LESSON 4 4. Similarly, why is unity in the church vital today? Consider the following verse: Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that wheth- er I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. —Philippians 1:27–28
5. In Ezra 3:10–13, notice the joyful celebration because the foundation is laid. What do you observe about the older men?
6. The Israelites were careful to recognize and honor God, who enabled the success of their rebuilding: “For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever toward Israel” (v. 11).
Take a moment to reflect on God’s steadfast love and loyalty to His promises toward Israel and in your life.
DAY 5
The Israelites Encounter Opposition (Ezra 4:1–24)
Opposition to the rebuilding of Jerusalem is a consistent theme throughout the second exodus. It started with the rebuilding of the temple under Cyrus (Ezra 4:1–5 and 24) and continued well beyond the time the temple was completed. Though the temple was completed during the time of Darius I, resistance to the rebuild- ing of Jerusalem continued during the reigns of Ahasuerus (Xerxes) and his son, Artaxerxes I. Even though Ahasuerus (Xerxes) and Artaxerxes I reigned after the temple had been reconstructed, Ezra refers to general opposition that occurred under
Ezra 3:1–4:24 | 47
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