August 23, 2026 – Ezra 5 & 6 – The Temple Completed

When the Jews restart construction on the Temple, the new Persian governor is suspicious. He writes a letter to Darius the king asking him to verify the Jews’ claim that Cyrus had given them permission to build. Darius had already given Zerubbabel his blessing, but he ordered a search of the archives and found Cyrus’ original decree. The Temple was finally completed, and the builders rejoiced at its dedication. Then a month later they celebrated Passover for the first time in many decades.

Notes on Ezra 5:1-17 and Ezra 6:1-22