What does Ezra 6:14 mean?
"And 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." - Ezra 6:14
Ezra 6:14 (KJV) says, "And 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."
This verse is a culmination of a significant event in the history of the Israelites. It is a testament to the perseverance and faith of the Jewish elders, the fulfillment of the prophecy spoken by Haggai and Zechariah, and the divine intervention of God.
The context of Ezra 6:14 can be found in the Book of Ezra in the Old Testament. The book tells the story of the Israelites returning to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. In the previous chapters, we learn about the challenges the Israelites faced in rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. They initially faced opposition from the surrounding nations but eventually received support from King Darius of Persia. This verse marks the completion of the temple, a momentous occasion for the Jewish people.
One of the central themes of Ezra 6:14 is the faithfulness of God and His sovereign control over the affairs of men. Despite facing numerous obstacles, the Israelites were able to complete the temple because of the fulfillment of God's commandments. The verse emphasizes that the Jews prospered "through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo." This indicates that their success is attributed to heeding the words of the prophets, who acted as mouthpieces for God. This highlights the importance of listening to and obeying God's messengers, and the power of prophecy in shaping the course of history.
Another theme in this verse is the role of human agency in fulfilling God's purposes. The elders of the Jews took action and physically built the temple, demonstrating their willingness to participate in God's plan. It is a reminder that while God is ultimately in control, He often uses His people as instruments to bring about His will.
The verse also emphasizes the importance of obeying the commands of earthly authorities. The temple was built "according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia." This highlights the importance of submitting to the governing authorities, as long as their commands do not conflict with God's commands.
Symbolically, the completion of the temple represents the restoration of the Israelites' relationship with God. The temple was the center of their worship and the place where they communed with God. Its completion signified a fresh start for the Israelites and a renewed commitment to their faith.
In conclusion, Ezra 6:14 is a pivotal verse in the book of Ezra, marking the completion of the temple and the fulfillment of prophecy. It is a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness, the importance of heeding His commands, and the role of human agency in fulfilling His purposes. This verse continues to inspire and encourage believers to trust in God's sovereignty and to faithfully obey His commands.
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Ezra 6:14 Artwork
Ezra 6:14 - "And 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."
"And 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." - Ezra 6:14
Ezra 9:6
Ezra 6:16
Zerubbabel in Ezra chapter 6
Ezra 6:1-12
Ezra 6:15-16
Ezra 6:15-16
Ezra 2:14 - "The children of Bigvai, two thousand fifty and six."
Ezra 8:14 - "Of the sons also of Bigvai; Uthai, and Zabbud, and with them seventy males."
Ezra 6:19 - "And the children of the captivity kept the passover upon the fourteenth day of the first month."
Ezra 8:6 - "Of the sons also of Adin; Ebed the son of Jonathan, and with him fifty males."
Ezra 6:6 - "Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shethar-boznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence:"
Ezra 6:2 - "And there was found at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province of the Medes, a roll, and therein was a record thus written:"
Ezra 2:6 - "The children of Pahath-moab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand eight hundred and twelve."
Ezra 7:6 - "This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him."
"The children of Bigvai, two thousand fifty and six." - Ezra 2:14
Ezra 6:15 - "And 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."
Ezra 6:16 - "¶ And 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,"
Ezra 6:18 - "And 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."
Ezra 6:10 - "That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons."
Ezra 4:6 - "And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, wrote they unto him an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem."
Ezra 6:4 - "With three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let the expenses be given out of the king's house:"
Ezra 6:1 - "Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon."
Ezra 10:6 - "¶ Then Ezra rose up from before the house of God, and went into the chamber of Johanan the son of Eliashib: and when he came thither, he did eat no bread, nor drink water: for he mourned because of the transgression of them that had been carried away."
Ezra 6:7 - "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."
Ezra 4:14 - "Now because we have maintenance from the king's palace, and it was not meet for us to see the king's dishonour, therefore have we sent and certified the king;"
"Of the sons also of Bigvai; Uthai, and Zabbud, and with them seventy males." - Ezra 8:14
Ezra 3:6 - "From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt offerings unto the LORD. But the foundation of the temple of the LORD was not yet laid."
Ezra 6:13 - "¶ 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."