How solemnly the foundation of the temple was laid we read in ch. iii. How slowly the building went on, and with how much difficulty, we found in ch. iv. and v. But how gloriously the topstone was at length brought forth with shoutings we find in this chapter; and even we, at this distance of time, when we read of it, may cry, "Grace, grace to it." As for God, his work is perfect; it may be slow work, but it will be sure work. We have here, I. A recital of the decree of Cyrus for the building of the temple, ver. 1-5. II. The enforcing of that decree by a new order from Darius for the perfecting of that work, ver. 6-12. III. The finishing of it thereupon, ver. 13-15. IV. The solemn dedication of it when it was built (ver. 16-18), and the handselling of it (as I may say) with the celebration of the passover, ver. 19-22. And now we may say that in Judah and Jerusalem things went well, very well.
The Favourable Decree of Darius. (b. c. 519.)