LESSON 3 4. In Ezra 1:7–11, the Jewish temple vessels that the Babylonians took under Nebuchadnezzar were to be returned to Jerusalem. Worship was to be re- stored at the temple, and these sacred vessels were an important part of the continuity between the past and the present. What material contribution did Cyrus make to the restoration of the temple?
FOUNDATIONAL TRUTH
HOUSE OF THE LORD In his proclamation, King Cyrus said that God has charged him with building Him a house, and he directed God’s people to return to Jerusalem to “re- build the house of the L ord ” (Ezra 1:3). This “house” is the temple, originally built by David’s son and successor, Solomon (2 Sam. 7:13; 1 Kings 6), and destroyed by the Babylonians at the start of Israel’s captivity (2 Kings 25:9). The temple had its roots in the tabernacle (Ex. 26). The tabernacle and then the temple were to be the place where God would dwell with His people, and where the Israelites were to worship and offer sacrifices according to the Mosaic law. God’s house was central to Israelite life: their existence as a nation was dependent on God’s glory and His presence with them. God has always determined His dwelling place and carried out His will. Ultimately, Jesus, or the Word, became flesh and dwelt among God’s people, revealing Himself as the “true temple” of God (John 1:14 and 2:18–21).
5. The temple represented everything for God’s people. And yet God’s eter- nal purpose was to dwell with His people. How does John 1:14 encourage you? “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Ezra 1:1–2:70 | 35
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