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)
The verse highlights the precise completion date, a sharp contrast to the twenty years of stalled foundational work before the prophets stirred the people to action. This isn't just a tidbit of historical fact; it's a testament to how quickly a divinely empowered people can accomplish God's purposes once they overcome apathy and opposition.
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)
After years of struggle and opposition, the Second Temple's construction is finally brought to completion on a specific day in the twelfth month. This marks the end of a decades-long journey from the initial foundation laid by returning exiles, and the culmination of renewed efforts spurred by the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, leading to this significant moment under King Darius's reign.
Imagine pouring your heart into a project, only to see it stalled for two decades. That was the reality for the temple in Jerusalem. Yet, its completion wasn't an accident.
The Long Road to Rebuilding
The Second Temple's construction was a marathon, not a sprint. After the foundation was laid by Zerubbabel (Ezra 3:10), it took a staggering twenty years before it was finally finished.
This wasn't a smooth, continuous effort. The work was interrupted for many years, likely due to opposition and discouragement. However, spurred on by the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, the people re-engaged with the project in Darius's second year.
From that recommencement, it took just four years, five months, and ten days to bring the house to completion. This highlights God's timing and His ability to reignite passion and perseverance in His people, even after long seasons of delay.
When we think of grand buildings, we often focus on their size and splendor. But what truly makes a place sacred? This temple's story has a surprising answer.
Beyond Bricks and Mortar
While the completion of the Second Temple on March 10th, 516 B.C., was a monumental achievement, its significance far outstripped its physical structure. Unlike Solomon's magnificent First Temple, which had the visible glory of God (the Shekinah), this new temple began humbly.
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Solomon's dedication involved an immense number of sacrifices, reflecting his kingdom's wealth and power. Zerubbabel's dedication, however, was marked by a more modest offering, limited by their circumstances.
Yet, this Second Temple would ultimately host a glory far greater than the first. It was to this temple that the Messenger of the Covenant, Jesus Christ Himself, would suddenly come (Malachi 3:1). His presence, teachings, and ministry within its walls would bestow upon it a divine dignity and majesty that no amount of gold or stone could ever achieve.
The completion of the Second Temple, marked by this verse, was not an immediate event after the return from exile but a lengthy process spanning nearly 20 years, punctuated by periods of intense opposition and renewed effort spurred by divine encouragement.
538 BC
Cyrus's Decree for Return
After the Babylonian exile, King Cyrus the Great issues a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple.
c. 536 BC
Temple Foundation Laid
The foundation of the Second Temple is laid by the returning exiles, led by Zerubbabel, amidst both joy and the tears of those who remembered the first Temple.
From c. 530 BC to c. 522 BC
Work on Temple Halts
Opposition from surrounding peoples and internal discouragement cause work on the Temple to cease for many years.
c. 520 BC
Work on Temple Resumes
Prophets Haggai and Zechariah stir the people and their leaders, spurring them to recommence work on the neglected Temple.
c. 520 BC
Tatnai's Inquiry
Local Persian governor Tatnai investigates the renewed construction, questioning the Jews' authority and reporting to King Darius.
c. 520 BC— this verse
Darius Reaffirms Decree
King Darius, upon finding Cyrus's original decree, orders Tatnai to cease interference and provides resources for the Temple's completion.
516-515 BC
Second Temple Completed
The Second Temple is finally finished and dedicated on the third day of Adar in Darius's sixth regnal year, marking a significant milestone for the returning exiles.
This passage pinpoints the recommencement of the Temple's rebuilding, highlighting the span of time between initial foundation laying and eventual completion mentioned in Ezra.
Ezra 3:10This verse marks the laying of the foundation for the Second Temple, providing a crucial starting point for understanding the lengthy duration of the work that Ezra 6:15 concludes.
1 Kings 8:63This passage describes the dedication of Solomon's Temple, offering a parallel to the dedication ceremony that followed the completion of the Second Temple, as implied by Ezra 6:15.
Malachi 3:1This prophecy foretells the coming of the Lord to the Temple, a significant event that would bring a glory to the completed Second Temple mentioned in Ezra 6:15 far exceeding the first.
Ezra 5:2This verse shows the prophets Haggai and Zechariah stirring up the people to rebuild, providing the spiritual impetus that, according to commentary, greatly accelerated the work leading to its completion in Ezra 6:15.
pulpitEzra 6:15: "And 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."
Verse 15. - The house was finished on the third day of the month Adar. Haggai (Haggai 1:15) gives the exact day of the recommencement of the work as the twenty-fourth of Elul in Darius's second year. Ezra here gives the exact day of the completion. From Zerubbabel's laying of the foundation (Ezra 3:10), the time that had elapsed was twenty-one years. From the…
clarkeEzra 6:15: "And 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."
This house was finished - The sixth year of Darius mentioned here was about A.M. 3489, twenty years after the foundation had been laid by Zerubbabel, under the reign of Cyrus.
The verse highlights the precise completion date, a sharp contrast to the twenty years of stalled foundational work before the prophets stirred the people to action. This isn't just a tidbit of historical fact; it's a testament to how quickly a divinely empowered people can accomplish God's purposes once they overcome apathy and opposition.
After years of struggle and opposition, the Second Temple's construction is finally brought to completion on a specific day in the twelfth month. This marks the end of a decades-long journey from the initial foundation laid by returning exiles, and the culmination of renewed efforts spurred by the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, leading to this significant moment under King Darius's reign.
After years of struggle and opposition, the Second Temple's construction is finally brought to completion on a specific day in the twelfth month. This marks the end of a decades-long journey from the initial foundation laid by returning exiles, and the culmination of renewed efforts spurred by the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, leading to this significant moment under King Darius's reign.
"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." — The verse highlights the precise completion date, a sharp contrast to the twenty years of stalled foundational work before the prophets stirred the people to action. This isn't just a tidbit of his…
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Last reviewed October 2026