King Artaxerxes has issued a proclamation that those who want to can return to Jerusalem with Ezra. We see that first group assemble for the journey. The last time we were together we witnessed Ezra’s joy at being allowed to return to the land of his fathers. The king has done more than just release […]
The second Temple has been in operation for over 100 years when Ezra comes to Jerusalem to teach the Law of God. The king of Persia himself sent him on his way. It’s hard to imagine the favor in which the king held Ezra. I wonder how it developed over time. Was Ezra one of […]
With the new Temple come renewed celebrations. The timing couldn’t be more perfect as there is time to prepare for Passover again. The Temple is finally finished and dedicated. “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” (verse […]
Thanks to the decree from King Darius, the people of Judah are able to complete the new Temple. They dedicate it with great joy. It took four more years of building before the Temple was complete. It is amazing how much difference having support instead of hindrance can make. In 20 years the people had […]
Darius had a search made of the archives. Indeed Cyrus had told the Jews to rebuild. Darius’ new decree goes even further to put the price of rebuilding on the neighbors. We are not told that God worked on Darius’ heart but he certainly came down on the side of God. Darius may have been […]
