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.
May the God who has chosen to make Jerusalem His dwelling place destroy any kings or people who try to change or tear down this house of God in Jerusalem. I, King Darius, have made this official order—carry it out quickly.
King Darius is declaring that God Himself will punish anyone who tries to interfere with or destroy the temple being rebuilt in Jerusalem.
📚 Historical Context
This decree was issued by Persian King Darius I around 519-515 BC during the rebuilding of the Jewish temple after the Babylonian exile. The Persian Empire generally supported local religious practices as a way to maintain stability, and Darius was reaffirming earlier Persian support for the temple reconstruction that had faced opposition from local governors.
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