Ezra 6:13-18 – Faithfulness matters

Ezra 6:12-15 reveal that Tattenai, Shethar-bozanai, and their colleagues beyond the river obediently and diligently carried out the decree of King Darius. They willingly facilitated the project of the temple rebuilding and allowed the Jews to complete it. Together with the support and influence of the two prophets, namely Haggai and Zachariah, the temple at Jerusalem was successfully built.

The temple fulfilled God’s plan for the Jews which both Kings Cyrus and Artaxerxes under His influence had decreed. Verse 15 gives the exact date that it was completed. It says, “The temple was completed month third day of the month Adar in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius.” The temple was left incomplete for a long time before Haggai and Zacharia issued their challenges. But when they resumed the temple rebuilding it took roughly about four and a half years to complete it.

Ezra 6:16-18 describe the dedication of the temple. The Priests, the Levites, and the Jews who had returned from exile joyfully celebrated as the temple was being dedicated to God. Verse 17 said that for the dedication of the temple “…100 bulls, 200 rams, 400 lambs, and as a sin offering for all Israel 12 male goats, corresponding to the number of the tribes of Israel.” They then appointed priests and Levites accordingly to what Moses had written in the book of the Law. These were established for the service in the temple of Jerusalem.

From the rebuilding of the temples, we pick up lessons on the importance of keeping faith in God. Like they gave the significance of having a complete temple, we need to give attention to the significance of an unhindered altar of worship in our lives. Their plight shows us why it is essential for us to remain faithful to God and His word. When they heard the word from Haggai and Zachariah and listen to it afresh, they found new strength, zeal, and vigor to complete what they had left unaccomplished. Have we left the altar of our lives unattended because we are distracted or discouraged? Have we neglected the Word of God and neglected our time to connect with Him? It’s time to return to re-establish our personal altar. Return to the Word of God. Listen to the Word of God anew. Let’s be sure to establish the altar of God in our lives