Ezra 6:13-15

What does Ezra 6:13-15 mean?

It's easy to read this as just a report of the decree being followed, but notice it says they "did with all diligence." This wasn't just passive obedience; these officials, who had previously tried to stop the work, now actively and zealously ensured the temple was rebuilt as the king commanded. Their prompt action shows how swiftly a difficult situation can turn when divine authority, even indirectly through a king's decree, is honored.

Then, according to the word sent by Darius the king, Tattenai, the governor of the province Beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates did with all diligence what Darius the king had ordered. And the elders of the Jews built and prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. They finished their building by decree of the God of Israel and by decree of Cyrus and Darius and Artaxerxes king of Persia; and this house was finished on the third day of the month of Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.

English Standard Version (ESV)

What Ezra 6:13-15 means

After facing a temporary halt and having their work questioned, the Jewish people receive a decisive letter from King Darius, confirming their right to rebuild the Temple and even providing financial support. This verse marks the immediate response to that royal decree, showing the former adversaries swiftly and diligently obeying the king's command to aid the rebuilding effort. Their compliance quickly leads to the Temple's completion and dedication, a stark contrast to the opposition they faced earlier.

From Obstruction to Obedience

Have you ever been stopped in your tracks on an important project, only to have the very people who opposed you later help you finish it? Ezra 6:13 shows this surprising turn of events in action.

The people of God were trying to rebuild the temple, but they faced significant opposition from officials like Tattenai and his associates. These officials had even tried to stop the work, writing to the king with accusations (Ezra 5:6-17).

However, when King Darius reviewed their accusations and discovered the truth – that the temple rebuilding was sanctioned by Cyrus's decree and supported by God – his response was clear. He not only ordered the work to continue but also commanded the very officials who had opposed it to provide resources and ensure its completion.

And that’s exactly what Tattenai and his companions did! Verse 13 tells us they acted 'with all diligence' and 'speedily.' The very people who had been a major obstacle suddenly became facilitators of God's plan. It’s a powerful reminder that God can turn the hearts of leaders and adversaries to accomplish His purposes.

Diligence in Following Royal Orders

What does it mean to carry out a command 'with all diligence'? Ezra 6:13 shows us that this wasn't just about getting the job done, but about the spirit with which it was done.

The key phrase here is 'with all diligence.' This wasn't a grudging compliance; it was an active, wholehearted effort.

After receiving Darius’s definitive decree, Tattenai and his associates didn’t drag their feet. They ‘did with all diligence what Darius the king had ordered.’ This implies: