Free to Worship

March 13 Lesson 2

(NIV) FREE TO WORSHIP DEVOTIONAL READING: Ezra 6:1–12

BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Ezra 5; 6:1–12; 10:1–5 Ezra 6:1–12

1 King Darius then issued an order, and they searched in the archives stored in the treasury at Babylon. 2 A scroll was found in the citadel of Ecbatana in the province of Media, and this was written on it: Memorandum: 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, 4 with three courses of large stones and one of timbers. The costs are to be paid by the royal treasury. 5 Also, the gold and silver articles of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple in Jerusalem and brought to Babylon, are to be returned to their places in the temple in Jerusalem; they are to be deposited in the house of God. 6 Now then, Tattenai, governor of Trans-Euphrates, and Shethar-Bozenai and you other officials of that province, stay away from there. 7 Do not interfere with the work on this temple of God. Let the governor of the Jews and the Jewish elders rebuild this house of God on its site. 8 Moreover, I hereby decree what you are to do for these elders of the Jews in the construction of this house of God: Their expenses are to be fully paid out of the royal treasury, from the revenues of Trans-Euphrates, so that the work will not stop. 9 Whatever is needed—young bulls, rams, male lambs for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, and wheat, salt, wine and olive oil, as requested by the priests in Jerusalem​—must be given them daily without fail, 10 so that they may offer sacrifices pleasing to the God of heaven and pray for the well-being of the king and his sons. 11 Furthermore, I decree that if anyone defies this edict, a beam is to be pulled from their house and they are to be impaled on it. And for this crime their house is to be made a pile of rubble. 12 May God, who has caused his Name to dwell there, overthrow any king or people who lifts a hand to change this decree or to destroy this temple in Jerusalem. I Darius have decreed it. Let it be carried out with diligence.

KEY TEXT May God, who has caused his Name to dwell there, overthrow any king or people who lifts a hand to change this decree or to destroy this temple in Jerusalem.—Ezra 6:12a

I. The Conduct of a Search (EZRA 6:1–2)

A. Regarding the Archives

(v. 1)

1. King Darius then issued an order, and they searched in the archives stored in the treasury at Babylon.

Archaeological remains of Persian archives reveal detailed reports of taxes, expenditures, and local government occurrences throughout the empire. However, not all official records were stored at Babylon. Other cities held local and national records and treasures. Therefore, a search for Cyrus’s records would extend outside the capital (next verse).

What Do You Think? How will you ensure thoroughness when following the tasks God has placed before you? Keep looking and searching for the necessary things that God wants you to find and able to do his will. But in this case it was to find the decree that Cyrus had made in the last lesson that the captive jews would go back to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple of God that was crushed by Nebuchadnezzar .because it looks Ike Darius had and some of the others that were in

power or who told them to rebuilt. but you need to read chapthe 5 to get a better understanding of todays text

Digging Deeper How might you respond differently if you were met with opposition? probaly the same way and that is to tell them exactly what had transpired from the previous king and a decree was made so go and find it before you ask such off the wall questions.

B. Retrieving the Scroll (v. 2)

2. A scroll was found in the citadel of Ecbatana in the province of Media, and this was written on it: Memorandum: The search for Cyrus’s decree took investigators to Ecbatana, a city located about 285 miles northeast of Babylon. The city served as the summer palace for Persian royalty, so it is possible that Cyrus issued his decree there during the summer of 538 BC (see Ezra 1:1). Ecbatana City in Iran

OverviewHistoryLocationArchaeologyHistorical Descriptions Arrian writes... Ecbatana was the capital of Media, called in Chaldee Achmetha (Ezra vi. 2). The present city of Hamadan is on the same site. It is situated at the foot of Mount Orontes, and was used by the Persian and Parthian kings as their summer residence. It was surrounded by seven walls, each overtopping the one before it, from the outer to the inner, crowned with battlements …

Now we know what we are looking for the decree that was made by Cyrus remember in the last lesson cyrus made a decree for the isrealites to return back to their home in Jerusalem land to rebuild the the temple .

see how easy it is to do something once we know what we are looking for. how would like it when somebody tell you to go find it and thats it?????? but they did find what they were looking for but not in Babylon . some city 285 miles away.

II. The Content of the Decree

A. Reestablishing the Temple (vv. 3–5)

3a. In the first year of King Cyrus, the king issued a decree concerning the temple of God in Jerusalem: The focus of Cyrus’s decree expands on a directive given in previous text (see Ezra 1:2–4). King Cyrus had given permission for the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland. Now the text elaborates on a key detail of their return: the reconstruction of the temple of God in Jerusalem. hey this is the decree which was to go that Darius had to find in order to complete the temple in Jerusalem just to make sure that he was doing exactly what God wanted him to do just like what God wanted Noah to do but only Noah did not have to worry about a certain people like the Persians .

but this scroll of decree had plans laid out on what and how to build just like we must learn to build and lay out plans the same way in our lives like a blue print . the same as was told to told Noah by God exactly on how to build his ark. this is how a plan comes together.

3b. Let the temple be rebuilt as a place to present sacrifices, and let its foundations be laid. It is to be sixty cubits 1=1.5 feet=90 FT

L high and sixty cubits wide, Prior to Darius’s decree, the altar, the place to present sacrifices, had been reconstructed (Ezra 3:2–3). Now the temple would be rebuilt to provide a space for worship. The temple’s height and width were to be sixty cubits, or approximately 90 feet each way. (A cubit equals about 18 inches.) These dimensions differ from those of Solomon’s temple. That temple had a length of 60 cubits, a width of 20 cubits, and a height of 30 cubits (1 Kings 6:2). The decree did not include the temple’s length. One might assume that its length would match its height and width. If this assumption is correct, then the building would form a perfect cube. This shape would echo the dimensions of the Most Holy Place of Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 6:20). now that was a place they called Gods temple can you image how high and wide it was trying to reach the Heavens

4a. with three courses of large stones and one of timbers. Archaeological discoveries in modern-day Syria have shown that the use of timbers after several rows of large stones helped buildings survive earthquakes. This practice was utilized in the construction of the inner courtyard of Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 6:36) and the courtyard of Solomon’s palace (7:12). Both mention the use of cedar wood, but Cyrus’s decree does not elaborate in that regard. sounds to me that they they buitl this temple that it wasnt gonna be knocked down to easy.lets make our temple the same way i mean this body make strong in Gods faith so it cant be knocked down so easy. or not at all.

4b. The costs are to be paid by the royal treasury. Those remaining in exile contributed to the temple’s reconstruction (Ezra 1:4, 6). But in an act of goodwill, the decree placed part of the financial burden on the royal treasury. These funds came to the treasury via new taxation practices (see 6:8, below). wow we need to see if we can get the town of wrenton to pay for our needs in our church even with the gold and silver that Cyrus gave- and the people gave still was not enough to finish the job. well well now i f can only get more to better poplar fork who wants to donate?????

5. Also, the gold and silver articles of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple in Jerusalem and brought to Babylon, are to be returned to their places in the temple in Jerusalem; they are to be deposited in the house of God.

The centrality of the sacred articles, their removal from the house of God, and their eventual return to the temple is again made evident by Cyrus’s repetition (compare Ezra 1:7–11). These articles were made by Solomon and were used at the temple for worship (see 1 Kings 7:48–51). However, Nebuchadnezzar confiscated them and took them to Babylon following the destruction of Judah and Jerusalem (2 Kings 25:13–17; 2 Chronicles 36:18). These articles had been used in unholy ways during the exile (see Daniel 5:1–4). Therefore, they would need to be reconsecrated before they were returned and deposited into the temple. The restorative act required sacred anointing oil (see Exodus 30:22–29; 40:9). The presence of these items in the newly restored temple represented the restoration of Israelite life as the holy people of God. What Do You Think? How can Christians show the new life and restoration found in Christ Jesus? from the way we praise Jesus N God for all they have done and continue to do

Digging Deeper How can Isaiah 58:1–14 and Luke 4:14–21 inform your answer? In what ways, if any, can God’s work be hindered? How does Genesis 37:12–36 and 50:15–20 inform your answer? thats exactly what im talking about getting that holy ghost spirit inside us so we can spread the goodness of our God.

so go back and read ch.5 to get a better understanding of who wanted to know where the jewish people got promissinn from

B. Restraining Local Leadership (vv. 6–7)

6. Now then, Tattenai, governor of Trans-Euphrates, and Shethar-Bozenai and you other officials of that province, stay away from there.

What follows are the direct words of Darius to his officials, Tattenai and Shethar-Bozenai (see Lesson Context). The Trans-Euphrates refers to the area west of the Euphrates River and east of the Mediterranean Sea. This area was a satrapy, or province, of the Persian Empire, of which Tattenai was governor (see Ezra 5:3). The identity and role of the other officials of that province is unclear. The underlying Aramaic text gives little insight to their identity. They were either an ethnic group from Samaria, the region north of Judah, or Persian officials who accompanied the governor of the satrapy. Perhaps the same officials are mentioned elsewhere in the text (see Ezra 4:9). What Do You Think? How can Christians make sure they are not hindering the work of God? Digging Deeper In what ways, if any, can God’s work be hindered? i truly dont think that Gods work can be hindered because Gods work has already been done.

How does Genesis 37:12–36 and 50:15–20 inform your answer? No man can go against what God has or is doing no man. So if you are not helping then stay away …

7. Do not interfere with the work on this temple of God. Let the governor of the Jews and the Jewish elders rebuild this house of God on its site. Zerubbabel served as the governor of the Jews who had returned from exile (see Ezra 5:2). The governor coordinated local affairs with the Persian authorities. Another group of localized leadership consisted of the Jewish elders. These were leaders who handled local affairs like family disputes or village conflicts (see Deuteronomy 21:1–9; 25:7–10). This division allowed the leaders to respond to the internal challenges of the community and maintain good relationships with the Persians. Additionally, it allowed the Persians to maintain control over the satrapy without overt concern in all local matters. What Do You Think? How might the government use its authority for the good of the governed? i can only speak for myself and say that the Gov we know only looks out fro themselves and not so much fro its people,, i thing God should step in all the time they are in session…… so once again when this decree came down from Darius it was like God talking to them himself

Digging Deeper How do Luke 3:14 and Romans 13:3–4 shape your answer in this regard? No has authority over God…….. now when i was in the army i had to listen to everyone that had more rank then me right Marshall?

C. Releasing the Royal Treasury (vv. 8–10)

8. Moreover, I hereby decree what you are to do for these elders of the Jews in the construction of this house of God: Their expenses are to be fully paid out of the royal treasury, from the revenues of Trans-Euphrates, so that the work will not stop. Darius’s decree concerned the financial burden of rebuilding the house of God. The Persians provided space for its reconstruction. They also provided a financial backing, following Cyrus’s precedent (see commentary on Ezra 6:4, above). Specifically, Darius committed to funding part of the temple’s construction expenses from taxes and revenues from the Trans-Euphrates satrapy. This action reflects a larger policy to restore and provide for local temples and cults in the empire. Darius’s financial generosity highlighted his desire to honor the temple, whether or not he believed in the temple’s God. I tell you one thing King Cyrus was a well respected king and once this letter of decree was found Darius made sure that the mosey ones know what they had to do.

EFFECTIVE INCENTIVES On the morning of January 17, 1994, the heavily trafficked Santa Monica Freeway lay in ruins. That morning an earthquake had rocked Los Angeles and the surrounding region. A portion of the freeway, known for its heavy traffic, was no longer passable. As a result, traffic delays and congestion increased throughout Los Angeles. Because the freeway was crucial for the livelihood of the region, local officials offered a financial incentive for the freeway’s rapid reconstruction. As a result, the project was completed two months ahead of schedule. The financial backing encouraged workers to rebuild rapidly. Without a restored freeway, the livelihood of Los Angeles was at stake. As unexpected as that financial backing was, the backing by Darius was all the more so. A pagan king who offered to help subsidize Israel’s temple! Through what unexpected measures has God provided for you to do his work? How can you cut through opposition in order to continue toward the goal God has set for you? —L. M.-W.

9. Whatever is needed—young bulls, rams, male lambs for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, and wheat, salt, wine and olive oil, as requested by the priests in Jerusalem—must be given them daily without fail. In addition to financial backing, Darius ordered officials to provide the necessary resources for regular sacrifices in the temple. Young bulls, rams, and male lambs were valuable livestock for the burnt offerings required of Israel (see Leviticus 1:2–13; 22:27; Numbers 7:87–88; 1 Chronicles 29:21). With these animals the returning exiles would eventually offer sacrifices (Ezra 8:35). Flour made of wheat was used alongside daily sacrifices and burnt offerings (see Exodus 29:40; Leviticus 2:1–2; 5:11; 6:20; etc.). Salt accompanied grain offerings (2:13) and burnt offerings (Ezekiel 43:24). The preservative properties of salt served as a reminder of the preserving nature of God’s covenant (Numbers 18:19; 2 Chronicles 13:5). Oil accompanied the sacrifices, and wine was presented as a drink offering (Exodus 29:40; Leviticus 23:13). Darius’s use of the title God of heaven acknowledged the power and scope of the exiles’ God (see Ezra 1:2; 5:11–12; 6:10; 7:12, 21, 23). This God is the creator of all things and omnipotent (all-powerful) over all creation, even the Persian Empire (see Genesis 14:19; Isaiah 37:16; Daniel 2:44). I like this the King has spoken and they must listen but remember God put all this on Cyrus’s heart and nowDarius is making it happen until the temples. Complete,

10. so that they may offer sacrifices pleasing to the God of heaven and pray for the well-being of the king and his sons.

Visual for Lessons 2 & 3. Start a discussion by pointing to this visual as you ask, “How do God’s acts of goodness surprise you?” Darius’s motives for backing the reconstruction became evident. He desired that the returning exiles have a location where they might offer sacrifices rightly. Darius hoped that the God of the Jews would be content and would hear their prayers, specifically those for the king and his sons. When Israel offered sacrifices in the way God desired, those sacrifices were considered to be a pleasing aroma to God (Numbers 28:24; contrast with Isaiah 1:11; Jeremiah 6:20; Hosea 8:13). Considering the rich ingredients included in these sacrifices (see commentary on Ezra 6:9, above), a pleasing aroma was likely Leaders asking that their constituents pray to their gods was not inconceivable. Greek historian Herodotus (c. 484–425 BC) described how Persians would offer a prayer for the king while offering sacrifices to their pagan gods. The practice continued through the New Testament era (see 1 Timothy 2:1–2). Sometimes rulers recognized Israel’s God as a supreme God (Daniel 2:47; 6:26–27). As a result, Israel fulfilled the promise that they would be a blessing to Gentiles (Genesis 12:3).

What Do You Think? What prayer can you offer for leaders of your local, state, and national governments? Only that they seek the lord God and do the right thing and stop making false promises. Like they always do .

Digging Deeper How can Jeremiah 29:7 and 1 Timothy 2:1–4 inform your prayers? We have to continue to pray for all in power and hope that they open their heartsandlet God in……….

D. Risking the Curse (vv. 11–12)

11. Furthermore, I decree that if anyone defies this edict, a beam is to be pulled from their house and they are to be impaled on it. And for this crime their house is to be made a pile of rubble. As with an ancient covenant or a royal inscription, the decree ended with a warning or curse for anyone who might disregard and defy the edict of the king. The dramatic and violent conclusion would not have shocked ancient audiences. Worshippers and leaders would have thought it appropriate that anyone not honoring the temple of a god should have their own house destroyed and turned to rubble (compare Jeremiah 26:1–6). whether the punishment referred to being hanged, crucified, or impaled. While gruesome, the act of impaling an individual as punishment would not be unprecedented for a Jewish audience (see Genesis 40:22; Joshua 8:29). However, the Law of Moses restricted the practice of impaling (Deuteronomy 21:22–23). Persian audiences would be familiar with the punishment of impalement, as Persian officials suffered a similar gruesome fate after a failed assassination attempt of the king (Esther 2:21–23). Further, Haman, a high-ranking Persian official, was impaled after he attempted to massacre Jews in Persia (5:14; 7:10).

UNHOLY INTERFERENCE

“Ouch!” My husband let out a shriek as I investigated a small blemish on his forehead. The surrounding skin was hot to the touch. He thought it was infected, but I was unsure. Maybe he was overreacting? I was skeptical that it was anything serious. I told him to take some ibuprofen. Maybe the blemish would improve in the morning. The next morning, the blemish had not improved. In fact, his face was so swollen that his eye was almost shut. A few hours passed and the swelling only got worse. Finally, I admitted concern and took him to the emergency room. The doctors diagnosed him with a staph infection! Contrary to my skepticism, my husband had been right; the blemish was serious. I had to apologize for not taking his concerns to heart sooner. While others expressed doubt and opposition to the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple, Darius confirmed the project’s legitimacy. When have you let doubt or opposition interfere with the work God has for you? Or might you be opposing God’s work in someone else’s life? If so, why? —L. M.-W.

12. May God, who has caused his Name to dwell there, overthrow any king or people who lifts a hand to change this decree or to destroy this temple in Jerusalem. I Darius have decreed it.

Let it be carried out with diligence. Following the format of a curse, the decree’s final line acknowledges the presence of God and the protection of all under his domain. This is the same God who promised to choose a place where he would cause his Name to dwell (Deuteronomy 12:11; see Exodus 20:24). This promise referred to the unique place where God met his people, the temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 8:29; 9:3; 2 Chronicles 6:2). Darius anticipated that Israel’s God would protect his holy place and all within its premises. By calling a curse to overthrow any king or people, Darius followed an ancient Near Eastern tradition that taught that the gods would protect that which was considered precious and divine. This protection was notable for all people and items located within holy places. While unlikely that Darius was influenced by ancient Hebrew literature, the psalmist warned against the “kings of the earth … and the rulers” who “band together against the Lord and against his anointed” (Psalm 2:2). The Lord would “break them” and “dash them to pieces” (2:9). Those who would go against the Lord and the his intentions would be destroyed. Those who would stand against and defile the temple of God would suffer destruction. While the temple of God that Darius envisioned no longer stands, God’s promises to watch over his “temple” remain true (see 1 Corinthians 3:16–17)..

Sounds to me that God has put it-on Darius to do the right thing so maybe people prayed for him to do the right thing. And aren't you glad that we are Gods temple???????????

Conclusion A.

Surprising Circumstances The ruling of Worcester v. Georgia did not improve the sovereignty of the Cherokee Nation. Seven years after the decision, US President Andrew Jackson oversaw the forced removal of the Cherokees from their homelands through the Trail of Tears. Even as the U. S. Supreme Court (surprisingly) ruled in favor of the Cherokees, the sovereignty they won was short-lived. The sovereignty the Jews gained under Cyrus and maintained under Darius was short-lived. In the centuries that followed, the Jewish people experienced many years of occupation. However, in that specific season under the reign of and support from Darius, the Jews survived and even flourished as they resettled their homeland. Especially in difficult circumstances and trying situations, God calls his people to be faithful to his purpose for their lives. That Cyrus and Darius, two Gentile leaders, allowed for the resettlement of Jerusalem and the reconstruction of the temple showed the surprising ways God provides for his people. How has God called you to obey him? Through what unexpected circumstances is he calling you to obey?

B. Prayer

God of Heaven, you are the creator of all good things. You bring life and joy, laughter and healing, peace and plenty. You provide for your people in unimaginable ways. Surprise us! Show us how we might follow you in ways unimaginable. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

C. Thought to Remember God can work through surprising circumstances to bring restoration and renewal.