And kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for the LORD had made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.
EZRA 6:22KJVWhat does Ezra 6:22 mean?
Ezra 6:22 describes how the returned exiles in Jerusalem joyfully celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days, recognizing that their happiness came from the LORD, who had influenced the king of Assyria to support them in rebuilding God’s temple. The verse highlights both the people’s gratitude and the surprising help they received from a foreign ruler.
This verse comes after the completion of the second temple, when the Jewish people, recently returned from exile, were able to keep one of their major festivals again. The mention of the “king of Assyria” refers to the Persian king (since Persia had absorbed Assyria), showing that God can move even powerful foreign leaders to favor His people. The focus is on the joy and renewed strength the people experienced as they worked together on the house of God.
The Hebrew behind Ezra 6:22
- שִׂמְחָה (simchah, “joy”): This word for joy emphasizes a deep, communal happiness, not just individual pleasure. It shows that the festival was a time of genuine celebration and relief after hardship.
- סָבַב (savav, “turned”): The word used for “turned the heart” means to change direction or attitude. It highlights that the king’s support was not accidental but seen as a direct act of God influencing his attitude toward the Jews.
- חָזַק (chazaq, “strengthen”): This word means to make strong or encourage. The verse credits God with giving the people the strength and support they needed to complete the temple work, not just physical power but also morale and determination.
Why Ezra 6:22 matters
- Ezra 6:22 clarifies that the joy of the people was not just from their own efforts but was understood as a gift from God, who worked through unexpected channels.
- The verse links the rebuilding of the temple to God’s broader control over history, even over foreign kings, which would have encouraged the returned exiles.
- By mentioning the “king of Assyria,” the verse connects the present moment to Israel’s past oppressors, showing a reversal where former enemies now become supporters, underlining God’s sovereignty.