V.1-12 The wonderful reply of the king of Medo Persia. Not only were they free to continue to work, but the Lord stirs the heart of Darius! He replies to the enemies of the work of the Lord in this way.
V.7 “Let the work of the Lord alone!”
V.8 Expenses (money) to be given to these men.
V.9 These Jews now had more liberty and help than they had before! When we are careless in our life and cold in our heart, Satan deceives us, and we lose our power and discernment.
V.15 And this house was finished.
V.16 Compare the sacrifice at the dedication of this house, with that at the dedication of Solomon’s temple in 1 Kings 8:10-11, the glory of the Lord filled Solomon’s temple. But there were no such signs here in the days of Ezra.
V.21-22 Count seven things some of the people did or that happened to them.
V.22 By God’s help the house of the Lord was rebuilt. The Passover and the feast of unleavened bread were kept with JOY, for “the Lord had made them joyful.” These chapters complete the story of the first return of the Jewish captives to Jerusalem from Babylon.