Did you know that archives are mentioned in the Bible?

The book of Ezra focuses on the return of the Jews from exile in Babylon (around 538 BC). When they set about rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem they face opposition from “the people of the land,” who end up writing letters to the King of Persia in an attempt to put a stop to the work.

One of the letters ends this way:

“Therefore, if it seems good to the king, let search be made in the royal archives there in Babylon, to see whether a decree was issued by Cyrus the king for the rebuilding of this house of God in Jerusalem. And let the king send us his pleasure in this matter.” (Ezra 5:17)

The narrative continues:

“Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in Babylonia, in the house of the archives where the documents were stored. And in Ecbatana, the citadel that is in the province of Media, a scroll was found on which this was written: “A record. In the first year of Cyrus the king, Cyrus the king issued a decree: Concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, let the house be rebuilt, the place where sacrifices were offered, and let its foundations be retained…” (Ezra 6:1-3a)

Because of this record kept in the archives, the Jews were allowed to continue the rebuilding of the temple.

King Darius responds in these words:

“Now therefore, Tattenai, governor of the province Beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai, and your associates the governors who are in the province Beyond the River, keep away. Let the work on this house of God alone. Let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews rebuild this house of God on its site. Moreover, I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the rebuilding of this house of God. The cost is to be paid to these men in full and without delay from the royal revenue, the tribute of the province from Beyond the River.” (Ezra 6:6-8)

Fortunately for the Jews, the governors listened to King Darius’ decree.

“Then, according to the word sent by Darius the king, Tattenai, the governor of the province Beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates did with all diligence what Darius the king had ordered. And the elders of the Jews built and prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. They finished their building by decree of the God of Israel and by decree of Cyrus and Darius and Artaxerxes king of Persia; and this house was finished on the third day of the month of Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.” (Ezra 6:13-15)

There you have it, a Bible story in which archives play a role. In fact, they play a key role as the record held in the archives contributes directly to a happy ending for the Jews.

I hope you enjoyed this bit of archives trivia!