Ezra 6 · a question people ask

Is the scroll the same decree as the one in Ezra 1?

In the text

The book gives two writings from Cyrus's first year, in two languages and with different contents, and doesn't explain the difference. Ezra 1 gives a proclamation Cyrus made "throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing" (Ezra 1:1), in Hebrew: the LORD "has commanded me to build him a house in Jerusalem" (Ezra 1:2), "let him go up to Jerusalem" (Ezra 1:3), and "let the men of his place help him with silver, with gold, with goods, and with animals" (Ezra 1:4). The scroll of Ezra 6, in Aramaic, is what was "written for a record" (6:2). It gives the house's place, foundations and size (6:3), its stones and timber, and "Let the expenses be given out of the king’s house" (6:4), and it has the vessels "restored and brought again to the temple which is at Jerusalem" (6:5). It doesn't mention going up or the gifts of neighbours, and Ezra 1's proclamation doesn't mention the size of the house or the king's money. Both give the same year, "the first year of Cyrus" (Ezra 1:1; 6:3). Ezra doesn't say whether they are two copies of one decree or two writings, and these notes don't try to decide or to fit them together.

From Favor's study of Ezra 6

Ezra 6: Built and finished

Ezra 6 says the house was finished "according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the decree of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia" (6:14). In the Aramaic, God's commandment and the kings' decree are two words Brown-Driver-Briggs lists under one entry, and the verse names God's first.

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Ezra 6

All questions about Ezra →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions