עזרא, פרק ו׳, פסוק ה׳

The royal decree for the rebuilding of the Temple extends beyond merely constructing a physical building. It ensures the complete restoration of proper worship by commanding the return of the sacred vessels looted during the destruction of Jerusalem. The primary approach among commentators is that the order explicitly demands the restoration of the gold and silver vessels belonging to God's house, which Nebuchadnezzar had previously removed from the Temple and carried away into exile [רש״י, רס״ג]. The practical instruction dictates that these sacred items must be given back [רש״י, מצודת דוד], with the appointed officials bearing the specific duty to return them [אבן עזרא].

The command carefully outlines the journey of these items back to Jerusalem. There is a distinct focus on the individual care required for this process, indicating that each and every vessel must journey back to its exact, rightful place [אבן עזרא]. Alternatively, this directive is understood in a broader sense, signifying that the entire operation of returning the items will successfully proceed until it reaches its final destination in the Temple [רש״י].

Once the items arrive, they must be properly placed within the house of God [רס״ג]. There are different perspectives on how this final step is to be carried out. One approach suggests a passive fulfillment, simply meaning that the vessels will safely rest in God's house [רש״י]. Another perspective reads the command as a direct, active order. According to this view, the royal letter speaks personally to Sheshbazzar, the leader of the returning exiles, placing the direct responsibility on him to personally bring down and arrange the vessels in their proper places within the house of God [אבן עזרא, רלב״ג].