MPV Commentary

Zerubbabel and Jeshua Set Forward the Building of the Temple in the Reign of Darius.

The prophets Haggai and Zechariah had previously prophesied to the Jews in the name of the God of Israel (Hag 1:2-11). They upbraided the people for their sloth, negligence, and worldly selfishness, threatening them with severe judgments if they continued backward. The prophets promised that the people would be blessed with great national prosperity if they resumed and prosecuted the work with alacrity and vigor.

Zechariah the son of Iddo (Zec 1:1) was one of these prophets who played a significant role in motivating the Jews to rebuild the temple.

Then Zerubbabel, the leader of the Jewish community, and Jeshua, the high priest, began to build the house of God. This was during the second year of the reign of Darius Hystaspes, after a long interruption of fifteen years.

At the same time, Tatnai, the governor on this side of the river (i.e., west of the Euphrates), came to them with an imposing suite and his provincial council. The Persian empire was divided into twenty provinces, called satrapies, and Syria formed one such province, inclusive of Palestine, Phoenicia, and Cyprus.

Tatnai had probably been incited by complaints from the Samaritans against the Jews but suspended his judgment and decided to repair to Jerusalem for a personal inspection. He wanted to ascertain the real state of matters and was accompanied by another dignified officer and his provincial council.

The eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, and they were not interrupted in their proceedings till communications with the court should be made and received (Ezr 5:1-17). The satrap's presence appeared formidable, but God averted the threatening cloud and procured favor for the Jewish leaders.

After surveying the work in progress, Tatnai inquired about the authority behind this national temple project. He asked by what right the Jews were undertaking this endeavor and who were the principal promoters and directors of the undertaking. The Jews replied that it originated from a decree of Cyrus, who had released them from captivity and permitted them to return to their own land for the express purpose of rebuilding the house of God.

Cyrus had also restored to them the sacred vessels taken by Nebuchadnezzar as trophies from the former temple. Tatnai transmitted this information in an official report to his imperial master, recommending that search be made among the national archives at Babylon for the original decree of Cyrus to verify the truth of the Jews' statement.

The whole conduct of Tatnai was marked by sound discretion and prudent moderation, free from any party bias, and evincing a desire only to do his duty. In all respects, he appears in favorable contrast with his predecessor, Rehum (Ezr 4:9).

The house of the great God is being built with stones that are truly remarkable – stones so large they had to be rolled or dragged along the ground.

Cyrus the king made a decree that remains in force until it is revoked. The Jews were perfectly warranted to proceed with the building according to this edict, as public decrees are considered valid until they are officially rescinded.

Shesh-bazzar, who was appointed by Cyrus to oversee the rebuilding of the temple, had been working on the project since its inception and continued to do so even after a temporary interruption.