4 With three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let the expenses be given out of the king's house:
4 with three courses of large stones and one of timbers. The costs are to be paid by the royal treasury.
4 with three layers of great stones and one layer of timber. Let the cost be paid from the royal treasury.
4 with three courses of large stones topped with one course of timber. The cost is to be paid from the royal bank.
4 with three rows of heavy stones and one row of new timber. Let the expenses be paid from the king's treasury.
4 Every three layers of specially prepared stones will be topped by a layer of timber. All expenses will be paid by the royal treasury.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ezra 6:4
Commentary on Ezra 6:1-12
(Read Ezra 6:1-12)
When God's time is come for fulfilling his gracious purposes concerning his church, he will raise up instruments to do it, from whom such good service was not expected. While our thoughts are directed to this event, we are led by Zechariah to fix our regard on a nobler, a spiritual building. The Lord Jesus Christ continues to lay one stone upon another: let us assist the great design. Difficulties delay the progress of this sacred edifice. Yet let not opposition discourage us, for in due season it will be completed to his abundant praise. He shall bring forth the head-stone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it.