Question 1

Who were Tatnai and Shethar-boznai in this passage?

Accepted Answer

Tatnai and Shethar-boznai were Persian officials who had authority “on this side the river,” meaning the province west of the Euphrates where the Jews lived. At first, they questioned the rebuilding of the temple. After King Darius checked the records and upheld the original decree, they obeyed his new order. Instead of blocking the work, they passed on the king’s message, supported the builders, and did what was commanded without delay. Their change of role shows how God can turn officials from possible trouble into helpers of his people.

Question 2

What does it mean that the elders prospered through the prophesying of Haggai and Zechariah?

Accepted Answer

The line about prospering through the prophesying of Haggai and Zechariah means the temple builders were strengthened and helped by God’s messages spoken through these prophets. The people had faced delay and discouragement. Through these prophets, God called them to keep going and promised that their work would succeed. As they listened and obeyed, they found courage, favor with the king, and practical help to finish the temple. Their success was not just hard work; it was God working through his word to guide and encourage them.

Question 3

Why are Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes all named in connection with the temple?

Accepted Answer

Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes are named to show that more than one Persian king played a part in the temple’s story. Cyrus gave the first command that the house of God should be rebuilt. Darius later confirmed that command and ordered strong support for the work. Artaxerxes is mentioned as another Persian king whose rule and decisions were also linked with God’s house. The wording here has been read in more than one way, but the main point is clear: God guided different rulers over time so that his people could worship him again in a rebuilt temple.

Question 4

When was the temple finished in the month Adar and why does that matter?

Accepted Answer

The passage says the house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, in the sixth year of King Darius. Adar is the twelfth month of the Jewish year, which lines up with part of our February and part of March. Naming the exact day and year shows this was a real, dated event, not just a story. It also marks the end of years of stop-and-start work. God’s command, the prophets’ encouragement, and the kings’ decrees all came together in a clear finish point that the people could look back on and remember.

Question 5

What does this teach about how God uses governments and rulers?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that God can work through secular rulers and government systems to help his people. The kings of Persia did not share the same faith as Israel, yet God moved them to allow the rebuilding, protect it in law, and even supply what was needed. Local officials who once questioned the work ended up helping it. This reminds readers that God’s control is bigger than any empire or office. Even when his people live under foreign rule, he is able to turn hearts and orders so that his plans for worship and obedience go forward.

Question 6

Why does the passage stress both God’s commandment and the kings’ commandments?

Accepted Answer

The passage repeats that the temple was finished “according to the commandment of the God of Israel” and also “according to the commandment” of the Persian kings. This shows that the human commands only really had force because they lined up with what God had already willed. God was the first mover, speaking through prophets and stirring up the builders. At the same time, he arranged history so that royal decrees matched his plan. Both are mentioned together to show that when God chooses to act, he often works through everyday authorities and official decisions.

Question 7

How can the perseverance of the elders encourage believers today?

Accepted Answer

The elders of the Jews kept building even after delays, questions from officials, and years of living as a returned but still humbled people. They did not finish in their own strength. They listened to God’s word through the prophets and responded to the doors God opened through the kings. For readers today, this can encourage steady obedience in long or difficult tasks. God may use his word, wise voices, and even unexpected support from outside to keep his work moving. The finished temple reminds us that what God commands, he also provides strength and timing to complete.

Ezra 6:13

¶ Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shethar-boznai, and their companions, according to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did speedily.

The Temple Completed

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Ezra 6:13

¶ Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shethar-boznai, and their companions, according to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did speedily.

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The Temple Completed

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