“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.”
My Notes
What Does Ezra 6:10 Mean?
King Darius, after discovering Cyrus's original decree, not only allows the Temple rebuilding to continue — he funds it from the royal treasury and orders that animals, grain, wine, and oil be provided for the daily sacrifices. This verse reveals his motivation: "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 wants the Jewish priests to pray for him and his dynasty. He's not converting to Judaism — he's making a political-religious calculation common in the ancient world: keep the gods happy, especially the ones who have proven powerful. The God who stirred Cyrus, protected Daniel in the lion's den, and sustained a people through exile is a God worth having on your side.
The phrase "sacrifices of sweet savours" (literally "sacrifices of rest" or "pleasing aroma") uses the same language found in Genesis and Leviticus for sacrifices that please God. Darius, a Persian king, uses Jewish sacrificial language — likely supplied by Jewish advisors in his court — to frame his support.
Reflection Questions
- 1.How do you feel about God using people with imperfect or self-interested motives to accomplish His purposes?
- 2.Has someone ever asked for your prayers from an unexpected place or motivation? How did you respond?
- 3.What does it mean that Darius — with all his power — recognized he needed something only prayer could provide?
- 4.How does this story change how you think about the relationship between faith and political power?
Devotional
A Persian king funds the Jewish Temple and asks for prayers. Not because he's converted, but because he's pragmatic: this God seems powerful, and having His priests pray for the king's family can't hurt.
God works with imperfect motives. Darius doesn't fund the Temple out of deep personal faith. He funds it out of political calculation and a healthy respect for a God who has proven He can act in history. And God uses that motivation to accomplish exactly what He wanted: the Temple rebuilt, the sacrifices restored, worship re-established.
This should comfort you if you've ever worried that your motives aren't pure enough for God to use you. Darius's motives were thoroughly self-interested, and God used them to fulfill prophecy. This doesn't mean motives don't matter — they do. But God doesn't wait for perfect motives before He acts. He works with what's available.
There's also something beautiful about a pagan king asking for prayer. Whatever his reasons, the request acknowledges that there's something beyond military power and political authority — something that requires asking, not commanding. Even Darius recognized that some things only God can give.
Who is asking for your prayers right now — even if their reasons aren't perfectly spiritual? And are you willing to pray for them?
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word,.... Act contrary to this command, will not obey it, but…
And pray for the life of the king, and of his sons - Even heathens believed that offerings made in their behalf to the…
We have here, I. The decree of Cyrus for the building of the temple repeated. To this the Samaritans referred because…
The king's special desire, propitiatory sacrifice and intercessory prayer to be offered on behalf of his…
Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture