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.