By Ezekiel Kimosop
In our previous study of Ezra 1:1-4, we learned about God's command to Cyrus king of Persia during the first year of his reign that he should build the Temple at Jerusalem. Cyrus was used by God to facilitate and provide logistical support for a section of Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple.
In Ezra 1:5-11, we continue to follow the sequence of events following God's command to the Persian ruler. God stirred up the civil and religious leaders of the exiles of Judah and they arose and focused their energies on the Temple reconstruction effort (Ezra1:5-6). God also stirred up the neighbors of the exiles to support them with resources such as silver, gold and livestock.
Notice that Judah and Benjamin constituted the southern kingdom of Judah. The northern kingdom of Israel, also referred to as Samaria, and which comprised the rest of the twelve tribes of Israel, completely disappeared from the ancient world, never to arise again. It fell to Sargon II in 722 BC.
God therefore restricted His dealings to the people of Judah because of His covenant promise to David that He would raise a great ruler in the latter days so that his throne will be established forever (2 Samuel 7:1-17).
Some of the Jewish people signed up for the first batch of returnees in 538 BC and were determined to obey the command to reconstruct the temple at Jerusalem. They were led by Zerubbabel. Their experience in Judah is reported in the Book of Haggai.
Another set of returnees led by Ezra and Nehemiah, set out for Judah in 458 BC and 444 BC, respectively. We shall later learn about their achievements and challenges.
God also caused Cyrus to release the Temple treasures that had been captured by his predecessor, king Nebuchadnezzar during the fall of Jerusalem to Babylon in 586 BC. The temple treasures appeared to have been well preserved in the temple of the Babylonian deities.
A careful inventory was taken on the treasures before they were handed over to Sheshbazzer, who was the imperial governor of Judah at the time (Ezra1:7-11). Bible scholars say that the name "Shashbazzer" was a Persian (or Babylonian) name for Zerubabbel son of Shealtiel who is mentioned in the Book of Haggai. He is also listed in the lineage of Christ (Luke 3:27).
It was a common practice among ancient Middle Eastern kingdoms to change names of captives. This is affirmed in the Book of Daniel where the three Hebrew young men were given Babylonian names (Daniel 1:6-7).
The temple treasures may have been taken back to Judah by the first batch of returnees under Zerubbabel who were permitted by Cyrus to return to Jerusalem for the temple reconstruction.
APPLICATION
What moral lessons can we draw from our study of this passage?
First, God quickens and calls people of various cadres into His service. We should all respond to the call of God in whatever circumstances, knowing that we would be serving His purposes in our time.
Our skills, aptitudes and position of influence may be a basis for Christian service.
Secondly, there's power in coordination and teamwork in God's kingdom. When God's people are united for a common purpose, they accomplish much.
Thirdly, there's no dispensation in which God's dealing with His people can fail. No matter what circumstances prevail around us, God actively interacts with His covenant people and draws them to Himself. They are His vessels of service (1 Timothy 2:17-21); a special people belonging to God (1 Peter 2:9).
Finally, we learn that God keeps His promises. He promised to return His people back to Judah after the period of their dispersion is accomplished. That's practically what happened during the period described by the Books of Ezra, Nehemiah and Haggai.
This reminds us that the soon return of Christ is a certainty anchored in God's promises in Scripture (1 Thessalonians 4 13-18). Those who are faithful to Christ will be taken away by Christ to be eternally in the presence of God.
Do you sense the call of God relating to a particular of service? Arise and serve.
© Ezekiel Kimosop 2020
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