Trustworthy History - Conclusion

 The Bible tells us that opposers of the Jews later wrote to Darius the Great (also called Darius I) challenging the Jews' claim that Cyrus has authorized the reconstruction of the Temple. Darius commanded that a search be made for the original decree.  The outcome? A scroll containing Cyrus's decree was found at Ecbatana, the capital. In response, Darius wrote: "I, Darius, do put through an order. Let it [temple reconstruction] be done promptly." Opposition to the work then ceased." - EZRA 6:2, 7, 12, 13.

Secular history supports these details. For one thing, Ecbatana was the summer residence of Cyrus, and he may have issued his decree from there. Also, archaeological discoveries show that Medo-Persian kings took a keen interest in religious matters affecting their realm and wrote letters to resolve disputes.

Next time: Trustworthy Prophecy

From the jw.org publications