Ezra 6:3

A decree. See on ch. 1:1-4. The superficial differences between this copy of the decree and that recorded in ch. 1:1-4 are due to the fact that this copy was for official use only, whereas the other was published. The decree made public contained a permit to return to Palestine, to rebuild the Temple there, and to collect money for that purpose, but it made no mention of the decision of Cyrus to support the erection of the Temple with public funds (see on ch. 1:4). However, the copy of the decree that served as a directive for the officers of the realm clearly stated that the cost was to be met by the royal treasury (ch. 6:4). Exact specifications as to methods of construction were given in this copy. The height thereof. The figure here given for the height of the new Temple is twice that of the Temple of Solomon, and its width three times as great (see 1 Kings 6:2). The length of the new structure is not given; that of Solomon’s Temple was 60 cubits. Yet the new edifice is said to be “as nothing” in comparison with that of Solomon’s (Haggai 2:3), and those who had seen the Temple of Solomon wept they saw the foundation of the new building, because of the obvious inferiority of the latter (Ezra 3:12; cf. PK 564). It is not impossible that the length of the cubit measure of Cyrus’ decree differs somewhat from that of the Jews, though it is hardly possible that the difference should have been so great as to reconcile the apparent discrepancy between the facts noted. It is more reasonable to think that Cyrus gave permission for a much larger edifice than the Jews actually built. But with a royal subsidy (see on ch. 1:4) it is difficult to think that they would have been content with a structure so much inferior to that of Solomon. It may be that the dimensions given in Cyrus’ decree are for the front of the Temple only, which was of more magnificent proportions than the rest of the building.