by Ian McKee (Northern Ireland)
The focus of the narrative now shifts from Jerusalem to Babylon. In Ezra 6.1-5, we have the Divine record of Darius Hystaspes commissioning a search of the Persian archives for the text of Cyrus’ decree about rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. When at last the decree was found at the summer palace some 300 miles east of Babylon, it testified to the veracity of the elders of the Jews, Ezra 5.13-15. Detailing the site location, building specifications and budget provision, it also showed how God had preserved the consecrated vessels of the sanctuary during the years in Babylon. And if God so takes care of consecrated vessels, how much more does He take care of consecrated believers?
On the basis of Cyrus’ decree Darius provided the clarification sought by Tatnai, Ezra 5.17. Accusations against the Jewish builders were rejected and hindrance of the Temple construction was prohibited, Ezra 6.6,7. He also made generous provision from tax revenues to finance the building and ordered the supply of all that was necessary for the Levitical Offerings, Ezra 6.8,9. Truly "when a man’s ways please the Lord, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him," Prov.16.7.
Darius desires that the Jews at Jerusalem "may offer sacrifice of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons", Ezra 6.10. A heathen emperor making such a request condemns contemporary world leaders who are oblivious to the fact that "there is a God in heaven," Dan.2.28. Finally, Darius declares that interference with the work of the house of God would incur the death sentence and, should he be unable to carry this out, invokes the power of God to effect this judgment, Ezra 6.11,12.
In Ezra 6.13 the scene reverts from Babylon to Jerusalem. Tatnai and his administrators implement instantly the decree of Darius and the building of the Temple is brought to fruition. "And they builded it, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel," Ezra 6.14. How rare this is! Do we not dream about more things than we commence, commence more things than we finish and, of the things we finish, are not most of them only half done? The builders gave priority to God before acknowledging Cyrus’ and Darius’ providential association in the rebuilding and Artaxerxes later role in maintaining the Temple. Thus they acknowledge the primacy of God’s Word, not subordinate circumstances, as the true guide to faith: a lesson we do well to learn.
Comparing Ezra 6.15 with Ezra 4.24 shows that, from the ministry of Haggai and Zechariah, the rebuilding took over 4 years. It was concluded in 515 BC, some 21 years after the laying of the foundation stone! While not as glorious as that of Solomon’s, this Temple stood for 585 years, 185 years longer than Solomon’s and in its precincts walked the Son of God!
We note that Zerubbabel and Jeshua are no longer named in the historical narrative. Perhaps they had died during the period since the ministry of Haggai and Zechariah. While we cannot be sure of this, the fact remains that God’s work goes on beyond the lives and strength of men, no matter how valuable their service has been. Also the names of those persons officiating at the dedication of the house of God are not recorded, suggesting a lack of men of a spiritual calibre similar to that of Zerubbabel and Jeshua. But this does not hinder their joy in God.
The dedication of the Temple is described in Ezra 6.16-18. This house of God is for "the children of Israel", not just those of the remnant tribes. They envisage future regathering and are not prepared to accept present straightened circumstances. With anticipation of better days there is present joy unmixed with weeping, the first mention of joy in 14 years, Ezra 3.13. Nothing is gained by morbid retrospection. Whereas the sacrifices at the dedication of Solomon’s Temple totalled 142,000 animals (2 Chron.7.5) here only 100 oxen, 200 rams, 400 lambs and 12 goats are sacrificed, representing large heartedness despite prevailing circumstances.
But these people are not oblivious to reality and weakness. Hence they offer "a sin offering for all Israel, twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel", Ezra 6.17. In this they equal the exercise of "the princes of Israel, heads of the house of their fathers, who were princes of the tribes", Num.7. A consciousness of sin and the immeasurable cost of its removal must never be overlooked, even in seasons of celebration. They also instituted regular, orderly service for the Priests and Levites in accordance with first principles, "as it is written in the book of Moses", Ezra 6.18.
Then we have the keeping of the Passover, the first in association with the new Temple, Ezra 6.19-22. This feast has spiritual resonance with the deliverance from Egypt, the dedication of Solomon’s Temple and with revivals in the days of Hezekiah and Josiah. But the emphasis here is on purity. "The Priests and the Levites were purified together, all of them were pure", Ezra 6.20. Purity and personal preparation are essential, even in days of relative poverty. "Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who shall stand in His holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation", Ps.24.3-5.
Also, the Passover was eaten by "all such as had separated themselves unto them from the filthiness of the heathen of the land, to seek the Lord God of Israel", Ezra 6.21. These may be proselytes who had separated from Samaritan sin and/or descendants of Jews left behind in the land 70 years before. Whatever their origin it is clear that true seekers are truly separate and holy people are nourished by unleavened food. But anyone who mistakenly thinks that separation, dedication and seeking after God produce a life of drudgery should consider Ezra 6.22, "for the Lord had made them joyful". God is the source of true joy. Holiness and happiness are ever found together.
—to be continued (D.V.)