What happensPermalink
King Darius discovers Cyrus’s original decree and orders the regional officials not only to allow the temple rebuilding to continue, but also to fund it and supply animals for sacrifice. Encouraged by Haggai and Zechariah, the Jews finish the temple in Darius’s sixth year and celebrate its dedication and the Passover with joy.
Why it mattersPermalink
The success of the exiles comes through the prophesies of Haggai and Zechariah, showing that although Darius is a powerful ruler, God is the true power behind the events. The completed temple and renewed Passover mark the reestablishment of covenant life after exile.
Key versePermalink
And they kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with joy, for the Lord had made them joyful and had turned the heart of the king of Assyria to them, so that he aided them in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.