Thus King Darius ordered a search of the archives stored in the treasury of Babylon.
We have here, I. The decree of Cyrus for the building of the temple repeated. To this the Samaritans referred because the Jews pleaded it, and perhaps hoped it would not be found, and then their plea would be over-ruled and a stop put to their work.
Commenting on Ezra 6:1-12
Then Darius the king made a decree,.... To make inquiry after the edict of Cyrus, to search the public records for it: and search was made in the house of the rolls; or "books" (r), in a public library or museum: where the treasures were laid up in Babylon; where things of worth and value were reposited; not only gold, silver, jewels, and precious stones...
Now therefore, if [it seem] good to the king, let there be search made in the king's treasure house, which [is] there at Babylon, whether it be [so], that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.