Ezra 6

Ezra 6:1-12

Scarce were they settled in their several possessions, before: 1. They with one consent assembled at Jerusalem, at the appeach of the seventh month, to confide together about carrying on the work of God, and beginning the service of the Santeary. Amidst all their other cares, many and perplexing as they must have been, God’s glory was their chief concern. Nio, All is likely to end well with us, when we are careful thus to begin with God. 2. The high-priest, his brethren, and the chief princes hereupon set up the altar in the same place it had stood, perhaps the old bales might remain: though they could not quickly hear the temple, they would not till then defer the service of the altar. Nio, (1.) When we cannot enjoy all the ordinances we derive, we should be the more diligent to improve those in our power. Wherever we are, at least we need not want an altar for prayer and praise. (2.) They who are distinguished in flation, should assern it by the eminence of their zeal for God. 3. The reader given for their solicitude to begin God’s worship, was the fear of their enemies, who hated them, and failed not to oppose their designs. Nio, (1.) The best defence is God’s favourable presence. (2.) We must not be frightened out of our religion: man’s threatenings should only quicken our prayers. 4. No sooner was the altar reared, but they began to offer their sacrifices, on the first day of the seventh month, which was the feast of blowing of trumpets. From themorrowed, they continued the daily sacrifice, and kept the appointed feasts in their fashion, though the foundation of the temple was not laid. Nio, (1.) We must make the best of what we enjoy, and do what we can when we cannot do all we would. (2.) Every day we are required to offer the sacrifice of a grateful heart. 5. Besides the instituted sacrifices, they offered also free-willofferings. Tho’ they could ill spare them from their little flock of cattle, yet they concluded they should be never the power for what burned on God’s altar. 6. They began to make preparations for building the temple, laying out the money they had collected to the proper workmen, and engaging those of Tyre and Zidon to supply them with materials, according to the grant Cyrus had made them. Thus a second time did they assist in rearing a temple for God. Nio, Many help to build God’s house, whose names, it is to be feared, are not found in his book of life. They serve his interethonly, because they thereby promote their own. 8. ¶ Now in the second year of their coming unto the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Jozadak, and the remnant of their brethren the priests and the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity unto Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites from twenty years old and upward, to set forward the work of the house of the LORD. 9. Then stood Jeflaza

thua unth his sons, and his brethren, Kadmiel and his sons, the sons of Judah together, to set forward the workmen in the house of God: the sons of Henadad, with their sons, and their brethren the Levites. 10. And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Afaph, with cymbals, to praise the LORD, after the ordinance of David king of Israel. 11. And they sung together by course, in praising and giving thanks, unto the LORD, because he is good, for his mercy endoreth for ever towards Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid. 12. That many of the priests and Levites, and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had been the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, kept with a loud voice, and many shouted aloud for joy. 13. So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy, from the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off.

We have here, 1. A recital of Cyrus’s decree for the building of the temple, vers. 1—5. 2. That decree enforced by a new order from Darius, vers. 6—12. 3. The finishing of the temple thereupon, vers. 13—15. 4. The solemn dedication of it, vers. 16—18. 5. The celebration of the professor, vers. 19—23.

1. THEN Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the 9 rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon. 2. And there was found at 9 Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province of the Medes, a roll, and therein was a record thus written: 3. In the first year of Cyrus the king, the same Cyrus the king made a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem. Let the house be built, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid, the height thereof therefore cubits, and the breadth thereof therefore cubits. 4. With three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let the expences be given out of the king’s house. 5. And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto the temple which is at Jerusalem, every one to

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his place, and place them in the house of God. 6. Now therefore Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shethar-boznai, and your companions the Apharaeches, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence. 7. Let the work of this house of God alone, let the governor of the Jews, and the elders of the Jews, build this house of God in his place. 8. Moreover, I make a decree, what ye shall do to the elders of the Jews, for the building of this house of God: that of the king’s goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expences be given unto these men, that they be not a hindered. 9. And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and canv, and lambs, for the burnt-offennings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail. 10. That they may offer sacrifices of sweet favours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king and of his sons. 11. Also I have made a decree, that whichever shall alter this word, let the timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon, and let his house be made a dumphill for this. 12. And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there is a deftroy all kings and people that shall put to their hand, to alter and to deftroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem: I Darius have made a decree, let it be done with speed.

We have here,

1. Search made, in consequence of the application, after the original record in the house of the rolls, and it was found in Achmetha, thought to be Ecbizana, the summer residence of the kings of Babylon; and it contained not only a commission for building the house, but a command to the governors to furnish out of the revenue all necessary materials; which privilege it seems the Jews either generally waxed, or the change of affairs at court prevented their receiving the benefit of this order. N. 1. (1.) Diligent enquiry after truth is necessary, in order to administer impartial justice. (2.) It is prudent often to decline making use of those offices, which the generality of our friends may put in our power.

2. Darius, hereupon perfectly satisfied, confirms the state in its full extent. As probably the interruption the work had met with from the malice of the former governors now appeared, he charges them to give the Jews no let or molestation; commands them to furnish all necessary materials for the building, and the sacrifices and offerings they needed, out of the revenues; speaks with deep respect of Israel’s God, and puts a high value on the prayers of this favoured people, how as they were now reduced. He enforces the decree with the penalty of death on any man who dared counteract it; Let him be hanged on the beams of his own house, and let it be made a dungful to perpetuate the infamy: and, as highly zealous for the honour of that glorious God, whose pretence had formerly so distinguished this house, and he supposes would again, he denounces a cycle on the king or people, that should ever after attempt to alter the worship, or destroy the temple. He concludes with commanding immediate execution of his orders. N. 1. (1.) The Lord can overrule the malice of the church’s enemies, and bring good out of their evil designs. (2.) They are, through God’s good providence, often made instrumental in carrying on the work of God, who have themselves neither part nor lot in the matter. (3.) Whilst we are enabled to trust all our concerns with God, he hath the hearts of the greatest in his power, and will overrule them for the purposes of his own glory. (4.) If kings knew the efficacy of the prayers of God’s people, they would be careful to locate an interest in them. (5.) Those whom God hath set in authority over us, we are bound to pray for, though heathens or oppressors; and how much more, when truly defenders of the faith, and really nursing fathers to the church. (6.) The curle denounced will surely fall on all the enemies of God’s spiritual temple. They who fight against that, destroy their own souls.

3. Then 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. 14. And the elders of the Jews built, and they prospered through the prophecy of Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo; and they built, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of the Cyrus and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia. 15. And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the

Ezra 6:8-13

Though the work was great, their hearts were eager upon it, and therefore the preparations went on bodily.

1. In the second month of the second year the foundation was laid; seven months the materials were preparing; and then they without delay began to build. Note, (1.) If church work is slow, it is because they who are engaged in it, care not for the worship. (2.) What our hand fuddeh to do for God, we must do it with our might.

2. Zerubbabel and Jethua, and his brethren the priests and Levites, forwarded with zeal the service: and of the Levites officers were appointed to look over the workmen. Note, The eye which overthroes, is as necessary as the hand that builds.

3. When the foundation was laid, the priests with trumpets, and the Levites with cymbals, praised God in the Eucharistic home, the burden of which was, for his mercy endoreth for ever, see Pfal. exxxvi. Note, The never failing mercy of God is just matter of everfailing praise, and we can be in no circumstance and condition in which we are not bound to acknowledge this precious truth.

4. Very different emotions on this occasion were awakened in the bosoms of the spectators; the younger part, who had never seen the former temple, beheld with delight the glorious fabric rising to their view, whilst the more aged fathers could not but look back to the magnificence of the ancient house, and were to behold the change. It was now about fifty-four years, according to the most received computation, since Solomon’s temple was destroyed, and many of those who were returned from the captivity might well remember it. The voice of weeping and shouting thus was blended together, but the shouting provided, and was heard at a distance, the mourning only was heard at home. Note, (1.) It is matter of joy to see revivals of religion, though they come not up to those in the dust of our fathers. (2.) Even in our joys, some drops of sorrow will mangle it will only be pure when we come to the better temple. (3.) The world should hear a christian’s joys foolishly though we sometimes mourn through manifold temptations, their sorrows are best confined to our own bosoms, we communicated to a faithful friend, least we dishearten the feeble, or bring up an all report on the good ways of our God.

Ezra 6:13-22

When the obftacles were removed, and the encouragements to labour so many, the work went on briefly. We have here.

1. The finishing the temple. The governors dared no longer obftract the work, but, though it may be with reluctance, were immediately obliged to comply with the king’s orders; whilst the prophets Haggai and Zachariah pleaded these men; they enjoyed, as an argument of God’s blessing, and an obligation diligently to improve them; so that in four years the temple was completely finished. Note, (1.) Every mercy we enjoy should be improved as an argument for increasing diligence in God’s service. (2.) Though the work of God in the soul meets with many obftractions, and sometimes for a while seems at a hand, or on the decline, he will not suffer it to fail, but will revive it in the midst of the years, and perfect what he hath begun, till the top-flame he laid with shouting, crying, Grace, grace was: (3.) The grand means God makes use of for the perfecting of the saints, is the ministry of the word.

2. The solemn dedication of it. The priests and Levites being set in their several courts, according to the law of Moses, they offered liberal sacrifices to God on the occasion. As there were many, not only of Benjamin and Judah, but of the other tribes joined with them, a fin-offering of twelve he-goats was offered for the congregation; and none through the blood of atonement having obtained reconciliation, though still some marks of bondage continued upon them, yet with great gladness they enjoyed to see the long discontinued temple-worship once more happily revived. Note, (1.) The great concern of the returning sinner is to obtain transition of his. (2.) When the stoning blood is sprinkled on the confluence, that fills the soul with peace and joy in believing. (3.) Revivals of God’s blessing to the people and service are the heart-sick rejoicing of every faithful Israelite.

3. The next month they kept the pullover with great solemnity and exactness, a memorial of their escape from Egypt, and now of their repeated deliverance from Babylon, the second house of their bondage. The priests and Levites, unanimous to purify themselves, in a man were ready for their functions, and killed the pullover for their brethren, as well as themselves. Not only the people who had returned from Babylon, but many preselves from the heathen, who had renounced their idolatry, and were circumcised, joined with them; and seven days with universal gladness they kept the feast of unleavened bread, God comforting their hearts, and making them happy in the protection and encouragement they received from the king. Note, (1.) All true converts to Christ fail not to feed upon him in the feast he has instituted, in memory of the deliverance wrought for them by his dying love. (2.) Purity in the ministers of God’s ordinances is most conducive to the comfort and profiting of them: under such ministrations a blessing may be expended. (3.) When we draw near to God, we are called to put off all filthiness, and superfluity of naughtiness; to separate ourselves from the ways of a wicked world; and to renounce our former company, and join ourselves to God’s people. (4.) Those who wait upon God in his ways, he causes to rejoice. He is the well-spring of all spiritual comfort, and out of his fulness we shall receive. (5.) When God becomes our part, he can make those we feared as enemies, our fast friends.

Ezra 6:64-70

16. 17. The sum total of those who returned to Judea, amounted to 42,500; above 12,000 more than are above particularly specified; probably their were of the other tribes, whose genealogies had been lost.—Their reissue appears but mean, their servants few, and their beasts of burden scarce more than would suffice for their baggage, so that they must have taken their tedious journey on foot. Among their servants two hundred singing men and women are reckoned, either kept for the recreation of the richer fort among them, or employed with mournful lamentations, to awaken a sense of their defoliations. When they were come to Jerusalem, they visited their beautiful house, though in ruins; and grieving to see it in the duft, generously contributed, according to their abilities, for its reflorations. They were not rich now, as in David’s days, but their deep poverty abounded to the riches of their liberality, and made the gift more acceptable. The whole contribution in gold and silver amounted to about 75,000; with an hundred priests garments for the service of the temple, as soon as it should be ready. Part of them fixed immediately at Jerusalem; the rest were distributed into the several cities where their forefathers had been feated. Nio, (1.) God’s house and service lie marred upon the heart of a faithful Israelite. (2.) It is not the greatness of the gift, but the temper of the giver, that thamps a value on the donation. (3.) What is upon in God’s blessed work, though spared out of our poverty, will return again with abundant interest. C H A P. III. We have here the gracious beginnings of these who returned from captreity. 1. They set up an altar, offered fair-fair upon it, kept the feasts, and contributed towards the rebuilding of the temple, ver. 1—7. 2. They laid the foundation of it with a mixture of jay and ferreux, ver. 8—13. Though a day of small things this was not to be despised, Zurb. iv. 10. 1. AND when the seventh month was come, and the children of lizard were in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem. 2. Then stood up Joshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and built the altar of the God of lizard, to offer burnt-offerings thereon, as it is written in the law of Moses the man of God. 3. And they set the altar upon his bases (for fear was upon them, because of the people of those countries) and they offered burnt-offerings thereon unto the LORD, rove burntofferings, morning and evening. 4. They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt-offerings by number, according to the custom, as § the duty of every day required. 5. And of terward offered the continual burnt-offering, both of the new-mours and of all the set feasts of the LORD that were consecrated, and of every one that willingly offered a free-will-offering unto the LORD. 6. From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burntofferings unto the LORD: but the foundation of the temple of the LORD was not yet laid. 7. They gave money also unto the nations, and to the carpenters, and meat, and drink, and oil unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar-trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa: according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia.