Just for your thoughts. Expository Commentary on the Book of Ezra – Bible Lesson 15*
Just for your thoughts.
Expository Commentary on the Book of Ezra – Bible Lesson 15*
King Solomon built a magnificent and grand temple for God. He ruled during the most prosperous and glorious period in the history of the Jewish people. The temple built during the wealth and splendor of his reign lasted for about 373 years.
However, because of the disobedience and hardened hearts of the tribe of Judah, even though God warned them through the prophets, they did not turn from their ways. As a result, God allowed the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar II to destroy the temple.
Scriptural Reference: Second Book of Kings 25:8–9
After this, God warned the people through His prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel. The words of the Lord they proclaimed brought a certain level of repentance among the Jews who were living in Babylon.
In addition, Daniel prayed and interceded before God for the sins of the people.
Scriptural Reference: Book of Daniel 9:3–5
Furthermore, the prophet Jeremiah had already foretold that the captivity would come and that it would last 70 years.
According to God’s foreknowledge and observing the condition of the people’s hearts, after the completion of those 70 years God began to act on behalf of His people. God performed many great works so that the destroyed temple could be rebuilt.
During the reign of the Persian king Cyrus the Great, a group led by Zerubbabel returned to Jerusalem and received permission to rebuild the temple. For this purpose, the king issued a royal decree.
Major Events Related to the Temple Reconstruction
538 BC – Permission was granted to rebuild the temple
536 BC – The altar was built
Later, due to opposition, the temple work was stopped
The temple work remained halted for about 16 years
After this, the Persian king Darius I issued a decree ordering that the temple work should resume. This became the second important decree issued by Persian kings regarding the temple.
However, the story does not end there.
Later, during the reign of the Persian king Artaxerxes I, another group came to Jerusalem under the leadership of Ezra.
Scriptural Reference: Book of Ezra 7:1
This group did not come in an ordinary manner; they came with a royal decree that had the power to change history. The order issued by the king became another major milestone in the temple life of the Jewish people.
When we read the letter written by the king, it is astonishing to see how a pagan emperor—who did not personally know the Lord—issued such a detailed decree concerning the temple of God.
Artaxerxes did not directly participate in the construction of the temple, because the temple had already been completed before his reign. However, the works he carried out were very significant.
Some of His Important Contributions
1. He sent Ezra to Jerusalem
Scriptural Reference: Ezra 7:11–26
He gave authority to teach the Law of God. Through this, the Jewish community experienced spiritual reformation.
2. He provided materials for temple service
Gold, silver, and various offerings were given. Many resources required for temple worship were supplied.
3. Privileges were granted to priests and Levites
Scriptural Reference: Ezra 7:24
He commanded that no taxes should be collected from them.
In summary, Artaxerxes did not build the temple, but he played a crucial role in restoring temple worship and re-establishing the Law of God.
In history, it is very rare for a great empire to provide such extensive support to a small nation.
Through three major royal decrees, people who had lived as refugees and captives without a nation were able to return to their homeland. When they listened to the voice of the prophets and humbled themselves, God fulfilled His word and delivered them after 70 years.
He sent them back to their own land. He provided resources and support to rebuild the destroyed temple. Royal decrees were issued to assist them. As a result, they were able to live again with dignity.
The Second Temple continued for about 500 years.
However, this event should not be viewed merely as a historical incident.
How I View This
In Tamil Nadu, the growth and revival of churches began around the 1950s, and for nearly 30 years there was growth without major opposition.
But afterward, the spiritual decline that occurred within the churches changed the way the wider society began to look at the church.
Some of the issues include:
Lack of honesty in financial matters
Serious decline in holiness
Declining commitment to the Word of God
Self-centered attitudes
Caste divisions
Personality worship
False financial reporting to the government
Treating believers as second-class citizens
Leadership styles that rule believers with authority and control
Because of such disorders, it appears that God has brought us into a situation of warning.
Governments that once supported churches now seem indifferent. Government officials and politicians have begun to view church leaders not as spiritual leaders but as political figures. Many such changes can be seen today.
This reminds us that God may be leading us through a season of warning.
When the Jews were in captivity for 70 years, they humbled themselves and returned to God. After that, their circumstances changed.
Likewise, if Christians today humble themselves, repent, and return to God, circumstances will surely change again.
Both believers and leaders have a role in this.
If God desires, and if He sees genuine repentance among us, He can still raise many supporters like the “Persian kings” even in Tamil Nadu. When that happens, the growth of the church may once again reach a new peak.
The ball is in the court of the leaders as well as the believers.