Bible Strands
Ezra 6:12
May God, who has caused His Name to dwell there, overthrow any king or people who lifts a hand to alter this decree or to destroy this house of God in Jerusalem. I, Darius, have issued the decree. Let it be carried out with diligence.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — King Darius addresses Tattenai the governor and all regional authorities, issuing a final, enforceable decree to protect the Jerusalem temple project after reviewing the original Cyrus mandate. He speaks at the moment of official ratification, demanding immediate compliance from Persian administrators.
The words — The text highlights שַכִּן (sha.Kin), meaning "he has caused to dwell," and יְמַגֵּר (ye.ma.Gar), meaning "may he overthrow." These terms ground the king’s threat in the concrete reality that God has permanently established His presence in the temple.
The thread — The declaration that God dwells in a chosen place directly parallels the promise in 1 Kings 9:3 and the command to seek the location the LORD will choose in Deuteronomy 12:5. The warning against altering a royal decree that protects worship aligns with the biblical pattern of divine sovereignty over human authority.
Why it lands — The verse requires readers to acknowledge that political power ultimately serves God’s purposes for His dwelling place. It demands strict obedience to established authority when that authority enforces God’s protected work, and it warns against treating sacred commitments as negotiable.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- 1 Kings 9:3 And the LORD said to him: “I have heard your prayer and petition before Me. I have consecrated this temple, which you have built, by putting My Name there forever; My eyes and My heart will be there for all time.
- Deuteronomy 12:5 Instead, you must seek the place the LORD your God will choose from among all your tribes to establish as a dwelling for His Name, and there you must go.
- Exodus 20:24 You are to make for Me an altar of earth, and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and peace offerings, your sheep and goats and cattle. In every place where I cause My name to be remembered, I will come to you and bless you.
- Deuteronomy 12:11 then the LORD your God will choose a dwelling for His Name. And there you are to bring everything I command you: your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, and all the choice offerings you vow to the LORD.
- Deuteronomy 16:2 You are to offer to the LORD your God the Passover sacrifice from the herd or flock in the place the LORD will choose as a dwelling for His Name.
- 2 Chronicles 7:16 For I have now chosen and consecrated this temple so that My Name may be there forever. My eyes and My heart will be there for all time.
- Esther 3:14 A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued in every province and published to all the people, so that they would be ready on that day.
- Esther 8:14 The couriers rode out in haste on their royal horses, pressed on by the command of the king. And the edict was also issued in the citadel of Susa.
- Psalms 5:10 Declare them guilty, O God; let them fall by their own devices. Drive them out for their many transgressions, for they have rebelled against You.
- Psalms 21:8 Your hand will apprehend all Your enemies; Your right hand will seize those who hate You.