“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.”
Darius concludes by reaffirming his commitment to enforcing the decree and invoking judgment on violators, demonstrating his complete support for the temple project. The rhetorical emphasis on his personal oversight underscores the weight of imperial authority behind the protection of the Jewish religious community. This verse reveals the apparent conversion of the Persian authorities from opponents (as described in chapter 5) to supporters, likely reflecting diplomatic negotiations and the presentation of Cyrus\'s original decree. The verse teaches that circumstances can shift dramatically when God\'s people respond to opposition with faith and proper petition, and that even pagan rulers may become advocates for God\'s work when their awareness is appropriately informed.
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