Read Ezra Ch. 1 and Ch. 3-7. What difficulties do the Jews face as they try to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple? What helps them overcome these difficulties? Note especially the role of leaders like Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Haggai, Zechariah, and Ezra himself. Also note the contrasting attitudes of Persian leaders, e.g., Cyrus and Artaxerxes.
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Ezra (extra credit)
Read Ezra Ch. 1 and Ch. 3-7. What difficulties do the Jews face as they try to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple? What helps them overcome these difficulties? Note especially the role of leaders like Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Haggai, Zechariah, and Ezra himself. Also note the contrasting attitudes of Persian leaders, e.g., Cyrus and Artaxerxes.
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In the beginning of chapter 3, it plainly says that the Jews are afraid of what the other people might do, of being abused by non-Jewish authorities or foreigners. While building a temple and following the proper traditions and ceremonies was always important, it seems to me that the Jews felt it was especially important to do things EXACTLY right in order to please God and not bring down any more punishment. The Jews wanted to be protected if ("when" may be more appropriate) the numerous peoples around them ever turned against them, and having others be involved with temple building was just asking for God's wrath.
ReplyDeleteWhat helped them get past the problems of rebuilding Jerusalem, in my opinion, was the deep desire to appease and honor God the right way, political and social problems be damned.
Cyrus was a man who had seen God’s work through Daniel, as we’ve seen over and over again in ancient Israel, people forget pretty quickly. Cyrus may have given the OK, but it’s now the reign of Darius. They receive a lot of local opposition from the people who have settled the lands during the Jews absence. Letters are sent back and forth, work stops, but historical records prevail. The temple gets finished in Ezra chapter 5, they celebrate Passover, and give a detailed list of all the animals they sacrificed.
ReplyDeleteCyrus let the Jews go back to the promise land, but with that came the rain of Darius. He was ruthless leaders and made life hard for the few Jews that did return. They tried to rebuild the temple for over twenty years, because the Jews cannot catch a break. They are surrounded by people who only wish to gain their land. The Temple does get built, but it takes longer then necessary.
ReplyDeleteLiz