Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezra 6:12. It’s a pretty dramatic and important passage in the Bible. Here's a simple explanation: What it says: “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. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there” : This is referring to God Himself. It’s a significant statement – he’s not just existing , but actively dwelling in Jerusalem. It suggests a personal connection and presence. “…destroy all kings and people…” : This is the core of the verse. God intends to completely obliterate everything within the city of Jerusalem. This isn't just about a single event; it means a complete dismantling – all the rulers, nobles, and citizens. “that shall put to their hand to alter [and] to destroy this house of God” : This is where it gets really powerful. "House of God" refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, which was the center of Jewish worship and a symbol of God's presence. The verse means that God will actively change or destroy the Temple – essentially, erase it completely. “Put to their hand” suggests a forceful action, almost an assault. “I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed.” : This is a command from King Darius I. He's making this decree because God wants to act decisively. The phrase "let it be done with speed" implies urgency and that the process will proceed quickly. In simpler terms: God is sending a message to destroy Jerusalem completely, and King Darius has ordered his officials to carry out this destruction as swiftly as possible. What’s the Significance? This verse is a key part of the story of rebuilding the Temple after the Babylonian exile. It shows God's plan for restoring the Jewish people and their faith. It highlights the seriousness of the situation and the divine will to completely cleanse Jerusalem. --- Important Note: This passage is complex, and there’s been a lot of interpretation over the centuries. Different theological perspectives offer different explanations of what this verse means in relation to God's plan for Israel. Do you want me to delve deeper into any specific aspect of this verse? For example, would you like to: Discuss the context of the Babylonian exile? Explain the symbolism of the Temple?