Day 260 – Ezra 1-3

Talking Points

• The books of Ezra and Nehemiah are actually recorded as one book in the Hebrew scriptures. The events recorded take place during the reign of the Persian Empire.
• Ezra begins with the decree of Cyrus, King of Persia, calling for the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland and rebuild the temple. This is in fulfillment of prophecy spoken some 200 years earlier (Daniel 9).
• First things first. Approximately 50,000 Jews chose to return home. The first activity recorded is the rebuilding of the altar and the resuming of sacrifices, offerings, and observances of festival days. Back in their beloved land, God’s people are deliberate in establishing the priority of worship!
• The temple items taken by King Nebuchadnezzar and used in pagan worship are counted and returned to Jerusalem.

Thoughts

Restoration is defined as returning something to its former condition. It is a word filled with possibility and hope. So, it is fitting that it is the beautiful theme of Scripture. From Genesis to Revelation, this theme bookends the work of our redeeming Savior, and is found on every page between. In Christ, every wrong is set right. Every broken thing is repaired. All is made new — restored.

Imagine our account today, as the elders of Israel see the rebuilt foundation of the temple. Go slow. Imagine as they remember the glory of Solomon’s temple, fantastic in its splendor. Imagine the sickening sting of regret they feel as they see its ruined condition now, all because of sin. And, now, imagine as the new foundation is laid. All is not lost. God is faithful and full of mercy. He restores.

The Bible says the sounds of both exuberant shouting and loud weeping so mixed in the air that they could not be distinguished (3:13). What a fitting harmony of praise! Tears of relief and shouts of praise! Tears of praise and shouts of relief! All in response to the God who restores!

Today, may our response be just as profound. All is not lost. God is faithful and full of mercy. Praise our God who restores!