Synagogue & Temple
Ezra's Call and the Remnant's Response
The book of Ezra recounts the return of the Jews from Babylonian captivity to Jerusalem after 70 years. King Cyrus of Persia, moved by God, issued a decree allowing the Jews to return and rebuild the temple.
Despite the comfort and established lives they had built in Babylon, a remnant of Jews responded to God's call. They recognized the importance of rebuilding the temple and restoring true worship, even though it meant leaving behind their familiar surroundings.
The Call from God and the Synagogue System
The passage emphasizes that the call to rebuild the temple was not merely a human desire but a cry from God's own heart. The synagogue system, though a good substitute for the temple, could not fully satisfy God's desire for a place where His name could dwell and sacrifices could be offered.
Returning to Jerusalem: A Call to Purity and Simplicity
The remnant's return to Jerusalem symbolizes a return to purity and simplicity in Christ. It's a call for God's people to leave behind the complexities and distractions of the world and focus on a life dedicated to God and His purpose.
Building God's House
The passage challenges us to examine our own lives and purpose. Are we living in spiritual captivity, content with substitutes for true worship? Or are we responding to God's call and building His house, a place of true worship and dedication to Him?
A Remnant Dedicated to God
The remnant who returned to Jerusalem were a people dedicated to God. They faced challenges and hardships but remained focused on rebuilding the temple and fulfilling God's will. Their story inspires us to live with similar dedication and purpose.
1 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, 2 Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. 3 Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem. 4 And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.
5 Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all them whose spirit God had raised, to go up to build the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem.
