"Rebuilding the Temple"

18 Mar 09
Wednesday of the Third Week in Lent

Rebuilding the Temple
Ezra 6:1-16

The Jerusalem temple was destroyed in 568 BC. For seventy years, it laid in ruins. When it was finally rebuilt in 516 BC, it was a milestone event.

Firstly, the rebuilding of the temple reminded Israel to place God at the centre of her national life. In 537 BC, Persian ruler King Cyrus had allowed thousands of exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem. Although they were now back in their homeland, these returnees realized that something was still amiss. Israel had always been taught to focus its national life around the worship of God. His commandments were to be obeyed. Festivals were to be observed. Prayers and sacrifices were to be offered. In all these undertakings, the temple was the focal point. Hence the urgent need to rebuild the temple.

Secondly, the rebuilding highlighted God’s overruling hand among Gentile nations. Beginning in 539 BC when Cyrus captured Babylon, Persia gradually extended its rule over much of the ancient world. No other nation could challenge her. But God moved in the hearts of Cyrus and Darius. They set out decrees which allowed returnee Jews to rebuild their temple. Persian governors were instructed to assist them in this task. Supplies required for the rebuilding were to be provided out of the king’s treasury. And temple vessels stolen by the Babylonians earlier were to be returned to the Jews.

Thirdly, the rebuilding necessitated God’s people to do their part. God did not will the temple into existence. The Jews had to do their part. At times, the builders faced opposition and for a period, the rebuilding work ceased. But God raised up prophets like Haggai and Zechariah to encourage the people. Priests and Levites, elders and ordinary workers laboured alongside one another until the rebuilding was completed.

(Dr Bobby Sng,
President, Bible Society of Singapore)

Commitment:
I must always place God at the centre of my life.

Prayer:
Blessed Holy Spirit, grant me grace to co-work with you in rebuilding your temple in my life. Amen.