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Book of Ezra – Bible Lesson 13

The Decrees of the Persian Kings Cyrus and Darius and the Spiritual Lessons from the Bible
God can use anyone to accomplish His purposes. It is not necessary that they must be people who know God personally. In the Bible, God has fulfilled His purposes through many kings who did not know Him.

In this study, we will look at the decrees issued by two such kings.

1. The Decree of King Cyrus
King Cyrus permitted the people of the tribe of Judah, who had been in captivity for seventy years, to return to their own land. He also allowed them to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem which had been destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar.
Not only did he give permission, but he also returned the temple articles that Nebuchadnezzar had taken from Solomon’s temple. In addition, he provided many resources and wealth to help rebuild the temple.
All these details are recorded in the royal decree issued by Cyrus. This decree is an important document that teaches many spiritual lessons.
We can see this decree in Ezra 6:3–5. When we read this passage, the verse that first comes to mind is Proverbs 21:1:
“The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.”
This event is a good example of how God can direct the heart of a ruler to accomplish His purposes.
Furthermore, this decree later became the reason why the temple construction work was able to resume when it had been stopped. It proves that when God begins a work, no human power can permanently stop it.

2. The Decree of King Darius
When King Darius learned that the decree issued by Cyrus regarding the temple construction had not been properly followed, he searched the royal archives and verified the documents. After confirming them, he issued another decree, which was even more significant.
We read about this decree in Ezra 6:6–12. In many ways, this decree was more detailed and stronger than the decree issued by Cyrus.
Through this decree we can clearly see how the hand of God worked even among the rulers of the world.
Important Features of Darius’ Decree
1. The measurements of the temple were specified
The height and width of the temple were clearly mentioned in the decree.
(Ezra 6:3)
2. Construction expenses to be paid by the royal treasury
The cost of building the temple was to be provided from the king’s treasury.
(Ezra 6:4)
3. No one should interfere with the work
Strict orders were given that no one should hinder the temple construction.
4. Necessary materials for sacrifices must be supplied
Animals such as bulls and lambs, along with wheat, salt, wine, and oil, were to be provided daily so that the Jews could offer sacrifices to their God.
5. Severe punishment for disobedience
Anyone who violated this decree would face severe punishment. Timber would be taken from that person’s house and he would be impaled on it.
6. Those who oppose this temple will be destroyed
The king declared that anyone who tried to destroy or oppose this temple would face destruction.
(Ezra 6:12)
A Very Important Verse – Ezra 6:10
One remarkable part of this decree is found in Ezra 6:10. King Darius expressed his desire that the Jewish people should pray to their God for the well-being of the king and his sons.
“So that they may offer sacrifices pleasing to the God of heaven and pray for the well-being of the king and his sons.”
(Ezra 6:10)
Even though he did not personally know the true God, the king understood that the prayers of God’s people would benefit him and his family.
A Lesson for Us
Even today, the prayers of God’s people can bring blessing and protection to a nation. However, if Christians lose their testimony and fail to live godly lives, the leaders of the world will not seek the prayers of God’s people.
If Christianity loses its true essence and spiritual strength, political leaders will not look to believers for prayer or guidance.

Therefore, we should not treat this decree as merely an ancient historical document. Instead, we should meditate on the spiritual lessons found in it and apply them in our lives.