Ezra 6:12 Meaning and Explanation
“And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Darius invokes God Himself against any king or people who would interfere, and orders the decree carried out swiftly.
What Does Ezra 6:12 Mean?
The king closes by calling on 'the God that hath caused his name to dwell there' to overthrow any ruler or nation that would harm the temple. He signs the decree in his own name and demands it be done with speed. Even Darius acknowledges that this house belongs to a God who guards it.
God had chosen to set His name in Jerusalem, marking that place as His own. The Lord is well able to defend what bears His name, and history would prove that no power against His house could stand. What He claims, He keeps, and He brings His purposes to pass without delay.
Ezra 6:12 in the Original Language
shem (שֵׁם), 'name' -- more than a label, it stands for God's own presence and revealed character dwelling among His people.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezra 6:12
What does Ezra 6:12 mean?
Darius invokes God Himself against any king or people who would interfere, and orders the decree carried out swiftly.