Day 18: Ezra 3
The people of Judah remained in exile in Babylon for approximately 70 years. But when the Babylonian kingdom was itself taken over by the kingdom of the Medes and the Persians, the Persian King Cyrus allowed the exiles to return to their homeland, to the place that God had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob so many years before. They had to start over, rebuilding everything that had been burned down or taken from them. It is difficult to imagine the myriad emotions and thoughts that captives of war experience upon returning home. Doubtless they were thrilled to be back, but it was likely a quiet excitement mixed with sadness and grief for all that had occurred in the meantime.
When the Babylonian army had besieged Jerusalem decades earlier, one of the things they destroyed and plundered was Solomon’s temple. As we have seen, the temple was the house of God, the focal point of their worship, and the representation of God’s presence among them, so its destruction was felt deeply. Almost immediately upon their return from exile, the people set out to rebuild the temple. It was no match for the grandeur of Solomon’s temple - in fact, people old enough to remember the original wept because the new one simply didn’t compare (verse 12). But it was also a sign of redemption and restoration, and people praised the goodness of God for bringing them back.
The rebuilding of this temple marks the end of the historical narrative of the Old Testament. The people of Israel had been told that a Messiah was coming, that their kingdom would be restored, and they looked forward to the day when a powerful king would rise up and bring justice against all of their enemies. But for about 400 years, God was quiet, and all they could do was wait and hope. True, heart-level redemption and restoration was still needed. The people had tried to reach God, and they failed again and again. The only solution would be for God himself to make a way.
Questions for reflection and discussion: The first 18 days of this overview of the Bible have traced the historical narrative of the Old Testament. What has been new to you? Confusing? Surprising? Do you feel like you have a better understanding of the storyline of the Bible thus far and how it sets up the coming of Jesus? How does the storyline of the Old Testament match up with the overall storyline of the Bible presented on Day 1?
Questions for reflection and discussion: The first 18 days of this overview of the Bible have traced the historical narrative of the Old Testament. What has been new to you? Confusing? Surprising? Do you feel like you have a better understanding of the storyline of the Bible thus far and how it sets up the coming of Jesus? How does the storyline of the Old Testament match up with the overall storyline of the Bible presented on Day 1?
