History – Ezra 1-5

Bible Passage:  Ezra 1-5

First Year of Cyrus of Persia, First Month

We’re finally returning to Jerusalem! After so many years in a foreign land and being subject to Babylon then Medes and Persia, we can finally go back to the land YHWH gave our forefathers. All these years, abba and ima have reminded me time and time again the land we live in now is not our real home.

It is sad really, that because of our own disobedience, we have now become aliens in this land. Yet, because of this, I’m reminded that if we learn from this chastisement and turn back to Him, His promise of revival will come to pass. We’re finally going back! And we’re going back to rebuild the temple of YHWH! Thank YHWH!

First Year of Cyrus of Persia, Third Month

I continue to be amazed by the grace and perseverance of YHWH.

Besides moving the Persian king to allow us to return, He even ensured we did not return empty-handed. I was told that the articles from the temple, those taken by Nebuchadnezzar, were returned to Prince Sheshbazzar. Also, we were willingly offered silver, gold, goods, livestock and precious things to aid us in our work of rebuilding.

The number of people returning under the leadership of Zerubbabel comes up to forty-two thousand three hundred and sixty. Again, YHWH shows how He preserved His people. These names were all recorded and kept in the genealogies. Even those who could not identify their genealogy were numbered and allowed to return. It’s like YHWH is telling us He numbers every single one of us and watches out for us even in difficult times.

I feel comforted.

First Year of Cyrus of Persia, Seventh Month

Now that we are back, we’re starting to observe the feasts again. The priests have gathered to build the altar so that sacrifices can be made. We also assembled at Jerusalem to keep the Feast of Tabernacles which is even more meaningful now.

I never knew such great joy could be had in having the freedom to worship YHWH.

Second Year of Cyrus of Persia, Second Month

We have begun the work of the rebuilding.

Today, the foundation of the second temple was laid. It was a grand affair with the priests in their apparel and with their trumpets as well as the Levites with their cymbals and their singing. When the foundation was laid, we all shouted for joy and praised YHWH.

However, while I was shouting for and cheering with all the other young men, I noticed an old sabba nearby weeping. I wonder why…

Third Year of Cyrus of Persia, Fifth Month

We’re meeting with opposition from the Samaritans in our work. They wanted to help us in our work originally so they went to Zerubbabel and the heads of the houses and asked to be allowed to build with us. However, it seems they were rejected quite harshly.

Abba tells me it’s not because the leaders wanted to be rude but because these people are idolatrous although they sacrifice to YHWH. They didn’t even know (or use) the proper term for YHWH!

Fourth Year of Cyrus of Persia, Tenth Month

Well, it seems the time has not come for us to build the house of YHWH.

Things are not going smoothly and there is still a lot of opposition and general lack of progression. If it is YHWH’s will, surely things won’t be in this state right?

I guess I shall just concentrate on building my own house for the time being. I have this brilliant plan for the panels…

Second Year of Darius of Persia, Sixth Month

The prophets Haggai and Zechariah certainly gave us a good talking-to. It was indeed well-deserved too. We have all been too dependent on our own logic as well as too sure of our (erroneous) viewpoints.

The prophet reminded us to consider our ways and to care for the temple of YHWH first. We were rebuked for dwelling in our panelled houses while His temple lies in ruins. There’s obviously no ‘right time’ to do the right thing. It must be done all the time.

I feel so ashamed!

Also, Zerubbabel was told that this work will be completed not by might nor by power but by the Spirit of the LORD of hosts. Even a mountain shall become a plain before him so why should we worry about the Samaritans if we have the LORD of hosts on our side?

With the words that the LORD spoke through the prophets in mind, we are starting work again after fourteen years. May our work please the LORD and I pray this time, we can complete what we set out to do.