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Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezra 6:6-15

DECREE ISSUED BY DARIUS IN FURTHERANCE OF THE DECREE OF CYRUS . OBEDIENCE OF THE PERSIAN OFFICIALS , AND RAPID COMPLETION OF THE TEMPLE ( Ezra 6:6-15 ). The religious policy of Darius being directly opposed to that of his immediate predecessor, he would naturally reverse his decree with respect to the Jews ( Ezra 4:11-22 ). He would also be glad to show himself in accordance with the great founder of the empire, who was universally reverenced,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezra 6:12-15

Overthrow and upbuilding. The end of this mission brings to our view— I. THE OVERTHROW OF EVIL . "Then Tatnai,… Shethar-boznai, and their companions, according to that which Darius had sent, so did they speedily ' ( Ezra 6:13 ). With deepest mortification and chagrin must they have received these tidings from the Babylonian court. Their failure was complete and conspicuous. Not only had they not done what they wanted to do, but they bad been compelled to aid and prosper that... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezra 6:13-15

The successful issue. The vicissitudes through which the building of the temple was carried to its completion figure forth those of the spiritual temple of the Church. This eventful history teaches— I. THAT GOD 'S PURPOSES WILL BE ACCOMPLISHED . 1. This truth is exemplified in. the creation. 2. This truth is also exemplified in prophecy. II. THAT GOD HONOURS HIS WILLING SERVANTS . 1. He gives them an interest in his work. "They prospered,"... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezra 6:13-22

The work completed. These words form the conclusion of the first and longest portion of this scriptural Book of Ezra. All the remaining portion of the book is divided off from this in three separate ways. It is so, partly, on the question of time, a gap of something like sixty years intervening between the events mentioned at the close of this sixth chapter and those referred to at the beginning of the seventh. It is also divided off in regard to its method, being not so much, like the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezra 6:14

And the elders of the Jews builded . See above, Ezra 5:5 , Ezra 5:9 . Probably the same as "the chief of the fathers" of Ezra 2:68 , and Ezra 3:12 . While the younger men were those who actually laboured, the elders superintended the work. Zerubbabel and Jeshua are no doubt included among them . And they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai … and Zechariah. It can well be understood that Haggai's earnest exhortations, his warnings, his threats, his sarcastic reproaches ( ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezra 6:14-16

The temple finished. The building of the temple was finished in about four years after the work was resumed. This was a short time for a work so vast, when compared with the resources of the Jews. It was carried through without intermission; the zeal of the people was not suffered to become languid through delay. The fact illustrates both the propitious character of external circumstances and the wisdom of the Jewish leaders. When the building was completed it was dedicated, and the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezra 6:15

The house was finished on the third day of the month Adar. Haggai ( Haggai 1:15 ) gives the exact day of the recommencement of the work as the twenty-fourth of Elul in Darius's second year. Ezra here gives the exact day of the completion. From Zerubbabel's laying of the foundation ( Ezra 3:10 ), the time that had elapsed was twenty-one years. From the recommencement under the inspiriting influence of the two prophets, the time was only four years, five months, and ten days. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezra 6:15

Church prosperity. I. THERE WAS A CHANGE OF MOOD IN THOSE WHO HAD SOUGHT TO HINDER THE WORK . Tatnai, who had sought to hinder the building of the temple, now by the royal command does all he can to promote it. The world sometimes changes its mood toward the Church; often from motives of policy or fear; seldom from good will. Civil governors can greatly aid religious builders. When enemies help the Church prospers. II. THERE WAS A FAITHFUL MINISTRY ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezra 6:15

Church building. I. THAT GOD REQUIRES a HOUSE ESPECIALLY ERECTED FOR HIS WORSHIP . "This house." 1. As a dwelling on the earth. God's presence pervades the universe; there is no place where it is not. The heaven of heavens cannot contain him, much less the house which we have built; yet in great condescension he manifests a richer presence in his holy sanctuary than in all the world outside. The Shechinah dwells in the temple. God's dwelling-place is in Zion. Christ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezra 6:16

The children of Israel. Again the writer is careful to present the returned exiles to us as "Israel," and not merely "Judah" (comp. Ezra 2:70 ; Ezra 3:1 , Ezra 3:10 , Ezra 3:11 ; Ezra 4:3 ; Ezra 5:1 ). This is especially fitting when he is about to explain why the number of the he-goats offered was twelve (see the next verse). Kept the dedication of this house of God . The primary dedication seems to be glanced at in the words, "the dedication of this house," an... read more

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