Devotions

Build This House of God

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The opposition of the returning exiles has challenged them and they provide a short history and progress update to the present King Darius. Darius investigates and finds the decree from Cyrus. Darius understands what is happening and confirms the decree of Cyrus. But he doesn’t stop there. Darius also commands the governor of the region to “let them build” and to provide everything they need and to do it in a way that they will pray for the kings long life. Oh, and Darius establishes a penalty for anyone interfering with their work or harming the temple, and it is the death penalty. The descendants of Judah, the returned exiles, rejoice and sing as the temple is dedicated. 

Build This House of God

Ezra 5:13–17
Because they have some opposition, the leaders in Jerusalem are rehearsing their history and the decree of Cyrus for them to, in Ezra 5:13 “build this house of God”. They include a progress report saying in Ezra 5:16 “Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundation of the house of God in Jerusalem. And from that time until now it is being built, but not yet finished”. Then, without saying that the work had stopped, they ask the new king Darius how he wants them to proceed.

Let The House Be Built

Ezra 6:1–5
Darius finds the record of the decree by Cyrus so responds positively in Ezra 6:3 “let the house be built” even though it is some fifteen years later. They are now re-commissioned for this work in its entirety as it had been written by Cyrus. 

The Full Expense Will Be Paid

Ezra 6:6–12
Darius responds by going even farther than Cyrus had by telling the local governor, in Ezra 6:6-7 “keep far away from there. 7 Leave this work of the house of God alone” and let them build. And that would have been enough, but Darius also says to the regional governor, in Ezra 6:8-9 “The full expense will be paid to these men from the riches of the king from the taxes of the province Beyond the River, without delay. 9 Whatever may be needed … let it be given to them day by day with no negligence”.

Then Darius did two more things:

  • In Ezra 6:10 he said “that they may offer incense offerings to the God of heaven”, which is to say to the governor, make sure you treat them in such a good manner that they will be thankful for me, Darius, as their King and will pray God’s blessing for me.
  • In Ezra 6:11-12 Darius sets a penalty for anyone that opposes this work or sets their hand against God’s house. The temple in Jerusalem is under the Kings protection with the penalty of death.

This House Was Completed

Ezra 6:13–18
The opposition disappeared in Ezra 6:14-15 “the Jews were building and prospering … They finished building by the command of the God of Israel and by the decree of Cyrus, Darius, and King Artaxerxes of Persia … this house was completed”. And in

Ezra 6:16 (LEB) And the ⌊Israelites⌋, the priests, the Levites, and the rest of the returned exiles celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy.

Ezra 6:18 (LEB) Then they set the priests in their divisions and the Levites in their sections for the work of God in Jerusalem, as it is written in the book of Moses.

 

Give Thanks to Yahweh For He is Good

Psalm 118:1–29
It is thought that this Psalm was sung at the laying of the foundation in Ezra 3 and at the dedication of the Temple “the words mentioned in Ezra are the first and last sentences of this Psalm, and we therefore conclude that the people chanted the whole of this sublime song; and, moreover, that the use of this composition on such occasions was ordained by David, whom we conceive to be its author”.1

Yahweh is Righteous

Psalm 129:1–8
In this Psalm, God is our deliverer “Whereas most nations tend to look back on what they have achieved, Israel reflects here on what she has survived. It could be a disheartening exercise, for Zion still has its ill-wishers. But the singers take courage from the past, facing God with gratitude and their enemies with defiance.”2

Praise Yah

Psalm 148:1–6
The exile had provided seventy years Sabbath rest for the land of Judah. God Cares about all of his creation, even the ground we walk on. From the highest beings in heaven to the lowest in earth and even the mountains and trees praise the Lord “Starting with the angelic host, and descending through the skies to the varied forms and creatures of earth, then summoning the family of man and finally the chosen people, the call to praise unites the whole creation. If any notion of a colourless or cloistered regime were associated with the name of God, this glimpse of his tireless creativity would be enough to dispel it.”3

Operation Exodus

is helping Jewish people return to their homeland. You might fund one that desires to go home. http://operationexodususa.org/Overview

Study Verses

Today’s Reading

  • Ezra 5:13-17
  • Ezra 6:1-18
  • Psalm 118:1-29
  • Psalm 129:1-8
  • Psalm 148:1-14

References

  • 1. Spurgeon, Charles H. Charles H. Spurgeon’s Treasury of David. London: London Metropolitan Tabernacle, 1885. Book. 30 March 2018. .
  • 2. Kidner, D. (1975). Psalms 73–150: An Introduction and Commentary (Vol. 16, p. 480). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
  • 3. Kidner, D. (1975). Psalms 73–150: An Introduction and Commentary (Vol. 16, p. 524). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.