Darius Confirms Cyrus' Decree and Orders the Temple Rebuilt
Ezra 6:1-12
Ezr.6.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- באדין: ADV
- דריוש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלכא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שם: ADV
- טעם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ובקרו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- ספריא: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גנזיא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מהחתין: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- תמה: VERB,qal,perf,3,ms
- בבבל: PREP+NOUN,prop,f,sg
Parallels
- Ezra 6:2-5 (verbal): Immediate continuation: the specific document of Cyrus found in the Babylonian treasury is quoted and its provisions are spelled out (the record Darius orders searched).
- Ezra 1:1-4 (thematic): Background decree of Cyrus authorizing the return and rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem—the earlier royal authorization that is located when Darius’s officials search the archives.
- 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 (quotation): Parallel account of the Cyrus decree permitting the return and temple reconstruction; Chronicles reproduces the same royal authorization attested in Ezra’s documents.
- Isaiah 45:1 (allusion): Prophetic naming of Cyrus as the Lord’s anointed who will subdue nations—provides theological context for the Persian king’s role in allowing the restoration recorded in the archives.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then King Darius commanded that the register in the house of the royal archives in Babylon be searched;
- Then King Darius made a search, and they found in the house of the records in the treasury at Babylon.
Ezr.6.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והשתכח: VERB,hithpael,perf,3,m,sg
- באחמתא: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- בבירתא: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- במדי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מדינתה: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,f,sg
- מגלה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- חדה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וכן: ADV
- כתיב: VERB,peal,ptc,3,m,sg
- בגוה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- דכרונה: REL+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Ezra 6:3-5 (quotation): Immediate continuation in the same chapter: the actual text of Cyrus’s decree is quoted, explaining what was found in the palace records at Achmetha.
- Ezra 1:1-4 (quotation): The opening proclamation of Cyrus permitting the return and rebuilding of the house of God is given earlier in Ezra; the decree here is the same document referenced as discovered in Achmetha.
- 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 (verbal): A parallel account reproducing Cyrus’s decree permitting the exiles’ return and the rebuilding of the temple; many of the same phrases and legal action appear.
- Isaiah 45:1 (allusion): Prophetic naming of Cyrus as God’s anointed who will subdue nations and enable the restoration of Israel—provides theological background for Cyrus’s decree found in the palace archives.
Alternative generated candidates
- and a scroll was found in Ecbatana, in the citadel of the province of Media; and there was written in it thus:
- And there was found at Achmetha, in the citadel that is in the province of Media, a written record; and so it was written and sealed.
Ezr.6.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בשנת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,cons
- חדה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לכורש: PREP
- מלכא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כורש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלכא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שם: ADV
- טעם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלהא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בירושלם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ביתא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יתבנא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אתר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דבחין: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- דבחין: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ואשוהי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מסובלין: VERB,qal,ptcp,pass,pl
- רומה: VERB,qal,imp,2,ms
- אמין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שתין: NUM,card,dual
- פתיה: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- אמין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שתין: NUM,card,dual
Parallels
- Ezra 1:1-4 (quotation): Another form of Cyrus' decree ordering the return of exiles and the rebuilding of the house of God in Jerusalem; closely parallels the instructions to rebuild and provide funds/vessels.
- 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 (quotation): A parallel retelling of Cyrus' edict in the Chronicler's account, likewise commanding the reconstruction of the temple and release of the exiles with royal support.
- Isaiah 44:28 (allusion): Isaiah names Cyrus as the one who will say to Jerusalem 'You shall be built,' predicting that God will raise Cyrus to enable the rebuilding of the temple—background theological basis for the decree.
- Isaiah 45:13 (allusion): Speaks of God raising Cyrus to build God's city and set the exiles free; thematically connects divine authorization of Cyrus' role in temple restoration.
- Haggai 2:3-9 (thematic): Prophetic encouragement about rebuilding the temple and its future glory ('who is left who saw this house in its former glory?'), resonates with the decree's instruction to restore the house to its former height and honor.
Alternative generated candidates
- “In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, Cyrus the king issued a decree: Let the house of God at Jerusalem be rebuilt on its site, the place where sacrifices were offered; and let its foundations be firmly laid.
- In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, Cyrus the king issued a decree: The house of God at Jerusalem shall be rebuilt on its site, where they used to offer sacrifices; its height shall be sixty cubits and its breadth sixty cubits.
Ezr.6.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- נדבכין: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אבן: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- גלל: ADJ,m,sg
- תלתא: NUM,card
- ונדבך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אע: PART,cond
- חדת: NUM,card,sg,f
- ונפקתא: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- מן: PREP
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלכא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תתיהב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Kings 6:2 (structural): Gives the measurements of Solomon's temple using cubits and describes precise architectural dimensions, paralleling Ezra's prescription of layers and cubit measurements for the rebuilt temple.
- 2 Chronicles 3:3 (structural): Provides the height and construction details of Solomon's house/temple; echoes the concern for exact dimensions and construction specifications found in Ezra 6:4.
- Ezekiel 40:5 (structural): Part of Ezekiel's extensive temple measurements and architectural description—another biblical instance of detailed, regulated temple construction comparable to Ezra's building specifications.
- Ezra 3:11 (thematic): Describes laying the foundation of the second temple and the people's worshipful response; thematically linked to Ezra 6:4's focus on completing and specifying the rebuilt temple.
- Ezra 6:7 (verbal): Immediate continuation of Darius' royal decree concerning the temple project—addresses provisions and support for building, directly related to the construction measurements and orders in 6:4.
Alternative generated candidates
- Its height shall be sixty cubits and its breadth sixty cubits, with three courses of dressed stone and one course of timbers.
- And it shall have three courses of dressed stone and one course of new timber; and whatever remains shall be paid from the king’s house.
Ezr.6.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואף: CONJ+ADV
- מאני: ADV
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלהא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דהבה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכספא: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נבוכדנצר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הנפק: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מן: PREP
- היכלא: NOUN,m,sg,def
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בירושלם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- והיבל: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- לבבל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהתיבון: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ויהך: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- להיכלא: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בירושלם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לאתרה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ותחת: CONJ+PREP
- בבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- אלהא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ezra 1:7-11 (quotation): Cyrus' decree lists the vessels Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the Jerusalem temple and orders their return — directly connected to the mention of the temple's gold and silver.
- 2 Chronicles 36:18-19 (verbal): Parallel account of Nebuchadnezzar carrying off all the articles of the house of the LORD and putting them in the temple of his gods in Babylon; closely mirrors the language and event.
- 2 Kings 24:13 (verbal): Records Nebuchadnezzar removing the treasures of the house of the LORD and taking them to Babylon — the same seizure referred to in Ezra 6:5.
- Jeremiah 52:17-23 (verbal): Retells the removal of the temple vessels to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar, paralleling the narrative in Kings and Chronicles.
- Daniel 5:2 (allusion): Belshazzar's use of vessels from the Jerusalem temple in a profane feast presupposes the earlier removal of those sacred articles to Babylon, thematically linked to Ezra 6:5.
Alternative generated candidates
- And whatever gold and silver was found in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and carried to Babylon, let that be returned and placed in the house of God at Jerusalem.
- Also the vessels of the house of God, both the gold and the silver, which Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple that was in Jerusalem and brought to the temple of Babylon, those Cyrus king of Persia brought back and caused to be returned to the temple that is in Jerusalem, every one to its place, and set them in the house of God.
Ezr.6.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כען: ADV
- תתני: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- פחת: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נהרה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שתר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בוזני: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- וכנותהון: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs+PRON,3,pl
- אפרסכיא: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בעבר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נהרה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- רחיקין: ADV
- הוו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- מן: PREP
- תמה: ADV
Parallels
- Ezra 1:1-4 (quotation): Royal authorization to rebuild the house of the Lord and provision of temple vessels — Cyrus’ decree functions as an earlier model for Persian royal support and permission for the restoration project.
- 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 (quotation): A parallel account of the Persian king’s decree permitting the return and rebuilding of the temple; Chronicles echoes the same royal mandate and its purpose.
- Nehemiah 2:7-8 (thematic): Nehemiah’s procural of royal letters ordering local officials to provide timber and safe conduct parallels the theme of Persian royal orders ensuring material support and protection for rebuilding operations.
- Haggai 1:12-14 (thematic): Prophetic encouragement and the people’s obedience to resume building the temple correspond to the decree’s practical effect in enabling the elders and builders to complete the house.
- Zechariah 4:6-10 (thematic): The promise that the rebuilding will succeed not by human might but by God’s spirit and the celebration of Zerubbabel’s role parallels the assurance and legitimating of the temple project under Persian authorization.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now therefore, Tattenai, governor of the province Beyond the River, Shethar‑Bozenai and your companions—let no one there interfere. Leave the work on this house of God alone.
- Now therefore, Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shethar‑bozenai and your companions the governors who are beyond the river, keep yourselves from interfering with this work.
Ezr.6.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- שבקו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- לעבידת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,cons
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלהא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דך: ADJ,m,sg
- פחת: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהודיא: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ולשבי: PREP+PTCP,qal,ptc,mp
- יהודיא: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלהא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דך: ADJ,m,sg
- יבנון: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- על: PREP
- אתרה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ezra 1:1-4 (quotation): Cyrus's decree commissioning the rebuilding of the house of God in Jerusalem — the earlier royal authorization that Darius' order (Ezra 6:7) confirms and continues.
- Haggai 2:3-9 (thematic): Encouragement that the temple should be rebuilt on its former site and the promise of God's presence and future glory — echoes the aim and assurance behind the restoration mandate.
- Ezra 3:8-11 (structural): Description of the priests, Levites, and people organizing to lay the foundation of the house of God — parallels the practical rebuilding leadership and cultic restoration associated with Ezra 6:7.
- Zechariah 4:6-9 (thematic): Prophetic encouragement that Zerubbabel (the governor) will complete the temple 'not by might but by my spirit' — supports the figure of the governor charged with finishing the house of God.
- Nehemiah 2:17-18 (thematic): Nehemiah's appeal to rebuild Jerusalem and the people's and officials' authorization and support — comparable civic/administrative backing for an official restoration project.
Alternative generated candidates
- Let the Jews and the residents of Judah rebuild this house on its site.
- Let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews rebuild this house of God on its site. Moreover I hereby decree what you shall give these elders for the building of this house of God:
Ezr.6.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ומני: PREP+SUFF,1,sg
- שים: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- טעם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- למא: PREP,for,rel
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תעבדון: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- עם: PREP
- שבי: VERB,qal,imp,2,f,sg
- יהודיא: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אלך: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- למבנא: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלהא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דך: ADJ,m,sg
- ומנכסי: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- מלכא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מדת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נהרה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אספרנא: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,pl
- נפקתא: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- תהוא: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- מתיהבא: VERB,pas,ptcp,3,f,sg
- לגבריא: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אלך: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- לבטלא: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ezra 6:9 (structural): Immediate continuation of Darius' decree specifying provision of animals, grain, oil, and daily supplies for the priests and for the work on the house of God—same administrative funding instruction as v.8.
- Ezra 1:4-6 (thematic): Cyrus' earlier decree authorizing return and providing silver, gold, and goods for the house of God—same theme of Persian royal funding and support for rebuilding the temple.
- 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 (thematic): Parallel report of Cyrus' decree in Chronicles granting permission to rebuild the temple and return the exiles—echoes the pattern of royal authorization and provision found in Ezra 6:8.
- Nehemiah 2:7-8 (thematic): Artaxerxes' grant of letters, timber, and provisions for Nehemiah's rebuilding project—another example of Persian royal support and logistical facilitation for Judean restoration work.
Alternative generated candidates
- And from the royal revenues of the province Beyond the River let a tax be paid to the men who are rebuilding this house of God, so that no cost will fall on them; and whatever else is necessary, let it be given them from the king’s house, that the work be not hindered.
- the young bulls, rams, lambs and grain offerings, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests who are at Jerusalem; and whatever else is needed for the offerings to the God of heaven, let it be paid out of the king’s house, that the work be not hindered.
Ezr.6.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ומה: CONJ+PRON,int
- חשחן: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ובני: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- תורין: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ודכרין: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ואמרין: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לעלון: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- לאלה: PREP+DEM,pl
- שמיא: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- חנטין: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מלח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חמר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומשח: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- כמאמר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כהניא: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בירושלם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- להוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- מתיהב: VERB,qal,perf,3,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- יום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ביום: PREP
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- שלו: PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Numbers 18:8-21 (thematic): God's ordinance that the Levites/priestly household receive portions and support from the people — a precedent for providing food and sustenance for temple personnel.
- Leviticus 2:1-2,13 (verbal): Regulations for grain offerings that specify oil and the requirement to season offerings with salt; echoes Ezra's list of oil, salt (and related sacrificial elements).
- Nehemiah 10:37-39 (thematic): Postexilic arrangement to bring firstfruits, tithes and portions for the Levites/priests and to supply the house of God — parallel in purpose to Darius' order to provide daily provisions.
- Ezra 7:22 (structural): Another royal decree (Artaxerxes) granting support and exemptions to the priests/Levites and the temple service — comparable administrative backing for temple provision.
- 2 Chronicles 31:11-12 (thematic): Hezekiah's reform in which contributions were appointed for the priests and Levites so they could perform their service — an earlier model of provisioning temple ministers.
Alternative generated candidates
- Also charge them to give the priests who serve at Jerusalem their portions, and to offer morning and evening burnt offerings, and the continual offerings, and the offerings of the holy days, and the offerings for the new moons and for the fixed festivals of the LORD, and to provide for the priests according to the rule appointed for them;
- And you shall launder and give unto them requisites day by day, that they may offer sacrifices pleasing to the God of heaven and pray for the life of the king and of his sons.
Ezr.6.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- להון: PREP,3,pl
- מהקרבין: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,def
- ניחוחין: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לאלה: PREP+DEM,pl
- שמיא: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ומצלין: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- לחיי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- מלכא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובנוהי: CONJ+NOUN+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Psalm 72:17-19 (thematic): A royal prayer wishing longevity and continued name for the king and his descendants; echoes Ezra's instruction that priests pray for the life of the king and his sons.
- 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (thematic): New Testament injunction to offer prayers and intercession for kings and all in authority so we may lead peaceful lives; parallels the practice and rationale of praying for the ruler in Ezra 6:10.
- Ezra 7:23 (structural): Royal decree (Artaxerxes) granting support and exemptions for priests to carry out offerings and ministry; closely parallels Darius' authorization here for sacrifices and priestly support tied to praying for the king.
- Ezra 6:17-18 (verbal): Immediate narrative fulfilment in the same chapter describing the priests and Levites offering sacrifices and praising God after the temple's completion; directly connects to the command in 6:10 to offer sacrifices and pray for the king.
Alternative generated candidates
- that they may offer sacrifices of sweet aroma to the God of heaven and pray for the life of the king and his sons.
- For the people of the land and their governors shall be subject to this; let no one hinder them in this matter.
Ezr.6.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ומני: PREP+SUFF,1,sg
- שים: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- טעם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- אנש: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהשנא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- פתגמא: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- דנה: DEM,f,sg
- יתנסח: VERB,hitpael,impf,3,m,sg
- אע: PRT
- מן: PREP
- ביתה: NOUN,m,sg,suff-3,f,sg
- וזקיף: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יתמחא: VERB,hitpael,impf,3,m,sg
- עלהי: PREP,on,3,m,sg
- וביתה: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,cstr+PRSFX,3,f,sg
- נולו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יתעבד: VERB,hitpael,impf,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- דנה: DEM,f,sg
Parallels
- Ezra 6:6-12 (verbal): The broader Darius decree (vv.6–12) contains the same language and punitive formula (including v.11) enforcing the original order to rebuild the temple—direct textual parallel within the same document.
- Ezra 1:1-4; 1:7-11 (quotation): Cyrus’ original decree authorizing the return and rebuilding of the house of the LORD is quoted earlier; Darius’ order affirms and enforces Cyrus’ decree, linking both royal commands.
- Daniel 6:8-9,12 (structural): Shows the Persian practice of sealed royal edicts treated as irrevocable laws with prescribed punishments for violation—structurally parallel to Darius’ unchangeable decree and its sanctions.
- Esther 8:8 (thematic): States that letters written in the king’s name and sealed cannot be revoked, reflecting the same principle of the irrevocability and binding force of royal decrees invoked in Ezra 6:11.
- Nehemiah 2:7-9 (thematic): Artaxerxes’ letters granting safe conduct and timber for rebuilding the house/walls parallel the theme of Persian royal authorization and provision for Jewish reconstruction, though without the specific punitive formula.
Alternative generated candidates
- And now I make a decree concerning what you are to observe in this matter: Whoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled from his house and let him be impaled on it; and let his house be made a dunghill.
- And I make a decree: Whoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and let him be hanged; and let his house be made a reproach.
Ezr.6.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואלהא: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שכן: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- שמה: ADV
- תמה: ADV
- ימגר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- כל: DET
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ועם: CONJ+PREP
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ידה: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3s
- להשניה: VERB,hif,inf+pr3fs
- לחבלה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלהא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דך: ADJ,m,sg
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בירושלם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אנה: ADV,interrog
- דריוש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- טעם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אספרנא: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,pl
- יתעבד: VERB,hitp,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Ezra 6:11 (verbal): Immediate parallel/continuation: verse 11 contains the same royal punitive formula about removing a beam, hanging and making the house a dunghill—verse 12 repeats/applies that decree.
- Deuteronomy 21:22-23 (thematic): Prescribes public hanging of a executed criminal and states that one hung on a tree is under God’s curse; echoes the legal/ritual significance of hanging as a shameful, cursed penalty (background for the Ezra formulation).
- Esther 1:19 (structural): Describes the perceived irrevocability of Persian royal law (“the laws of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not”), providing context for harsh fixed penalties in royal decrees like Ezra 6:12.
- Daniel 6:8-9 (thematic): Shows the same Persian legal principle that a royal decree, once sealed, is binding and not to be altered—parallels the enforcement and finality behind the punitive clause in Ezra 6:12.
- Galatians 3:13 (allusion): New Testament reference to the Deuteronomic idea that one ‘is accursed who is hanged on a tree’ (citing Deut. 21:23); thematically parallels the curse/infamy associated with hanging reflected in Ezra’s punitive wording.
Alternative generated candidates
- May the God who dwells in this place overthrow every king and people who set their hand to change or to destroy this house of God at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be carried out with all speed.”
- May the God who dwells in this house overthrow every king and people who shall put forth hand to alter or destroy it. I Darius have made a decree; let it be carried out with all speed.
Now in the first year of King Darius a matter was found, and it was written down in the house of the royal archives, in the treasuries that were at Babylon. And a scroll was found in Ecbatana, the capital of Media, within the province, and this is written in it:
“In the first year of King Cyrus, Cyrus the king issued a decree: The house of God at Jerusalem shall be rebuilt on its site; its height shall be sixty cubits and its width sixty cubits.
Three layers of new stones shall be set and one layer of timbers; and whatever is required from the king’s house shall be given.
Also the gold and silver vessels that Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem and brought to Babylon—all these shall be restored and brought again into the temple that is in Jerusalem, each to its place, and put in the house of God. Now therefore provide for them from the royal revenue beyond the River, and do not hinder their work; let the supplies be accounted from the provinces beyond the River. And let the Jews and the men of Judah rebuild the house of God at its site; and let the governors of the Jews and the men of the captivity of Judah be assisted in this work. And a decree is given that whatever they do in building the house of God at Jerusalem shall be supported, and the costs from the royal treasury beyond the River shall be paid to these men so that nothing be lacking. And let the priests, the Levites, the singers, the gatekeepers, and the offerings be provided to them—salt, grain, wine, and oil—according to the daily ordinance for the priests at Jerusalem, day by day without fail.
For their offerings are a pleasing fragrance to the God of heaven, and their prayer will be for the life of the king and of his sons. And I issue a decree: Whoever alters this word shall have his house pulled down and be hanged upon it, and his estate shall be made a desolation.
May the God who dwells in that place overthrow any king or people who shall put forth hand to change or to destroy this house of God at Jerusalem. I, Darius, have issued this decree; let it be done with all diligence.”