Building the Altar – Ezra 3
The first priority of the people upon returning to Jerusalem after 70 years in exile was to rebuild the altar because it was the place for sacrifices and burnt offerings. Burnt offerings were required by the law of Moses. It was where sin was dealt with and where they could meet with God and worship Him for all He had done. God was faithful to protect them during captivity and now He kept His promise and brought them back to their land.
The people demonstrated their faith in God by building the temple and replacing the gold and silver articles that had been taken from the temple and brought them to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar. The temple cost was paid for by the royal treasury.
Specific steps were taken to reestablish worship. They worshiped by celebrating the blowing of trumpets called the Feast of Trumpets. This was done on the 1st day of the 7th month where they offered sacrifices. The 10th day of the 7th month was a special fasting day of rest. They celebrated the Feast of Booth on the 15th day of the 7th month which lasted 7 days. (Numbers 29)
Worship to us is usually going to church on Sunday morning and sometimes even during the week, reading and studying the Bible at home each day, praying a prayer of thanksgiving as well as praying for others. It’s also being involved in some kind of ministry to help others.
Practical steps were taken to begin work on the temple. The people gave money to the masons and carpenters, and food and drink and oil to the people of Sidon and Tyre so they would bring cedar logs by sea from Lebanon. They appointed Levites twenty years old and older to supervise.
The people were overjoyed with what was taking place. They shouted praises to God. There was even weeping out of joy. There must have been lots of dancing and singing.
Principle: God’s people must stand united in faith to accomplish God’s work.
Persistent Opposition – Ezra 4-5
There was some opposition faced by the first returnees. The enemies of Israel came to Zerubbabel and the rest of the heads of the families and wanted to help them to rebuild. It was either to be partners in the work to ruin it or to influence it to their benefit. The heads of the families refused their offer. Then the enemy set out to discourage the people of Israel making the work of the temple come to a standstill until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.
God counteracted this opposition and intervened on behalf of His people:
Sometimes we all face challenges and opposition to God’s work, but remember God is in control and His work will continue.
Principle: Satan uses discouragement, fear, deception, accusation, conspiracies, lies, and oppression to try to stop your work for Jesus.
Celebrating Temple Completion – Ezra 6
King Darius carried out the order of King Cyrus that the temple be rebuilt and no one was to interfere with the work. The temple was completed and the people of Israel celebrated by dedicating the house of God. They offered a 100 bulls, 200 rams, 400 lambs and as a sin offering, 12 goats, one for each tribe of Israel. They installed the priests and Levites for the service of God.
They celebrated Passover in the 14th day of the first month. Remember the first Passover was when God spared His people when the angel of death passed over all the houses in Egypt, spared the Israelites but killed the first born of the Egyptians. For 7 days they celebrated with joy the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Ezra 6:22).
Principles:
Next week we will continue our study of Ezra. -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.
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