On reading the content of the letter sent to him, King Darius ordered an investigation to ascertain what was communicated to him. After carefully examining the official records, a memorandum was found that established the validity of the Jews’ claim.
Darius then wholeheartedly
supported the continuation of the work. Determined to safeguard the workers, he
directed the provincial authorities to provide the Jewish community with
financial assistance and essential resources at the state’s expense. The king’s
unwavering support was a source of reassurance and confidence, ensuring the
construction’s smooth progress and equipping the Jewish community with the
necessary means to carry out their sacred rites at the temple.
With the help of the Prophets
Haggai and Zechariah, the son of Iddo, the elders of the Jews successfully
completed the building of the temple according to the command of the God of
Israel and the decrees of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes, kings of Persia. The
completion of the temple was a significant event in the history of the Jewish
people, marking a return to their religious and cultural roots. The temple was
finished on the third day of the month, Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of
King Darius, some four years later.
The sons of Israel, the priests,
the Levites, and the rest of the exiles celebrated the dedication of the house
of God with overwhelming joy. They offered 100 bulls, 200 rams, and 400 lambs
for the temple’s dedication, and as a sin offering for all Israel, 12 male
goats corresponding to the number of the tribes of Israel.
Then, according to what was
written in the book of Moses, they appointed the priests to their divisions and
the Levites to their orders for the service of God in Jerusalem, all amidst a
jubilant atmosphere of celebration and joy.
The returnees then gathered to
commemorate the Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month. The priests
and the Levites joined in a collective purification ritual, ensuring that all
participants were ceremonially pure. They ceremonially slaughtered the Passover
lamb, not only for themselves but also for their compatriots, the priests, and
their families. The Passover celebration was a time of reflection and
thanksgiving, as the Jewish people remembered their liberation from slavery in
Egypt and the covenant with their God.
The returning sons of Israel and
those who had separated themselves from the impurity of the nations of the land
to seek the Lord God of Israel partook in the Passover feast. Everyone joyfully
observed the Feast of Unleavened Bread for a week, filled with the joy and
favor the Lord had brought them. They were especially heartened by the support
of the king of Assyria, who had turned his attention toward them, encouraging
their efforts in rebuilding the house of God, the God of Israel. The king's
support was a testament to the growing recognition and acceptance of the Jewish
community and their religious practices.
This chapter highlights the power
of perseverance, faith, and unity in overcoming challenges and achieving corporate
goals. The celebrations and feasts remind us to express gratitude, celebrate
milestones, and come together as a community. We must learn to stay resilient
in the face of obstacles, foster unity within our communities, and take the
time to celebrate and express gratitude for our achievements and the blessings
God has showered on us.
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