2 Eventually a scroll was turned up in the fortress of Ecbatana over in the province of Media, with this writing on it: 3 In his first year as king, Cyrus issued an official decree regarding The Temple of God in Jerusalem, as follows: 4 with three courses of large stones topped with one course of timber. The cost is to be paid from the royal bank. 5 The gold and silver vessels from The Temple of God that Nebuchadnezzar carried to Babylon are to be returned to The Temple at Jerusalem, each to its proper place; place them in The Temple of God.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ezra 6:2-5

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.