The Rebuilding
โก Rebuilding the Altar โก
The whole company of the exiles returned to Jerusalem and settled in their own towns. They built the altar on its foundation and offered burnt offerings to the Lord and also the sacrifices for all the appointed feasts.
๐ Rebuilding the Temple ๐
The priests, Levites and all who had returned from captivity to Jerusalem began rebuilding of the Temple. When the foundation was laid, the priests and Levites with their trumpets and cymbals praised God with thanksgiving and said The Lord is good and his mercy endureth forever and they gave a shout of joy.
๐ค Opposition to the Building ๐ค
The enemies of Judah heard that the exiles were building the Temple for the Lord and said that they also would help in the building. But the heads of Israel said that they could not join. So the enemies hired counselors to work against them and frustrate their plans during the entire reign of King Cyrus to the reign of Darius. The work of the house of God in Jerusalem came to a stand still in the second year of Darius king of Persia.
๐ค Further Oppositions ๐ค
Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the prophet prophesied to the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem. So they set to work to rebuild the house of God. Then the governor of Trans-Euphrates questioned them regarding the building. They said that they will not stop till a report could go to Darius and written reply be received. They said a search should be made in the royal archives of Babylon to see if king Cyrus did in fact issue a decree to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem.
๐ Completion of the Temple ๐
After the search the decree of king Cyrus was found. So the governor of Trans-Euphrates and officials were asked not to interfere with the work of the Temple of God. The king or people to lifted a hand to change this decree or destroy the Temple in Jerusalem should be hanged and their home to be made a pile of rubble.
๐ Dedication of the Temple ๐
The Temple was completed. The dedication of the Temple was celebrated with great joy. The priests and Levites were installed for the service of God at Jerusalem.
๐ The Passover ๐
On the 14th day of the first month the exiles celebrated the Passover. The people separated themselves from unclean practices in order to seek their Lord God. For seven days they celebrated with joy the Feast of Unleavened bread because the Lord had changed the attitude of the king of Assyria so that he assisted them in the rebuilding of the Temple of God in Jerusalem.
๐ฅ Golden Thought ๐ฅ
If God be for us who can be against us?
Mrs Caroline Chellappa ๐
Chennai