In noticing the idea entertained by some, that the decree to restore and build Jerusalem was given to Nehemiah, it may be proper to consider what constituted a Persian decree, and the form in which it was given. Daniel who was among the captives carried away to Babylon, gives us information on this point. In chap. vi, 6-9, he says: "Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him: King Darius, live forever. All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed according to the law of the Medes and Persians which altereth not. Wherefore, king Darius signed the writing and the decree."
Here we learn what constituted a Persian decree; and we ask, Did Nehemiah possess any such document? No one will claim that he did. When he arrived at Jerusalem, he did not present any such thing to the people, but told them the words which the king had spoken to him! Neh. ii, 18. Thus additional proof is given on a point already clearly established, that there was no decree given to Nehemiah.