Decree of Darius Funds Temple Construction

Persian officials searched the fortified archives at Ecbatana and located a vital leather scroll. The forgotten document contained the original architectural edict issued by King Cyrus. King Darius carefully reviewed the recovered blueprints for the new Jerusalem sanctuary. The plans demanded a massive structure ninety feet high and ninety feet wide. Builders laid three courses of massive stone blocks topped with heavy timber. The royal treasury bore the complete financial cost of the masonry and wood.

This administrative action occurred in the sixth year of the reign of Darius. The historical date corresponds to the early spring of the year 515 b.c. The king commanded the provincial governor to release regional tax revenues immediately. Heavy wooden wagons transported wheat, salt, wine, and olive oil to Judah. Darius demanded daily offerings to the God of heaven so he would bless the royal family. He threatened severe violence against anyone who obstructed the local construction crews.

The finished stone temple dominated the high rocky elevation of Mount Moriah. Jewish laborers and priests dedicated the new sanctuary with massive animal sacrifices. They slaughtered hundreds of bulls and rams on the heavy stone altars. They also offered twelve male goats to represent the twelve tribes of Israel. Several weeks later, the restored community observed the annual spring Passover festival. Families roasted lamb over open outdoor fires and ate flat unleavened bread.

If anyone changes this edict, a beam is to be pulled from their house and they are to be impaled on it.

The smell of burning oak and roasting meat filled the Judean hill country. A new generation of priests organized the daily service according to ancient ledgers. The loud sound of hammered silver trumpets echoed across the dry limestone ravines. The community now possessed a secure religious center guarded by the Persian crown.