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.

EZRA 6:12KJV
Know the Bible

Ezra 6:12 (KJV)

What does Ezra 6:12 mean?

Ezra 6:12 records King Darius declaring that God, whose presence is in the Jerusalem temple, should destroy any king or people who try to harm or change the temple. Darius commands that his order to protect the temple be carried out quickly and without delay.

King Darius of Persia is speaking here, addressing his officials and anyone involved in the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple. The verse shows Darius’s strong support for the Jewish temple’s restoration and his warning against interference. Darius recognizes the God of Israel as powerful and calls for divine protection over the temple, making it clear that any opposition will face serious consequences.

The Aramaic behind Ezra 6:12

  • "God" (אֱלָהּ, ʾĕlāh): This word is used for God throughout Ezra, emphasizing that even a Persian king acknowledges the authority of Israel’s God in this matter.
  • "Name" (שְׁמָא, šĕmāʾ): The phrase “caused his name to dwell there” means God’s presence is especially connected to the Jerusalem temple, not just in a general sense but in a way that marks the temple as uniquely sacred.
  • "Destroy" (הַבְדָּה, habdāʾ): This word is used twice in the verse, first for what God will do to any who oppose the temple, and again for those who might try to “destroy” it. The repetition highlights how seriously Darius takes the threat against the temple.
  • "Alter" (שְׁנָא, šĕnāʾ): This word means to change or tamper with something. Darius is not only concerned about outright destruction but also about any attempt to change the temple’s purpose or structure.

Why Ezra 6:12 matters

  • Ezra 6:12 clarifies that the Persian king is not just allowing the temple’s rebuilding but is actively protecting it, showing the seriousness of his support.
  • The verse connects the temple’s safety directly to God’s presence, underlining why interfering with it is seen as a grave offense.
  • This decree fits into the larger story of Ezra, where foreign rulers play a surprising role in supporting the Jewish people’s return and worship, showing how God’s purposes can work through unexpected people.

Where else these words appear

“dwell” Hebrew H7932 · used in 2 verses

  • Daniel 4:21 Whose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation:

“there” 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 6:1 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 6:6 Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence:

“destroy” Hebrew H2255 · used in 6 verses

  • Daniel 2:44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
  • Daniel 4:23 And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him;
  • Daniel 6:26 I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end.

“speed” Hebrew H629 · used in 7 verses

  • Ezra 5:8 Be it known unto the king, that we went into the province of Judea, to the house of the great God, which is builded with great stones, and timber is laid in the walls, and this work goeth fast on, and prospereth in their hands.
  • Ezra 6:13 Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shetharboznai, and their companions, according to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did speedily.
  • Ezra 7:21 And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers which are beyond the river, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done speedily,