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.
They celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days with great joy, because the LORD had filled them with happiness and had changed the king of Assyria's heart toward them, so that he would support their work on God's house, the God of Israel.
The writer is celebrating how God brought joy to His people and even changed a foreign king's heart to help them rebuild the temple.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Ezra, the Jewish people had returned from exile in Babylon and were in the process of rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem under the Persian Empire. This verse describes their joyful celebration of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which commemorated God's deliverance from Egypt, occurring after King Darius supported their efforts by providing resources and protection. The reference to the "king of Assyria" likely points to the Persian ruler overseeing the region that once included Assyria, highlighting God's providence in turning a foreign leader's heart toward His people.
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