This verse from 1 Esdras 6:34 is a declaration by King Darius, asserting his authority and demanding prompt and efficient action on a specific matter. Let's break it down:
"I Darius the king have ordained...": This establishes Darius as the speaker and emphasizes his royal decree. "Ordained" means that he has officially commanded or decreed something. It carries the weight of royal authority.
"...that according to these things...": "These things" refers to the previous content of the chapter and, crucially, the previous decree of Cyrus the Great (which is referenced in 1 Esdras). It implies that Darius is not introducing a new initiative but confirming and reinforcing a prior order. Specifically, it refers to the permission given to the Jewish people to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem and the instructions regarding the resources and support needed for the project.
"...it be done with diligence.": This is the heart of Darius' command. "Diligence" means care, effort, and thoroughness. Darius is not just commanding that the work be done, but that it be done promptly, carefully, and efficiently. There is an urgency and an expectation of dedicated effort implied.
In essence, the verse means:
"I, King Darius, have ordered that everything detailed in the preceding documents and decrees (especially the decree of Cyrus) concerning the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem must be carried out with speed, care, and dedication."
Context is Important:
To fully understand the verse, it's vital to know the surrounding context. Darius found a scroll of Cyrus the Great authorizing the rebuilding of the Temple. He then reconfirmed this authorization and even ordered that the project be funded from the royal treasury and that the local officials actively assist in the rebuilding effort. Darius' order in 1 Esdras 6:34 ensured the continuation and swift completion of the Temple project. He wanted to make sure that there were no delays or obstructions.
This verse shows Darius not only upholding the earlier decree of Cyrus but also ensuring it was fulfilled with efficiency and speed, demonstrating his favorable stance towards the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple.
This verse from 1 Esdras 6:34 is a declaration by King Darius, asserting his authority and demanding prompt and efficient action on a specific matter. Let's break it down:
"I Darius the king have ordained...": This establishes Darius as the speaker and emphasizes his royal decree. "Ordained" means that he has officially commanded or decreed something. It carries the weight of royal authority.
"...that according to these things...": "These things" refers to the previous content of the chapter and, crucially, the previous decree of Cyrus the Great (which is referenced in 1 Esdras). It implies that Darius is not introducing a new initiative but confirming and reinforcing a prior order. Specifically, it refers to the permission given to the Jewish people to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem and the instructions regarding the resources and support needed for the project.
"...it be done with diligence.": This is the heart of Darius' command. "Diligence" means care, effort, and thoroughness. Darius is not just commanding that the work be done, but that it be done promptly, carefully, and efficiently. There is an urgency and an expectation of dedicated effort implied.
In essence, the verse means:
"I, King Darius, have ordered that everything detailed in the preceding documents and decrees (especially the decree of Cyrus) concerning the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem must be carried out with speed, care, and dedication."
Context is Important:
To fully understand the verse, it's vital to know the surrounding context. Darius found a scroll of Cyrus the Great authorizing the rebuilding of the Temple. He then reconfirmed this authorization and even ordered that the project be funded from the royal treasury and that the local officials actively assist in the rebuilding effort. Darius' order in 1 Esdras 6:34 ensured the continuation and swift completion of the Temple project. He wanted to make sure that there were no delays or obstructions.
This verse shows Darius not only upholding the earlier decree of Cyrus but also ensuring it was fulfilled with efficiency and speed, demonstrating his favorable stance towards the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple.
