Ezra 6:3-5

Ezra 6:3-5

[3] In the first  year  of Cyrus  the king  the same Cyrus  the king  made  a decree  concerning the house  of God  at Jerusalem,  Let the house  be builded,  the place  where they offered  sacrifices,  and let the foundations  thereof be strongly laid;  the height  thereof threescore  cubits,  and the breadth  thereof threescore  cubits;  [4] With three  rows  of great  stones,  and a row  of new  timber:  and let the expenses  be given  out of  the king's  house:  [5] And also  let the golden  and silver  vessels  of the house  of God,  which Nebuchadnezzar  took forth  out of  the temple  which is at Jerusalem,  and brought  unto Babylon,  be restored,  and brought again  unto the temple  which is at Jerusalem,  every one to his place,  and place  them in the house  of God. 

What does Ezra 6:3-5 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

The memorandum provided details that the edict did not contain. Among these details were the dimensions of the proposed temple. It was to be twice as high and three times as wide as Solomon"s temple ( Ezra 6:3; cf. 1 Kings 6:2). Obviously, Cyrus intended to sponsor a temple that would excel Solomon"s and thereby bring greater glory to himself. The fact that the foundations, when completed, appeared less impressive than Solomon"s ( Ezra 3:12-13), suggests that the Jews did not take full advantage of their opportunity and resources. The Persian government had committed to pay for the building ( Ezra 6:4). We too often fail to take full advantage of our opportunities and resources to glorify God.