עזרא, פרק ו׳, פסוק י״ב

The royal decree from King Darius regarding the construction of the Second Temple concludes with a powerful combination of a severe threat and a firm administrative command. As the official response to the regional governors comes to a close [רש״י], the king issues a strict warning to anyone who might dare to interfere with the ongoing work, while simultaneously accelerating the flow of resources [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Darius directs a harsh curse at any opponent of the construction. He declares that God, who caused His name to dwell in the Temple, will completely overthrow and destroy any leader or nation that attempts to alter the royal decree or ruin the House of God in Jerusalem [רס״ג, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ, רש״י, מצודת דוד]. The king specifically calls upon God to punish these potential destroyers because he recognizes the limits of his own empire. Knowing that there are foreign rulers and nations outside of his political and military reach, Darius entrusts the judgment of these unreachable enemies to God [מלבי״ם].

Following this sweeping threat, the king shifts to a practical and immediate directive, ordering that his decree be carried out with the utmost speed and efficiency [רס״ג, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. While the original decree issued by King Cyrus simply granted the basic permission to rebuild, Darius introduces a critical new element of urgency. His demand for rapid action is aimed at two groups at once: he expects the workers to complete the construction without delay, and he requires the Persian government officials to provide all necessary supplies immediately and without any hesitation [מלבי״ם].