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.
Read it in contextThe Temple Completed
Start reading at Ezra 6:13 (Ezra 6:13 to Ezra 6:15).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The rebuilding proceeds through opposition and renewed authorization until the temple is dedicated and Passover observed.
6:13Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shetharboznai, and their companions, according to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did speedily.
6:14And 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.
6:15And 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.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Ezra the priest and scribe supplies first-person material and is the traditional principal author. The complete book also incorporates earlier documents and third-person narrative. Biblical references: Ezra 7:6; Ezra 7:27; Ezra 8:1. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Ezra 3:1–6:22): Zerubbabel, Jeshua, the returned community, neighboring opponents, prophets, and Persian officials are involved in rebuilding the altar and temple. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The Jewish community restored from exile, including those rebuilding its worship and ordering its life by the law. Biblical references: Ezra 1:3; Ezra 7:10; Ezra 10:1. book background
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? The Temple Completed. Read Ezra 6:13 through Ezra 6:15 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? The rebuilding proceeds through opposition and renewed authorization until the temple is dedicated and Passover observed. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The account is set after exile under Persian rule and distinguishes the returns and activities associated with different kings. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative moves from Persian-controlled exile to Jerusalem, with the temple and returning community at its center. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The Temple Completed (Ezra 6:13 to Ezra 6:15).
Start reading at Ezra 6:13. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The restored temple belongs to the history leading into the world of the Gospels. A broader connection to Christ concerns worship and restoration, not an assertion that each returnee or building detail is a direct prediction. See Ezra 6:16, Luke 2:27, John 2:19, John 2:21. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Join renewed worship with attention to conduct and communal responsibility. Apply the account's marriage-related actions with awareness of the particular covenant problem being addressed. interpretation
Cited: Ezra 6:13, Ezra 6:15, Ezra 6:16, Luke 2:27, John 2:19, John 2:21
Who wrote it, and how we know
EzraNamed in Scripture
What Scripture saysLarge sections are written in the first person by Ezra himself. Ezra 7:27Ezra 8:1Ezra 9:1
Early traditionJewish tradition names Ezra.
What is debatedThe book also contains third-person narrative, which suggests compilation.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Ezra 6
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Ezra concerns the return from exile, the rebuilding of the temple, and Ezra's later work. The narrative distinguishes successive Persian reigns; modern calendar dates are historical reconstructions, not dates printed in the verses. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The rebuilding proceeds through opposition and renewed authorization until the temple is dedicated and Passover observed.
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The rebuilding proceeds through opposition and renewed authorization until the temple is dedicated and Passover observed.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Ezra
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Ezra concerns the return from exile, the rebuilding of the temple, and Ezra's later work. The narrative distinguishes successive Persian reigns; modern calendar dates are historical reconstructions, not dates printed in the verses.
Connection to the wholeReports of intermarriage lead to Ezra's confession and communal action, which must be read within this covenant and historical setting.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.