margin reads “because of that which” rather than “according to that which,” suggesting nuance in the Aramaic. In v14, the Septuagint and 1 Esdras render “through the prophesying” as “in the time of the prophesying” (Cambridge). The name “Artaxerxes” (v14) appears in the Masoretic text but may be a later editorial addition, as Keil suggests, since he reigned after the temple's completion.
Reception History
The dedication of the second temple has been understood in Jewish tradition as a time of renewal, celebrated as a minor festival on the third of Adar. The reestablishment of priestly and Levitical courses became foundational for synagogue liturgy and for the ordering of worship in later Judaism. In Christian interpretation, the rebuilding was seen as a fulfillment of the promises of Haggai and Zechariah, and as a type of the spiritual temple, the church, built through Christ. Early church fathers like Chrysostom drew parallels between the dedication of physical temples and the consecration of believers as living stones (1 Peter 2:5). The Book of Ezra's emphasis on Scripture's guidance for worship (v18) was used to support the principle of worshiping God according to his written word.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- God's Sovereignty Over Rulers (v13-14). Tattenai's swift compliance shows that God can turn the heart of any leader, even a Persian governor who once opposed the work.
- The Joy of Completion (v15-16). After years of delay and opposition, the temple is finished. The dedication is marked not by tears but by joy.
- Worship Restored According to Scripture (v17-18). Sacrifices and priestly orders are conducted exactly “as it is written in the book of Moses,” emphasizing fidelity to God's word.
Five-point outline
- Opposition Transformed into Support (v13). The governor who once questioned now obeys “with all diligence.”
- Prophetic Encouragement Empowers the Builders (v14). Haggai and Zechariah's prophesying sustains the elders' faith and work.
- The Work Is Finished at God's Appointed Time (v15). The precise date shows God's timing is perfect.
- Dedication with Joy and Sacrifice (v16-17). The community gives their best to consecrate the house of God.
- Ordered Worship Established (v18). The restoration of priestly divisions ensures ongoing, proper service.
Illustration hooks
- A community center project repeatedly blocked by permits and funding, finally completed when a key official changes position after new legislation.
- Someone finally finishes a long-delayed home renovation and throws a small but joyful housewarming party.
- After years of tension, a person from the opposing side becomes an ally and helps complete the work.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Why does God sometimes allow opposition to delay His plans?
- How can we keep joy alive when the final result seems modest compared to what we hoped for?
- Does the sin offering for “all Israel” include people who are not present?
Leading a Discussion
This passage describes the climax of a long rebuilding project. The temple is finished, dedicated, and its worship is restructured. The group discussion can explore themes of God's faithfulness, the role of prophecy, and the importance of obeying God's word in worship.
Discussion questions
- Observation: What actions do Tattenai and the Jewish elders take in these verses? How are their actions described?
- Interpretation: Why does the writer emphasize that the work was done “through the prophesying of Haggai and Zechariah”? What role did prophetic words play in the rebuilding?
- Application: When you face a task that seems delayed by obstacles, what can you learn from the elders' perseverance?
- Interpretation: Compare the modest dedication offerings (v17) with the lavish sacrifices of Solomon (1 Kings 8:63). What does this contrast say about the returning exiles' situation?
- Application: The temple service was restored “as it is written in the book of Moses.” How important is it for us to follow Scripture's pattern for worship today?
- Reflection: How does this account of God's provision through Persian kings strengthen your confidence in God's sovereignty over current political leaders?
- Prayer: Spend time thanking God for completing what He starts, and ask for patience and joy amid ongoing projects.
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Ezra 4:9 | Then Rehum the chancellor, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions, the Dinaites, and the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Shushanchites, the Dehaites, the Elamites, |
| Ezra 4:23 | Then when the copy of King Artaxerxes’ letter was read before Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went in haste to Jerusalem to the Jews, and made them to cease by force of arms. |
| Ezra 5:6 | The copy of the letter that Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and Shetharbozenai, and his companions the Apharsachites who were beyond the River, sent to Darius the king follows. |
| Ezra 6:6 | Now therefore, Tattenai, governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and your companions the Apharsachites, who are beyond the River, you must stay far from there. |
| Esther 6:11 | Then Haman took the clothing and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and had him ride through the city square, and proclaimed before him, “Thus it shall be done to the man whom the king delights to honor!” |
| Job 5:12 | He frustrates the plans of the crafty, so that their hands can’t perform their enterprise. |
| Job 5:13 | He takes the wise in their own craftiness; the counsel of the cunning is carried headlong. |
| Proverbs 29:26 | Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man’s justice comes from Yahweh. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
10 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke highlights that God himself first gave the order to rebuild the temple, then stirred the hearts of successive Persian kings to carry it out. He traces the specific rulers—Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes—and notes that the twelve he-goats offered at the dedication were a sin-offering for each individual tribe.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes identifies the Artaxerxes here as Longimanus, one of the Persian kings who helped advance the temple project. He contrasts this modest sacrifice, fitting the day of small things, with Solomon's lavish offering, highlighting the humble scale of the restored worship.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
This commentary highlights the deep symbolism in the dedication offerings: the twelve he-goats for sin represent a solemn confession on behalf of all scattered Israel, acknowledging the essential unity of the twelve tribes. The modest scale compared to Solomon's lavish sacrifices marks this as a "day of small things," yet rich in spiritual significance.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva Notes observe that Tatnai and his companions obeyed Darius's decree speedily, and the Jewish elders prospered by the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah. The temple was finished by God's appointment and the command of three Persian kings. The dedication included sin offerings for all twelve tribes and restored priests and Levites according to Moses' law.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill identifies Artaxerxes in the verse as Darius himself, not a separate king, following Jewish tradition. He also highlights that the twelve goats offered for sin were for all Israel, including the ten tribes, since some had remained in the land and others returned with the two tribes.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB notes that twenty-one years after the foundation was laid, the temple was completed and dedicated with great joy, since the older generation who had wept at the start had now passed away. He also clarifies that while David arranged the priestly courses, it was Moses who originally assigned their rights and duties.
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
For Keil-Delitzsch, the mention of Artaxerxes in this verse is a deliberate insertion by Ezra, not a historical mistake. Artaxerxes reigned long after the temple was finished, but his later edict supported the temple's maintenance, so his name is included to honor that contribution.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange sees the Passover not as a routine feast but as a second redemption, comparable to the Exodus. By calling Darius the king of Assyria, the text shows that the former oppressor has become a friend. The shift back to Hebrew language confirms that the exile era is truly over.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry highlights how God transformed the Jews' adversaries into allies, so the Persian officials carried out Darius's decree promptly and the temple was finished. The work prospered because of the prophetic ministry of Haggai and Zechariah, and the dedication and Passover were kept with great joy, for the Lord had made them joyful.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley insists the unexpected success came not from human favor or coincidence but from God alone. He stresses that the prophets were God's instruments to command and encourage the work, and that God himself turned Darius's heart to support it.