Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king’s goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.
Furthermore, I am making an official order about what you should do for the Jewish leaders who are building this house of God: from the king's treasury, specifically from the taxes collected from the province beyond the river, you must immediately provide funding to these men so that their work will not be delayed.
King Darius is commanding his officials to use government funds to support the Jews rebuilding God's temple so nothing will slow down their work.
📚 Historical Context
This decree was issued by King Darius of Persia around 520-515 BC during the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple after the Jewish exile. The Jews had returned from Babylon and were facing opposition to their construction project, but Darius not only permitted the work to continue but actively funded it from provincial taxes collected west of the Euphrates River.
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