Ezra 6:6

Ezra 6:6 says, Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence:  The reply was addressed to the governors beyond the river, who were the ones questioning the rebuilding of the Temple.  Matthew Henry says that Darius seemed to know that they were intending to hinder the rebuilding of the Temple, and he told them not to do so.  God will provide a way for His work to be done even in the face of opposition as long as His people are willing to be obedient to His call.  

Verse seven adds, Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place.  Darius was even more explicit in his decree here.  I believe that God will always make His will clearly known as well.  Of course, once we as Christians know what He wants us to do, we must continue to be obedient to His command to us.  Had the people of Israel not started the rebuilding when they were told they could, the question of their right to do so would not have been raised.  

Verse eight continues, Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.  Darius expanded the decree to say that tribute paid to him, even from those beyond the river, was to be used to pay for the work.  Not only did they not get the work on the Temple stopped, but they were also told that they were going to help pay for it.  God will sometimes give us much more than what we expected if we are obedient to Him.  

Verse nine states, And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail:  Those who had written to Darius to get the work stopped were then told that they were also to provide the things necessary for the people who were rebuilding the Temple to have everything necessary for making sacrifices to their God.  I believe they were probably wishing that they had not raised the issue by now.  I do know that one day those who have fought against God’s people will wish they hadn’t.  

Verse ten adds, That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.  Darius said he wanted the people of Israel to be able to offer sweet smelling sacrifices to God and to offer prayers for life of the king and his sons.  He never really acknowledged God as his God but did acknowledge His power as the God of heaven.  It is the responsibility of Christians to pray for those in power according to Matthew Henry and by my understanding of the Bible as well.  Of course, the only way for this to be of spiritual benefit to anyone is for them to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord, and if you haven’t done so, why not do so today.