Ezra 6

King Darius of the Medo-Persian empire now issues an even stronger edict to ensure that the remnant of Israel is helped and the temple is reconstructed.  They celebrated because “the LORD had made them joyful and had turned the heart of the king of Assyria to them, so that he aided them” (22).  Of course, Darius was not king of the old empire of Assyria.  He was king over the land that had once been occupied by Assyria.  Ezra’s statement demonstrates the irony of the event.  The Assyrians had been the first to conquer and exile God’s people.  Now, the king from that land is helping them to return.  Never underestimate  the power of God to change people.

LORD, surprise us again.