Ezra 4-6 Stops & Starts
Ezra continues his investigation of the records of Persia. He sees the building of the House of God, its stops and starts, to its completion.
We are continuing on with our ‘story within a story’ a little longer. Ezra continues his search of the archives and his imaginings of the time of rebuilding the House of the Lord. Ezra hadn’t realized the lengths that the people had gone to in order to complete this project. The opposition that stood before them delayed them seriously, but could NOT stop them permanently. Let’s rejoin our story and see the hand of God at work once more. Holy Spirit, fill my mind with images of Your process and Your hand on the people.
♥ ♦ ♥
Ezra continues to read the account of the returnees to Jerusalem. He is excited to see the beginnings of the House of the Lord taking shape. He is expecting to discover the trouble he has heard hinted at over the years. This will be the first time he has the whole story.
Ezra gathers the historical documents for the time period. He knows that it took 20 years to rebuild the house of the Lord. He is hoping to answer the question of ‘why so long’. He intends to find out today.
The first document Ezra encounters is a letter sent back to Babylon regarding the beginning of building. He settles in to begin his work and allows his imagination to bring him into the story as it unfolds.
The provinces around Jerusalem are very worried about the people coming back to their ancestral lands. Many of the people have reclaimed their homes. They are working their fields and gently pushing those who settled in their places, back where they came from.
The great cry that went up when the foundations of the Temple was complete reached their ears. “What is this sound coming out of Jerusalem” they asked. The leaders decide to have a closer look.
A delegation of 15 men journey together to Jerusalem. They see people moving about at the city. It is strange to see in occupied again. Almost as if the ghosts of the past now walk the streets. They knew of the return of the people, and have worked to dissuade them from staying, but this ‘business as usual’ sight is a bit unsettling.
They know the city well, as it has been picked over many times for anything that might have been left behind. They easily make their way to the original Temple site. Zerubbabel is there directing things and it is clear that he is the one in charge. He doesn’t notice this new group of people as they watch for a little bit, then retreat.
The group quickly makes its way back outside the broken-down city wall. They find a secluded place to discuss what they will do.
“If we leave them to their task, they are going to rebuild everything. Then we will suffer for their deeds.”
“How are we supposed to stop them?”
Silence reigns for several minutes as the men think over their options.
“We could attack them” offers one man.
“Then Cyrus would hear and we would receive the hand of suppression on our people.”
“We could steal their building materials” offers another.
“I don’t think we would get very far with those stones and timbers. It’s not like taking small items from them.”
“What if we offered to help…”
“Are you serious? Why would we help them?”
“Wait. Hear me out. We could offer to ‘help’ them” the man says stressing the word “help” to emphasize that it is important. “While ‘helping’ them, we could interfere in all that they are doing. Move things, shift them a little so that the work takes three times as long or the building collapses because of not being built correctly.”
Heads nod all around. This plan sounds perfect. “Let’s go offer our ‘help’” says the leader.
The group goes straight to the rebuilding site and seeks out Zerubbabel. They come with their most friendly and earnest faces, but completely deceitful hearts. Zerubbabel is standing with a group of elders when the approach.
“Let us build with you, for we worship your God as you do, and we have been sacrificing to him ever since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assyria who brought us here” (Ezra 4:2).
Rather than being grateful for the help being offered, the elders of the people appear disgusted. Their words of ‘arrogance’ bite hard.
“You have nothing to do with us in building a house to our God; but we alone will build to the Lord, the God of Israel, as King Cyrus the king of Persia has commanded us.”
Anger simmers below the surface in the hearts of the group of onlookers. Rather than simply walk away, the group tries again.
“Many hands make the work lighter. We only want to help you in whatever way we can.”
Zerubbabel’s spirit is screaming out at him not to trust these men. He does not want to make even greater enemies of their neighbors, but he has to stand firm. “Our Lord has called us to do this task. Your offer of help was sincerely made and sincerely refused. Peace be with you as you journey back to your own homes.”
There is nothing to be gained by standing here. The men of Jerusalem will not relent. The men do a polite head nod as their respect before leaving. They hurry through the city and exit through the non-existent gates.
“Now what are we supposed to do” asks one of the men.
“We are going to ‘help’ in another way. We will start a campaign of words to discourage the people. If that doesn’t work, we will make it a little clearer that we don’t want their kind here.”
“How will we do that?”
“With words in their ears and raids on their homes. We can sneak in and ‘misplace their tools and make mischief if need be.”
This is exactly what starts happening. It is subtle at first, but when it becomes obvious that the returnees aren’t listening, the persuasion increases in intensity. Important tools go missing, small fires erupt without warning in the fields, and finally small raids on outlying areas.
The campaign is working! Work slows down to a crawl. The people of Judah are afraid. They spend more energy protecting their homes and less rebuilding the Temple.
This organized discouragement continues throughout the rest of the reign of Cyrus the great. When Artaxerxes takes the throne, the tactic changes. The original group of men mee together in secret. Among them are Bishlam and Mithredath and Tabeel.
“Now that Cyrus is dead, we can appeal to the king of Persia. Get him to stop the building with a decree.”
“How are we going to get him to do that?”
“By making it appear that those building in Jerusalem are doing so to cause him trouble. To impact his purse and his kingdom.”
All are in agreement. They begin careful construction of a letter to the king.
“The first thing we need tis to list all those who are in support of the letter. It can’t look like it is just a few who are angry about the Jews and what they are doing” says Rehum. “Shimshai, take this down. ‘Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their associates, the judges, the governors, the officials, the Persians, the men of Erech, the Babylonians, the men of Susa, that is, the Elamites, and the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Osnappar deported and settled in the cities of Samaria and in the rest of the province Beyond the River’ (Ezra 4:9-10). This will be our list of those seeking the assistance of the king.”
“Don’t you think we should make certain everyone agrees with us writing this before adding their names and titles?”
“No. It is enough that the Jews are affecting all of these people. We need strength in numbers.”
“I’m ready to begin” says Shimshai.
Rehum begins pacing and dictating the letter to the king of Persia.
“To Artaxerxes the king: Your servants, the men of the province Beyond the River, send greeting. And now be it known to the king that the Jews who came up from you to us have gone to Jerusalem. They are rebuilding that rebellious and wicked city. They are finishing the walls and repairing the foundations. Now be it known to the king that if this city is rebuilt and the walls finished, they will not pay tribute, custom, or toll, and the royal revenue will be impaired. Now because we eat the salt of the palace and it is not fitting for us to witness the king’s dishonor, therefore we send and inform the king, in order that search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers. You will find in the book of the records and learn that this city is a rebellious city, hurtful to kings and provinces, and that sedition was stirred up in it from of old. That was why this city was laid waste. We make known to the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls finished, you will then have no possession in the province Beyond the River” (Ezra 4:11-16).
Shimshai writes as quickly as he can. He will make a more careful copy later. When he finishes the last word, he looks up and Rehum. He is waiting to see if there is more he wants to say.
Rehum scratches his chin while thinking. “Read that back to me” he says.
Shimshai reads the words he has written. Rehum purses his lips and nods his head. He is satisfied. Shimshai breathes a sigh of relief. Now all that is left to do is write it neatly so the king’s scribe can read it.
Ezra shakes his head in disgust after reading the letter Shimshai wrote. “How can they make these claims against the people? We are not a rebellious people. Our God fights for us when others come against us. And we withhold NOTHING of what is owed to those in authority over us!” Even in the back of his mind, there is a niggling doubt on the ‘purity’ of the people of Judah’s ability to follow all the rules. He asks the Lord’s forgiveness for his own portrayal of the Jews. “We did rebel against the Lord, against Egypt, and against Babylon. Our leaders struck out against other countries in efforts of conquest. And tribute has been withheld during times of rebellion. This doesn’t look good for the search being called for by the people surrounding Jerusalem.”
Ezra reads on. He already knows what is coming, but he can’t stop now.
Artaxerxes listens as the message sent by Rehum is read. The longer the letter goes on about the ‘trouble making’ Jews, the more concerned Artaxerxes becomes. As soon as the letter concludes, Artaxerxes motions one of his scribes forward with a wave of the hand and a snap of his fingers. The scribe stands ready to take down every word of the king.
“Make a thorough search of the archives concerning the people of Jerusalem. Look to see if there is any merit in the claims brought before me. I will not punish a people, just because they bring discomfort to their neighbors.”
A thorough search was undertaken and, just as Ezra suspected, the times brought to his mind were discovered. “The king will surely act on this” thinks Ezra. “And not in a positive way. He doesn’t realize there is a difference between the people earlier, and the exiles. We have received the Lord’s discipline for our sins.”
Artaxerxes answers those appealing to him after hearing the results of the search. “To Rehum the commander and Shimshai the scribe and the rest of their associates who live in Samaria and in the rest of the province Beyond the River, greeting. And now the letter that you sent to us has been plainly read before me. And I made a decree, and search has been made, and it has been found that this city from of old has risen against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been made in it. And mighty kings have been over Jerusalem, who ruled over the whole province Beyond the River, to whom tribute, custom, and toll were paid. Therefore make a decree that these men be made to cease, and that this city be not rebuilt, until a decree is made by me. And take care not to be slack in this matter. Why should damage grow to the hurt of the king?” (Ezra 4:17-22).
The letter goes out the same day and Rehum receives it three months later. Rehum is overjoyed when he reads the king’s response. “We got them now!”
He hurries to the garrison and begins assembling the troops. While they are preparing to go to Jerusalem, Rehum passes the letter on to one of his runners.
“Bring this to every province and people in the region, except the Jews. We will take it to them with troops to enforce the king’s command.”
Within two days, the once protective walls of Jerusalem are surrounded by armies from their neighbors. The people of Judah have trained in defense, but they have no protection with the walls of the city broken down. All they can do is look resolutely into the faces of their opponents.
Zerubbabel comes to stand before the empty gate entrance. “What is the meaning of this” he demands.
Rehum steps forward with Shimshai at his side. Rehum motions for him to begin reading. Shimshai reads the entire letter for Zerubbabel and the Jews who are looking on. Once he is finished, he steps back and allows Rehum room to do whatever it is he has in mind.
“I am here to tell you that the work on that accursed monstrosity that you are building stops today! If even one more nail is pounded in, or one more slab of rock laid, we…” Rehum swings his arm to encompass all those encircling the city, “…will see that you have no hands to lift with and no heart to beat in your chests.”
Zerubbabel would fight if it were not an order from the king of Persia. This, he feels bound to obey. He drops his hands to his side and hangs his head. He turns around and looks at the people. Some look as though they want to challenge Rehum’s resolve. Zerubbabel shakes his head. “When the time is right, the Lord will again favor His people with permission to build in His name. For now, we honor the king’s words.”
Ezra knows of this work stoppage. But he also knows that the work would begin again, after the death of this king. Ezra reads on and allows his imagination to carry him through time.
In time, God raises up two prophets; Haggai and Zechariah the son of Iddo. Thes men are given the task of encouraging the people and bringing them closer to their Lord. In the second year of Darius, king of Persia, these two prophets begin sharing similar prophecies.
Haggai brings the first prophecy to Zerubbabel in the sixth month of the second year of Darius.
“Thus says the Lord of hosts: These people say the time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the Lord” (Haggai 1:2).
Zerubbabel nods, because of the injunction. But his spirit is experiencing an expectancy. He feels that there is more to come. Haggai, and God, don’t disappoint him.
“Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes.
“Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified, says the Lord. You looked for much, and behold, it came to little. And when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why? declares the Lord of hosts. Because of my house that lies in ruins, while each of you busies himself with his own house. Therefore the heavens above you have withheld the dew, and the earth has withheld its produce. And I have called for a drought on the land and the hills, on the grain, the new wine, the oil, on what the ground brings forth, on man and beast, and on all their labors” (Haggai 1:4-11).
Zerubbabel is both ashamed and excited. Yes, there was a decree that forced them to stop the work, but they forgot about what was still needed and concentrated on their own needs and wants. God telling them to ‘get building’ means that HE will watch over their works. HE will fight the neighbors for them, if only the people will be faithful. And when they ARE faithful, HE will bless them again.
Zerubbabel takes Haggai’s arm in excitement. “Come with me! You must share this word with Jeshua as well.”
The two men hurry to Jesuha and Haggai repeats the prophecy for him. Zerubbabel looks at Jesuha with a huge smile. “It’s time to get building again brother.”
“That it is” replies Jeshua.
The trumpet sounds and the people in Jerusalem assemble in the remnants of the courtyard. Zerubbabel stands before them by the altar to address them.
“The Lord has called us to return to building His Temple. Because we have turned to our own needs and abandoned our purpose, HE has been withholding the good of the land in our lives. He has called for us to resume building His House so that He may delight in it and bless His people. Construction resumes again at first light. Ready yourselves to complete this work. Do not fear those who will come against us, for we know there will be many. Stand strong in the Lord and HE will watch over us.”
Word goes out to all the surrounding towns of Israel of the morning’s call. It will take about a week to reach every town.
Ezra pumps a fist in the air in excitement at reaching this point in the story. He ploughs on. He wants to see how the people will face the new challenges that are sure to arise.
The next morning, people arrive at the site of the Tabernacle, ready to work. Excitement crackles in the air like the static generated in a thunderstorm. The people are eager to begin anew. This time they vow to themselves and the Lord, NOT TO STOP until ALL the work is done.
Men return to the forests and the quarries, gathering materials. The stones from earlier are salvageable, but the timbers have rotted or been diverted to other uses. As the days march on, the work force grows after each city and town hears of the call. ALL the people that can be spared are in Jerusalem working on the Temple.
Rehum was no longer governor of the province Beyond the River. Tattenai was the new governor. He knows of the injunction Rehum had secured from the king. But that king has died and a new king sits on his throne. Who knows what has changed in the interim. Tattenai decides that a diplomatic visit is in order.
Tattenai enters Jerusalem and makes his way to the site of all the activity. He has no need of a guide as it is clear to see where the people are coming and going from with urgency. It is also fairly easy to identify those in charge, as men approach, receive orders, then hurry back to their tasks. Tattenai sets his sites on appearing before these same men in authority.
Zerubbabel looks up and sees Tattenai and two others with him approaching. “Here we go again” he says to himself. He resolves to show respect but not bow to their wishes. “Lord God in Heaven, give me the words to say to these men who are here to challenge us” Zerubbabel quickly prays.
Tattenai has already decided that he will speak with authority, but also reason. He will not appear weak before these people, but he will not antagonize them unduly either.
“Who gave you a decree to build this house and to finish this structure?” (Ezra 5:3). Tattenai starts looking around at all the people and adds; “What are the names of the men who are building this building?” (Ezra 5:4).
“This is the PERFECT question” Zerubbabel thinks to himself. This answer is what should have been brought forth the first time the people were confronted about building the House of the Lord.
“We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the house that was built many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and finished. But because our fathers had angered the God of heaven, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this house and carried away the people to Babylonia. However, in the first year of Cyrus king of Babylon, Cyrus the king made a decree that this house of God should be rebuilt. And the gold and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple that was in Jerusalem and brought into the temple of Babylon, these Cyrus the king took out of the temple of Babylon, and they were delivered to one whose name was Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor; and he said to him, ‘Take these vessels, go and put them in the temple that is in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be rebuilt on its site.’ Then this Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundations of the house of God that is in Jerusalem, and from that time until now it has been in building, and it is not yet finished” (Ezra 5:11-16).
Tattenai is speechless after hearing Cyrus’ name linked with this project, but he is also suspicious. “Anyone can make claims. Let’s see if there is evidence to back up his words” Tattenai thinks to himself. To Zerubbabel, he says; “Thank you for answering my questions. I will look further into the matter and return again once it has been settled.”
As Tattenai and his men depart, Zerubbabel notices all the eyes that are turned in his direction. He waves a dismissive hand and calls out; “The excitement is over. Everyone back to work. We have a Temple to finish for our God!”
Ezra smiles as his imagination fills in this part of the story. “Wait until Tattenai hears the truth” he speaks to his story and the characters involved in it.
Tattenai returns to his residence and pens a letter to Darius, king of Persia. Tattenai includes all the people in this letter that were in the original one. Rather than appealing to the king for an injunction, Tattenai uses the format of a formal report on the happenings in the region.
“To Darius the king, all peace. Be it known to the king that we went to the province of Judah, to the house of the great God. It is being built with huge stones, and timber is laid in the walls. This work goes on diligently and prospers in their hands. Then we asked those elders and spoke to them thus: ‘Who gave you a decree to build this house and to finish this structure?’ We also asked them their names, for your information, that we might write down the names of their leaders. And this was their reply to us:…” (Ezra 5:7-11).
Tattenai goes on to give a full account of everything Zerubbabel told him concerning the decree of Cyrus. He is careful not to call Zerubbabel a liar or bring up the decree that stopped their building.
“…‘Then this Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundations of the house of God that is in Jerusalem, and from that time until now it has been in building, and it is not yet finished.’ Therefore, if it seems good to the king, let search be made in the royal archives there in Babylon, to see whether a decree was issued by Cyrus the king for the rebuilding of this house of God in Jerusalem. And let the king send us his pleasure in this matter” (Ezra 5:16-17).
Tattenai knows that King Darius will make a thorough search of the matter. All he has to do is sit back and wait. This is not the easiest of task, given the history between the Jews and those around them. He vows to maintain order and to leave the Jews in peace until the answer arrives. AND to live by whatever that answer may be.
Darius is very interested in the report he received. He wonders where the truth lies in all this. He calls for his most talented scribe. “Make a thorough search of ALL the archives in every province. Look especially for any decrees made by Cyrus the great concerning the Jews. I want to know all there is to know about this situation, from first to last.”
“It will be done immediately and most thoroughly, my king.”
After three days of diligent searching, the record of Cyrus the great is uncovered. There is a second set of communications found concerning the Jews and the project they have undertaken. Both are brought with all due haste to the king. As the scribe stands before him, Darius commands him to read all that is written.
“A record. In the first year of Cyrus the king, Cyrus the king issued a decree: Concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, let the house be rebuilt, the place where sacrifices were offered, and let its foundations be retained. Its height shall be sixty cubits and its breadth sixty cubits, with three layers of great stones and one layer of timber. Let the cost be paid from the royal treasury. And also let the gold and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that is in Jerusalem and brought to Babylon, be restored and brought back to the temple that is in Jerusalem, each to its place. You shall put them in the house of God” (Ezra 6:2b-5).
As Darius ponders a reply to Tattenai, the scribe gathers all his courage and asks the king a question.
“Great King Darius, there was another set of letters found concerning this people and their rebuilding project. Would you like me to read them to you?”
“I would” replies Darius.
The scribe reads how the people of the land used divisive language to king Artaxerxes to stop the building project. To Darius’ horror, he hears how Artaxerxes listened to their words instead of searching for the words of Cyrus. Cyrus’ words were above ALL others, and when any king makes a decree, the people are to obey it and not pit one ruler against the other. Darius is pleased to know that the man responsible for this is no longer a governor.
The malice of this first letter from the district Beyond the River causes Darius to be stronger than he would have originally been in answering Tattenai’s letter.
While Darius is preparing to dictate his letter to Tattenai, the prophet Zechariah goes to Zerubbabel with a message from the Lord. When Zechariah faces Zerubbabel, he tells him that this message is for all the people. “It is a word that ALL the people need to hear. It concerns every heart in the people of the Lord.”
Zerubbabel calls all the people who are in the city or working together at the entrance of the Temple. “Those who are not here with us today to hear the word of the Lord, will have it spoken in their ear by the end of this next month, this I swear.”
Zechariah is pleased with Zerubbabel’s promise. He turns to address those gathered. “Hear the word of the Lord” he says in a clear voice. When all eyes are on him, he begins.
“The Lord was very angry with your fathers. Therefore say to them, Thus declares the Lord of hosts: Return to me, says the Lord of hosts, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts. Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets cried out, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, Return from your evil ways and from your evil deeds.’ But they did not hear or pay attention to me, declares the Lord. Your fathers, where are they? And the prophets, do they live forever? But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not overtake your fathers? So they repented and said, ‘As the Lord of hosts purposed to deal with us for our ways and deeds, so has he dealt with us’” (Zechariah 1:2-6).
The people recognize Zechariah’s prophecy as a warning to them not to get distracted from completing the work they have been called to do. They answer the Lord as one; “We will attend to the words of our God and walk in His ways. We will do all that He has called us to do.”
Darius is ready to dictate his answer to Tattenai. His scribe waits with quill in hand.
“Now therefore, Tattenai, governor of the province Beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai, and your associates the governors who are in the province Beyond the River, keep away. Let the work on this house of God alone. Let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews rebuild this house of God on its site. Moreover, I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the rebuilding of this house of God. The cost is to be paid to these men in full and without delay from the royal revenue, the tribute of the province from Beyond the River. And whatever is needed—bulls, rams, or sheep for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, or oil, as the priests at Jerusalem require—let that be given to them day by day without fail, that they may offer pleasing sacrifices to the God of heaven and pray for the life of the king and his sons. Also I make a decree that if anyone alters this edict, a beam shall be pulled out of his house, and he shall be impaled on it, and his house shall be made a dunghill. May the God who has caused his name to dwell there overthrow any king or people who shall put out a hand to alter this, or to destroy this house of God that is in Jerusalem. I Darius make a decree; let it be done with all diligence” (Ezra 6:6-12).
The letter from Darius is a month in reaching Tattenai, and FAR from what he expected. As he reads Darius’ words, a lump forms in his throat and his bowels seize. Not only is the king saying the Jews can keep building WITHOUT ANY INTERFERENCE from their neighbors, but the tribute directed to Persia is to be diverted to the Jews instead. AND they are to provide the Jews with WHATEVER they need for their sacrifices to their God!
Darius’ words and threat leave no doubt in Tattenai’s mind or authority of any other option than to obey. “The Jews WILL have their Temple” he tells himself with finality.
Tattenai stands before Zerubbabel again with the letter in hand. Zerubbabel welcomes him and offers him a drink of water. Tattenai waves it away with his hand.
“I have come to bring you news from King Darius.”
“Now what” thinks Zerubbabel. “Regardless of the king’s decree”, Zerubbabel vows to himself, “I will keep working, even if I have to build the House of the Lord all on my own.” Zerubbabel waits, outwardly quiet until Tattenai reads the letter.
“It looks like you will have your Temple after all. We will not interfere. If ANY come against you, let me know and I will personally see that the king’s punishment is carried out.”
Zerubbabel is nearly bouncing on his toes with excitement. It is all he can do to keep from running into the workers and proclaiming this good news. He must see his guest off first.
Tattenai scratches the back of his head, stalling for time, and trying to work up the courage to speak. “You knew I would ask for a search. I’m sorry I doubted you.”
“You had every right to search. I am grateful that you allowed us to continue unfettered while awaiting the reply. This speaks of your willingness to listen. Something your predecessor did not do.”
“For his actions, I humbly beg your forgiveness.”
“All is good. Shalom my new friend.”
As soon as Tattenai is out of the city, Zerubbabel lets out a victory cry that stops everyone in their tracks. “Praise be to the Lord God of Israel!”
Everyone gathers around to hear the report. As soon as Zerubbabel finishes sharing the news with them, shouts ring out louder than those on the day the foundation was dedicated. This time though, there isn’t a single cry of mourning among them.
With the decree, the people have a renewed spirit and double their efforts to complete the work. It still takes another four years to complete the building of the Temple, but the people never suffer want and the neighbors provide for the sacrifices daily, as Darius had instructed them to do.
The last stone is laid on the third day of the month of Adar in the sixth year of the reign of Darius. Everyone is overjoyed! The consecration ceremony happens three days later, so the people have time to prepare themselves before coming before the Lord.
The day dawns brisk but not too cold. The rain and wind stay at bay while the people gather to celebrate and give thanks to the Lord. This day, the sacrificial animals, grain, oil, and wine come from the people of Israel. They will not rely on their neighbors to provide this important sacrifice to the Lord.
Their flocks and herds have increased 100-fold since recommitting to building the House of the Lord and the fields yield abundantly. From their own herds and flocks, 100 bulls, 200 rams, 400 lambs, and 12 male goats are brought before the Lord. The goats are for a sin offering for the people of Israel; one for each tribe. It matters not that some of the tribes are not present in person for this dedication. They are remembered as part of Israel. No longer a divided kingdom chasing after foreign gods, but a united people dedicated to the service of the God above ALL gods.
The people celebrate with feasting on the portions that are returned to them. ALL praise and worship the Lord, even in how they treat one another. NO ONE goes hungry. NO ONE is left alone or excluded. ALL the people share in this day of joy. And not a single comment is made about this Temple not being as grand as the original. They are ALL grateful for what the Lord has done.
Even as the people celebrate, the look forward in time. The most sacred of holy days is only a month away. The temple is ready on time to celebrate the Passover as it was meant to be. They celebrated the Passover each year while waiting for the Temple to be complete, but this Passover holds special meaning for all those who labored diligently.
Passover is EVERYTHING the people were hoping it would be! Each family brings their Passover lamb and makes their offering to the Lord. ANY who have set themselves apart to the Lord are included in the celebration. They also celebrated the fact that one of their ancient enemies, Assyria, had become an ardent supporter of the people. The king of Assyria gave generously to the people for the work of the Temple. They celebrated this as they kept the festival of Unleavened Bread for seven days. Joy flowed through the city as plentiful as air. And everyone that ‘breathed it in’ was renewed and revived for the work that lay ahead for the people.
Ezra puts his quill in his ink and sits back, contemplating the Temple and the joy of seeing it in person. He has never seen. A longing is growing in his heart to return to the land of his people. To see the Temple of his God. And to teach the people the Law of Moses. He knows that he isn’t the only one qualified for this job, but his heart is telling him that he is being called to it. “Soon” he tells himself. “When my work here is finished. I will go to the land of my fathers. The land that the Lord swore to give to my people forever.”
(to be continued)
I wonder why Zerubbabel didn’t bring up Cyrus’ decree in the beginning with those who were trying to stop them form building. It would have made things much easier. But it wasn’t part of God’s plan. There was a timing to this task that was in the Lord’s hands. IF He wanted it built right away, I have NO DOUBT that HE would have stopped those who were in the way. The people had some growing to do, even back in their own land. No longer exiles, but still learning lessons.
God uses the things in our lives to teach us and to get our attention. Sometimes it is something simple that jumps out at you and brings a “Praise God” flowing from your lips. Other times, it is something that brings you to your knees in prayer; crying out to God for help. Whatever it is, God is STILL in control! He DOES NOT cause bad things to happen to you to get your attention. But He uses our circumstances to draw our attention to Him. Imagine what might have happened, had not Zerubbabel been told to build again, and Tattenai had not asked the perfect question that brought the answer to the Jew’s ‘neighbor’ problems. Be still and watch what God can do!
Father God, thank You for EVERY time You place Your thumb on the scale for me, for EVERY good answer, and for ALL the blessings You have given me. Thank You just as sincerely for EVERY lesson You walk me through, for EVERY heartache You hold me in, and for EVERY time life brings me to my knees. You are ALWAYS there with Your arms wide open. Let me NEVER seek solace in the ‘arms of another god’. No Matter What!
