Day 195

The King Commands God’s Building

Ezra 5:11–6:12

The Jerusalem leaders wrote to King Darius. “We are rebuilding God’s temple built many years ago. Our ancestors angered God. So Nebuchadnezzar destroyed this temple and carried the people away to Babylon. All of its holy vessels were placed in the temple there.

“Please search your records. Read the command of King Cyrus for the rebuilding of this temple. Then write to us your decision.”

Darius searched and found a scroll. It told of Cyrus’s command to rebuild the temple.

“Let the work on this house of God continue.” Darius sent his command to the Samaritans. “Let the Jews rebuild this temple in its place. In fact, the cost is to be paid by your taxes. Give the Jewish priests everything they need for their sacrifices to God. And if anyone changes this command, kill him.”

Questions: What did the leaders in Jerusalem ask King Darius to do? Who was to pay for the building in Jerusalem?