This verse is a powerful reminder that the completion of God's work isn't just about divine decrees and human effort, but also the crucial role of prophetic encouragement. It highlights how the words of Haggai and Zechariah weren't just predictions, but vital motivators that fueled the builders' prosperity and perseverance.
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;
English Standard Version (ESV)
After years of opposition and delayed construction, the Jewish elders finally renewed their efforts to rebuild the Temple. Encouraged by the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, they saw God's hand at work, not only in their newfound success but also in the Persian kings' decrees supporting their work. This verse marks the culmination of their rebuilding efforts, highlighting the divine and human authorities that ultimately allowed the project to be completed.
Ever wondered how faith can move mountains—or temples? This verse highlights how God's messengers sparked action and success.
When the elders of the Jews faced the monumental task of rebuilding the temple, they didn't just rely on their own strength or determination. They prospered because they were spurred on by the messages of Haggai and Zechariah. These prophets weren't just delivering news; they were God's direct voice, reminding the people of His will, His power, and His promises.
The Power of God's Word
These prophets acted as God’s catalysts, transforming hesitant hearts into determined builders.
The building of the temple wasn't just a religious project; it was sanctioned by both God and the world's greatest powers. How does that work?
This verse presents a fascinating blend of divine command and human authority. The temple's completion rested on two pillars: God's decree and the decrees of Persian kings.
Ask a follow-up
God's Ultimate Command
The foundational authority was always God's. The prophets Haggai and Zechariah spoke in His name, ensuring the work aligned with His will. The phrase "by decree of the God of Israel" underscores that this entire endeavor was initiated and supported by the Almighty.
Earthly Edicts Supporting Divine Will
This combination shows God working through human systems, using even pagan rulers as instruments to accomplish His purposes. It’s a powerful reminder that earthly authority, when aligned with God’s will, can be a part of His plan.
Understand the original words
zāqēn · Hebrew Noun (Plural)
Older men who were recognized as the leaders, representatives, and decision-makers of the covenant community. They played a vital role in preserving the law, overseeing worship, and guiding the spiritual and communal life of Israel.
nāḇîʾ · Hebrew Noun
One who acts as a spokesperson for God, receiving divine messages through visions, dreams, or direct inspiration. The prophet is tasked with challenging, comforting, and instructing the people to remain faithful to God's covenant.
yiśrāʾēl · Hebrew Proper Noun
The covenantal name of God in relation to His chosen people, emphasizing His sovereignty, faithfulness, and the historical relationship established through the patriarchs. It identifies Him as the unique God who acts to redeem and govern His people.
This verse highlights how the completion of the Temple wasn't just a singular event but a process spanning decades and multiple Persian rulers, ultimately authorized by God and facilitated by His prophets and persistent leadership.
538 BC
Cyrus's Decree for Return
Cyrus the Great issues a decree allowing the exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple, marking the end of the Babylonian captivity.
520 BC— this verse
Haggai and Zechariah Prophesy
The prophets Haggai and Zechariah begin their ministry, encouraging the discouraged Jewish returnees to resume the construction of the Temple.
520-516 BC
Temple Reconstruction
Spurred by the prophets and renewed Persian decrees, the Jews, led by elders like Zerubbabel, diligently rebuild the Second Temple.
c. 516 BC
Temple Completion
The Second Temple is completed and dedicated, fulfilling Haggai's prophecies and marking a significant milestone for the returned exiles.
486-465 BC
Reign of Xerxes I
Xerxes I (sometimes identified with an 'Artaxerxes' in earlier contexts) rules the Persian Empire. While not directly involved in the temple's initial decree, his reign followed Darius.
465-424 BC
Reign of Artaxerxes I
Artaxerxes I Longimanus reigns. Although the Temple was finished earlier, his reign saw Ezra sent to Jerusalem with new privileges and Nehemiah's later mission, suggesting continued Persian involvement and support for the community.
This passage shows God directly confronting the people through Haggai about their neglect of rebuilding the Temple, highlighting the prophetic encouragement mentioned in Ezra 6:14.
Zechariah 4:6This verse directly speaks to overcoming obstacles through God's Spirit, reinforcing the idea that the prophets' encouragement (mentioned in Ezra 6:14) was backed by divine power, not just human effort.
Ezra 5:1-2This passage immediately precedes the rebuilding efforts, showing Haggai and Zechariah prophesying to the Jews and spurring them to action, directly setting the stage for the success described in Ezra 6:14.
Ezra 1:1-4This shows Cyrus's decree that permitted the rebuilding of the Temple, providing the initial Persian authorization that the later decrees by Darius and Artaxerxes (mentioned in Ezra 6:14) built upon.
Nehemiah 2:18This verse demonstrates the enduring impact of divine enablement and royal support for rebuilding efforts, echoing the combination of God's favor and Persian decrees that led to the Temple's completion in Ezra.
pulpitEzra 6:14: "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."
Verse 14. - And the elders of the Jews builded. See above, Ezra 5:5, 9. Probably the same as "the chief of the fathers" of Ezra 2:68, and Ezra 3:12. While the younger men were those…
clarkeEzra 6:14: "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."
According to the commandment of the God of Israel - He first gave the order, and stirred up the hearts of the following Persian kings to second that order. Of Cyrus - This sovereign…
This verse is a powerful reminder that the completion of God's work isn't just about divine decrees and human effort, but also the crucial role of prophetic encouragement. It highlights how the words of Haggai and Zechariah weren't just predictions, but vital motivators that fueled the builders' prosperity and perseverance.
After years of opposition and delayed construction, the Jewish elders finally renewed their efforts to rebuild the Temple. Encouraged by the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, they saw God's hand at work, not only in their newfound success but also in the Persian kings' decrees supporting their work. This verse marks the culmination of their rebuilding efforts, highlighting the divine and human authorities that ultimately allowed the project to be completed.
After years of opposition and delayed construction, the Jewish elders finally renewed their efforts to rebuild the Temple. Encouraged by the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, they saw God's hand at work, not only in their newfound success but also in the Persian kings' decrees supporting their work. This verse marks the culmination of their rebuilding efforts, highlighting the divine and human authorities that ultimately allowed the project to be completed.
"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 o…" — This verse is a powerful reminder that the completion of God's work isn't just about divine decrees and human effort, but also the crucial role of prophetic encouragement. It highlights how the words…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
