Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.

EZRA 6:1KJV
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Ezra 6:1 (KJV)

What does Ezra 6:1 mean?

Ezra 6:1 describes how King Darius of Persia issued an official order to search for a written record or decree about the rebuilding of the temple, looking specifically in the archives where important documents and treasures were stored in Babylon. This verse sets the stage for confirming whether the earlier decree by King Cyrus about the temple’s reconstruction actually existed.

King Darius is responding to a request from Jewish leaders who faced opposition while rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. The verse shows Darius taking their concerns seriously by commanding a search in the “house of the rolls,” which refers to the archive building in Babylon where royal documents were kept. This action is important because it demonstrates the Persian king’s respect for legal records and the administrative process.

The Aramaic behind Ezra 6:1

  • The word "rolls" (סְפָרִים, transliterated sĕpharim) refers to scrolls or written documents. In this context, it points to official records or archives, highlighting the importance of written decrees in Persian administration.
  • The word "decree" (טְעֵם, transliterated te‘em) means an official order or command. Darius’s decree is not just a suggestion but a binding royal command, showing the seriousness of the investigation.
  • The word "search" (בַּעַא, transliterated ba‘a) means to seek or investigate carefully. This suggests a thorough and official process, not a casual look, emphasizing the importance of finding the original decree.

Why Ezra 6:1 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the Persian kings governed with a strong respect for documentation and legal precedent, which was crucial for the Jewish people’s case.
  • It shows that the rebuilding of the temple was not just a local or religious matter but involved the highest levels of imperial authority and record-keeping.
  • Understanding this verse helps explain why the Jews were able to continue their work despite local opposition: they had the backing of a royal decree, which Darius was willing to verify.

Where else these words appear

“treasures” Hebrew H1596 · used in 3 verses

  • Ezra 5:17 Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search made in the king's treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.
  • Ezra 7:20 And whatsoever more shall be needful for the house of thy God, which thou shalt have occasion to bestow, bestow it out of the king's treasure house.

“rolls” Hebrew H5609 · used in 4 verses

  • Ezra 4:15 That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed.
  • Ezra 6:18 And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem; as it is written in the book of Moses.
  • Daniel 7:10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.

“where” Hebrew H8536 · used in 4 verses

  • Ezra 5:17 Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search made in the king's treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.
  • Ezra 6:6 Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence:
  • Ezra 6:12 And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed.

“search” Hebrew H1240 · used in 5 verses

  • Ezra 4:15 That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed.
  • Ezra 4:19 And I commanded, and search hath been made, and it is found that this city of old time hath made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been made therein.
  • Ezra 5:17 Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search made in the king's treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.