EXPOSITION
So they did speedily. Tatnai and Shethar-boznai showed no reluctance. They had no enmity against the Jews. Once clearly advertised of the king's wishes, they carried them out with zeal. The rapid completion of the temple must be in part attributed to their good-will.
And the elders of the Jews builded. See above, Ezra 5:5, Ezra 5:9. Probably the same as "the chief of the fathers" of Ezra 2:68, and Ezra 3:12. While the younger men were those who actually laboured, the elders superintended the work. Zerubbabel and Jeshua are no doubt included among them. And they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai … and Zechariah. It can well be understood that Haggai's earnest exhortations, his warnings, his threats, his sarcastic reproaches (Haggai 1:4, Haggai 1:9), his prophecies of a coming glory to the house greater than any known previously (Haggai 2:9), would rouse the spirit of the people, and make them labour diligently and perseveringly; but the visions of Zechariah seem less calculated to stir popular feeling. Still the knowledge that the angels of God were interesting themselves in the restoration of the temple (Zechariah 1:9-38; Zechariah 2:3, etc.), and the many promises that God would "comfort Zion," and "choose Jerusalem" (Zechariah 1:17; Zechariah 2:12; Zechariah 3:2), and that the temple should assuredly be brought to completion (Zechariah 1:16; Zechariah 4:9), helped no doubt to strengthen the hands of Zerubbabel, and to keep up the zeal of the people. According to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia. The commandments of Cyrus and of Darius have been set forth by the writer (see Ezra 1:3; Ezra 6:3-15, Ezra 6:7); but nothing has been said as yet of any commandment given by any Artaxerxes to "build" or "finish" the house. On the contrary, the only Arta-xerxes mentioned has been declared to have expressly forbidden the work to proceed (Ezra 4:7-15). The Artaxerxes of that place, moreover, reigned between Cyrus and Darius, whereas this Artaxerxes should, by the position of his name, be one of the successors of Darius. It has been suggested that Xerxes is intended, and that he may have been associated with his father during the building of the temple. But as Xerxes was the son of Atossa, whom Darius did not marry until he had ascended the throne (Herod; 3:88), he cannot have been more than five years old when the temple was finished. Nor was he ever associated on the throne by his father. Xerxes, therefore, cannot be meant. The next king to Xerxes, however, who really bore the name of Artaxerxes was a favourer of the Jews, and did give commandment to "beautify," and in that sense "finish," the house of the Lord (see Ezra 7:20, Ezra 7:27). We must suppose, therefore, that he is the person intended. The objection that the name is not spelt the same, but has a samech in one place instead of a schin, is too minute to require consideration. The Persians themselves spelt the name of Artaxerxes in more ways than one.
The house was finished on the third day of the month Adar. Haggai (Haggai 1:15) gives the exact day of the recommencement of the work as the twenty-fourth of Elul in Darius's second year. Ezra here gives the exact day of the completion. From Zerubbabel's laying of the foundation (Ezra 3:10), the time that had elapsed was twenty-one years. From the recommencement under the inspiriting influence of the two prophets, the time was only four years, five months, and ten days.
DEDICATION OF THE SECOND TEMPLE (Ezra 6:16-15). Following the example of Solomon, who had solemnly "dedicated" the first temple (1 Kings 8:63), and had offered on the occasion a sacrifice unexampled for its magnitude in the whole of Jewish history (ibid.), Zerubbabel now, under the advice of two prophets, inaugurated the new building with a similar ceremony. In "the day of small things" it was not possible for him to emulate Solomon's magnificence in respect of the number of victims. Solomon had sacrificed 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep. Zerubbabel's means only enabled him to make an offering of 712 animals, more than half of them lambs. He did, however, according to his ability; and God, who accepts all our endeavours according to that we have, and not according to that we have not, was content to receive graciously the humble offering made to him, and to bless the building thus inaugurated with a glory unknown to the first temple. The Lord himself, the Messenger of the covenant, so long sought by his people, suddenly came to this temple (Malachi 3:1)—came to it, and frequented it, and taught in it, and gave it a dignity and a majesty far beyond the first temple, which possessed indeed the Shechinah, but was once, and once only, vouchsafed a brief manifestation of the actual Divine presence (2 Chronicles 7:1).
The children of Israel. Again the writer is careful to present the returned exiles to us as "Israel," and not merely "Judah" (comp. Ezra 2:70; Ezra 3:1, Ezra 3:10, Ezra 3:11; Ezra 4:3; Ezra 5:1). This is especially fitting when he is about to explain why the number of the he-goats offered was twelve (see the next verse). Kept the dedication of this house of God. The primary dedication seems to be glanced at in the words, "the dedication of this house," an expression repeated in the next verse. It is one of the great objects of Ezra to link the present with the past, the new temple with the old, the restored religion with that of former times.
And offered … an hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs. A poor offering, if it be compared, not alone with Solomon's (1 Kings 8:63), but even with Hezekiah's (2 Chronicles 30:24), or Josiah's (2 Chronicles 35:7). Hundreds now take the place of the thousands offered under the old monarchy. A sin offering for all Israel. See comment on Ezra 6:16. We may assume that some of every tribe had returned with Zerubbabel, and that consequently it was possible to regard the re-established people as "Israel" (comp. Nehemiah 11:20; Zechariah 8:13; Malachi 1:1); though, since the great majority were Jews, they were more commonly spoken of as "Judah" (Ezra 4:1, Ezra 4:6, Ezra 4:23; Ezra 5:1, Ezra 5:5; Ezra 6:7, Ezra 6:14; Zechariah 8:15, etc.). Zerubbabel, desirous of emphasising the nobler and grander view, made this solemn sin offering of twelve he-goats, one for each of the tribes. Ezra acted similarly when he brought the second colony (infra, Ezra 8:35).
They set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses. The completion of the new temple was naturally followed by an arrangement of the ministers corresponding to that which had been originally made by David, and afterwards adopted by Solomon, for the service of the old temple (see 1 Chronicles 23:6-13; 1 Chronicles 24:1-13). This arrangement was based upon the ordinances of the law with respect to the respective offices of the two orders, as given in the Book of Numbers (Numbers 3:6-4; Numbers 8:6-4), and, so far, was according to the writing of the book of Moses. But the "courses" themselves were not established till David's time.
CELEBRATION OF THE PASSOVER IN THE ENSUING MONTH, AND OBSERVANCE OF THE FEAST OF UNLEAVENED BREAD (Ezra 6:19-15). Specially solemn passovers were celebrated on specially solemn occasions; and these received special record at the hands of the sacred writers. Of this kind are the passover celebrated By Hezekiah in the year B.C. 726, recorded in 2 Chronicles 30:1-14; and that celebrated by Josiah in b.c. 624, recorded in 2 Chronicles 35:1-14. Both of these followed upon a cleansing of the temple, and restoration of the temple worship after a period of suspension. Ezra seems to place the passover of b.c. 516 in the same category. It marked the period of the full re-establishment of the regular ordinances of religion, more or less interrupted from the time of the destruction of the temple by Nebuchadnezzar. It terminated the abnormal and commenced the normal condition of things. Perhaps it is to mark this, that Ezra at this point disuses the Chaldee dialect, which he had introduced in Ezra 4:8, and returns to the Hebrew, the established language of the Jewish religion.
Upon the fourteenth day of the first month. The day fixed by the law of Moses (see Exodus 12:6).
The opening section of this verse is mistranslated. Ezra really makes a distinction between the priests and the Levites, the former of whom, he says, "purified themselves," while the latter "were all pure, as one man;" wherefore the latter killed the paschal lambs, not only for themselves and for the people, but also for their brethren the priests. It would seem that, as in Hezekiah's time, "the Levites were more upright in heart to sanctify themselves than the priests" (2 Chronicles 29:34).
Such as had separated themselves unto them. i.e. such proselytes as had been made since the return from the captivity. We have perhaps a mention of some of these proselytes in the "Sherezer" and "Regem-melech" sent by the men of Bethel a short time before this to make inquiries of the priests at Jerusalem in respect of fasting (Zechariah 7:2). These names are Assyrian, and not likely to have been given to persons born Jews. From the filthiness of the heathen means "from their moral defilements" (see Ezra 9:11). It is always to be borne in mind that heathen idolatry was full of such impurities.
Kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days. As required by the law (Exodus 12:15; Exodus 13:7; Leviticus 23:6, etc.). On the spiritual meaning of the feast, see 1 Corinthians 5:8. The Lord had … turned the heart of the king of Assyria. It has been generally supposed that Darius is personally meant here, and surprise has been expressed at his being called "king of Assyria." That title is never elsewhere given in Scripture to a king of Persia. Perhaps the writer's real intention in this place is to express in a general way the thankfulness of the Jews that God had turned, the hearts of their civil rulers, whether Assyrians, Babylonians, or Persians, from hostility to friendship, having replaced the bitter enmity of Sennacherib and Nebuchadnezzar by the hearty good-will of Cyrus and Darius. On this view, Assyria would represent merely the great power of Western Asia, and "the king" would not be Darius personally, but the lord of Western Asia in a more general way, who by God's goodness had become the permanent friend of Israel instead of her oppressor and enemy.
HOMILETICS
The work completed.
These words form the conclusion of the first and longest portion of this scriptural Book of Ezra. All the remaining portion of the book is divided off from this in three separate ways. It is so, partly, on the question of time, a gap of something like sixty years intervening between the events mentioned at the close of this sixth chapter and those referred to at the beginning of the seventh. It is also divided off in regard to its method, being not so much, like the former portion, a piece of history, strictly so called, as an interesting extract from the life-story of one particular man. And it is, finally, divided off to some extent on the question of subject, inasmuch as it only touches in a subsidiary and altogether supplemental manner on that which the former portion related at length. The proper record of the work of restoring the temple finishes here. Corresponding to all this is the character of the passage itself. It bears the impress, in every way, of being a winding-up of that record. How the material building was finished: how it was solemnly set apart for its proper service: and how it was first employed in that service; these are the only particulars now requiring to be described. These, we shall find, are accordingly described to us here.
I. THE BUILDING FINISHED. This was done, as we gather—
1. Without delay. There was no delay on the part of Tatnai, etc. in making known the edict of Darius, or in complying with its injunctions. The language was very plain; its tone very urgent; its results, therefore, very prompt. As "the king had sent, so they did speedily" (verse 13). On the other hand, there was just as little delay on the part of the Jews. The king's decree and the prophet's message (verse 14) together were like wings to their work. They "built," and "prospered," and "finished" (verses 14, 15), so we are told. It would almost seem, indeed, as though from the time of the arrival of this decree of Darius (probably in the fourth year of his reign; see Wordsworth on verse 14, and compare dates in Ezra 4:24; Haggai 1:1; Zechariah 1:1, etc; in connection with time required for sending to Darius, for search, for sending reply, and so on), the Jews looked upon the completion of the temple as a mere question of time, and so at last regarded their condition of captivity as being practically at an end (see Zechariah 7:1-38). The very "headstone" (Zechariah 4:7) of the building was now within sight.
2. Without defect. As God himself wished it to be, "according to the commandment of the God of Israel" (verse 14), so the building was "finished." That was the main point, of course. But it was not the only point to be marked. We are also to observe that it was "finished" as Cyrus and Darius had given "commandment.'' Artaxerxes, it is true, long afterwards, did not a little, in a supplementary manner, for the beauty of this house; and, therefore, it is proper that he should be mentioned here in this "commemoration of benefactors." But all that was essentially necessary had not only been fully specified in the decrees of his two predecessors, but had also been fully carried out during the reign of the second. Soon after the beginning of the last month in the sixth year of Darius "this house was finished;" finished as God had intended; finished as he had caused his servants, the kings of Persia, to decree; finished as his own people had been taught to expect. The last stone had been placed; the last test had been applied; all was ready for use (see prophecies in Zechariah 4:7-38).
II. THE BUILDING SET APART. All was ready for use as to construction. To make it equally ready for use as to condition, it must be solemnly handed over, as it were, to God's keeping and service. We are next told, therefore, how this was done. Namely—
1. With proper "joy." This to be noted first because required first. God can only accept and bless that which is offered with joy (Exodus 25:2; 2 Corinthians 9:7). Comp. also the joy of David and Israel in offering for the erection of the first temple (1 Chronicles 29:9), and that of Solomon and all Israel at its dedication. Equally universal, and possibly, on the principle of Luke 15:6, Luke 15:9, Luke 15:24, Luke 15:32, even deeper, was the joy of these "children of the captivity" at this dedication of the second house.
2. With proper humility. That which they were now offering to God had been first given to them by himself (1 Chronicles 29:14, 1 Chronicles 29:15); and could not, in reality, in any way make any addition to his glory (Psalms 16:2; Psalms 50:9-19; Luke 17:10); and was utterly inadequate, in fact, for his use (1 Kings 8:27; Acts 7:48, Acts 7:49). Not only so, as coming from such as they were (see Isaiah 6:5), it was altogether unfit (as it was)for his service, and required, in consequence, in order to make it so, like themselves, to be "purged." In open acknowledgment of these various truths, by way of thank-offering for his many bounties, by way of adoration of his infinite majesty, by way of appointed propitiation for their own unworthiness, they accompany their offering of this building by the other bleeding offerings here enumerated (Luke 15:17). Observe especially the number of victims—two lambs for every ram, two rams for every bullock; the less the value, the greater the number, as is natural in true thank offerings. Also, in regard to the sin offering, one victim to every tribe; partly, it would seem, in believing reference to that covenant promise of God which was given to the twelve tribes as a whole (1 Kings 18:31; Acts 26:6, Acts 26:7), and partly in order that the humiliation for sin therein involved might be of a truly national kind. All Israel were understood to confess their sins on the heads of those goats.
3. With proper care. It was not much they could offer, but it should be the best in their power. Because God was indulgent, and willing to accept, for his covenant's sake, what was in itself imperfect and unworthy, they would not therefore be negligent. Rather, they would seek to order everything exactly as he had prescribed, so far as lay in their power. Not merely the house, but the household (Matthew Henry), the "priests" and the "Levites," who should attend to the building and its services, were solemnly then set apart. And all in the way in which God himself had directed his servant Moses to specify and record. All were dedicated, in short, to God's service according to God' s way.
III. THE BUILDING IN USE. Why did it please God, notwithstanding Acts 7:48-44, to have such a house among men? Partly to help in separating and consolidating his Israel (see Exodus 23:17; Psalms 122:4, etc.). In the new circumstances of Israel (see earlier outline) this more needful than ever. Would this restored house, now at last completed and consecrated, answer this end? This first recorded use of it answers this question; and seems, in short, to be recorded with this object in view. What a strong spirit of separation is found in these verses (19-22)throughout.
1. Separation from other nations—the very feast observed, that of the passover, being a commemoration of the most conspicuous separation ever made between Israel and the nations (Exodus 12:26, Exodus 12:27, also 45, 47).
2. Separation from ceremonial uncleanness—even the priests being superseded on this occasion by the Levites, in the matter of killing the passover lambs for all, as not being so universally "pure" (see Rawlinson on Acts 7:20, who translates, "And the priests were purified, and the Levites as one man were all of them pure").
3. Separation from false brethren—no other persons being allowed to join with the returned children of the captivity in celebrating this feast, except those, whether "proselytes from the heathen" or "Israelites" never captive at all, who "had separated themselves unto" these others "from the filthiness of the heathen of the land, to seek the Lord God of Israel." The description is almost scientific in its accuracy and precision. Separated from the heathen; from their "filthiness" too. Separated unto Israel; to seek Israel's God.
4. Separated with joy. To find themselves once again with a house of their own; to think of all that God had done for them in providing them with such a house, even bringing them help from that very Assyrian land which had formerly been their destruction (Isaiah 3:2, etc.); and so now at last, once again, to feel themselves openly and fully a "peculiar people" to the Lord their God, was a very great joy. Nor was this joy at all lessened, but rather increased, by the nature of the feast they were keeping, involving, as it did, not only separation from the heathen (see above), but also as the "feast of unleavened bread" (Acts 7:22), separation from inward sin (Exodus 12:8, Exodus 12:15, Exo 12:18-20; 1 Corinthians 5:7, 1 Corinthians 5:8). So great a delight, as well as clear a duty, did they feel their present separation to Jehovah. And so thoroughly did this their first use of their just-restored house suit the character of that house (Psalms 93:5). How forcibly all this instructs us—
1. As to the real nature of God's purposes. Looking back on all these six chapters of Ezra, we see one object in view, viz; the restoration of God's house. Looking on the house now at length completed, we see, however, that even its erection was only a means to an end, viz; the sanctification of God's people. So even of that spiritual temple, the body of Christ (John 17:19; Hebrews 10:10). So of the Sabbath as "made for man" (Mark 2:27). So of all trials and affliction (Hebrews 12:10). So of the whole Christian calling (1 Peter 2:9), and the whole work of redemption (Titus 2:11-56). Does not the very expression indeed, "the means of grace," teach us as much? Unless these means do really minister grace to believers, they fail of their end.
2. As to the true wisdom of God's people, viz; to seek for the full realisation of these gracious purposes in themselves. Even in being definitely in the way of their realisation there is much joy, but some sorrow as well (see above, Ezra 3:12, Ezra 3:13). But we read of no such sorrow mingled with joy now that the completion and dedication of the house has been consummated by a similar dedication of the people themselves. Even "unleavened bread" and "bitter herbs" in that case are eaten with "joy." What, indeed, is more natural if we come to consider? "Without holiness no man shall see God" (Hebrews 12:14). Nor can any man see true happiness without seeing God (Psalms 16:11; Psalms 17:15; 1 John 3:2; Revelation 22:4). Even as our Lord himself has summed up the argument in Matthew 5:8. The nearer to God's image, through the help of his Spirit and for the sake of his Son, the nearer to his bliss. We may almost describe the whole Christian creed as practically summed up in these words.
HOMILIES BY W. CLARKSON
Overthrow and upbuilding.
The end of this mission brings to our view—
I. THE OVERTHROW OF EVIL. "Then Tatnai,… Shethar-boznai, and their companions, according to that which Darius had sent, so did they speedily ' (Ezra 6:13). With deepest mortification and chagrin must they have received these tidings from the Babylonian court. Their failure was complete and conspicuous. Not only had they not done what they wanted to do, but they bad been compelled to aid and prosper that to which they were implacably opposed. "According to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did speedily;" they paid the expenses (Ezra 6:8) and presented the offerings (Ezra 6:9, Ezra 6:10), and thus contributed to the cause they set out to demolish. In the end we shall see evil overthrown by the power of God, by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. By faith we may say what our Master said by Divine prevision, "I saw Satan as lightning fall from heaven" (Luke 10:18). And sometimes God gives us to see evil overthrown before our eyes, its designs upset, its fabric brought down to the ground. It is a pleasing and cheering sight when we see it simply defeated, as when, after long and hard struggle, a good cause succeeds in establishing itself despite the utmost efforts of iniquity to hinder it. Still more gratifying is it to see it suffer such an utter rout as on this occasion, when its forces are not only arrested, but made to serve the cause it bad assailed. Then God not only restrains man's wrath, but makes it to praise him and to serve us (Psalms 76:10). Let us be encouraged under oppression and persecution. Our Divine Leader can not only deliver us out of the hand of our enemies, but he may even, as here, and as often since in the history of the Church, compel those who are hating us, and maligning and misrepresenting us, and seriously injuring us, to bring us their tribute and aid us in offering our sacrifice of prayer and praise unto the Lord our Saviour.
II. SPIRITUAL BUILDING. "And the elders of the Jews builded" (Ezra 6:14), "and they builded and finished" (Ezra 6:15). Then the Jews, under their elders (in order, giving rank and direction to those who were men of experience and capacity), builded the house—
1. For God: for his worship and praise; that offerings might be presented unto him which should be acceptable to him; and—
2. With God: they gladly availed themselves of the help accorded them by the prophets of the Lord. These men (Ezra 6:14) "prophesied," i.e. they spake in the name of the Lord, urging all to do their work diligently and faithfully, and therefore speedily and Soundly; also obediently, "according to commandment" (Ezra 6:14); and thus they brought their work—
3. To its completion: "they finished it;" it stood strong and fair and well furnished, from foundation to top-stone. We, too, are building for God; not, perhaps, a material fabric, but that which is more precious in his sight—a Christian character or a Christian cause. We are engaged in "building up ourselves in our most holy faith" (Jude 1:20), adding to our faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge, etc. (2 Peter 1:5, 2 Peter 1:6, 2 Peter 1:7). And we are (or ought to be) engaged in building up the temple of some good cause. Some work of God is occupying our time, is engaging our strength and skill. We are laying the foundation in some small beginnings, or, on the foundation another has laid, we are building up the imperishable "gold, silver, precious stones," rejecting (as far as possible) the "wood, hay, and stubble," which the fires of God would consume (1 Corinthians 3:12). Let us see to it that, in building up both our own character and the cause of God, we build—
1. For God; doing all things mainly and chiefly unto him; as "unto the Lord," and not as unto ourselves. Let the glory of Christ be the mainspring of our action. Whatever toil, patience, forbearance, charity may be required, let us gladly yield all because "Jesus is worthy to receive," etc.
2. With God; accepting all the help God offers us through the varied means of grace he has supplied—notably the preaching (or "prophesying") of his servants; consulting his word to know his will, that all our building may be "according to commandment." We must do what we do in the way, i.e. in the spirit and after the method, in which he would have us work.
3. Unto completion. Learning, growing, ripening until death; sympathising, giving, striving, co-operating till the work is done and the fabric is finished.—C.
HOMILIES BY J.A. MACDONALD
The successful issue.
The vicissitudes through which the building of the temple was carried to its completion figure forth those of the spiritual temple of the Church. This eventful history teaches—
I. THAT GOD'S PURPOSES WILL BE ACCOMPLISHED.
1. This truth is exemplified in. the creation.
(1) A universe sprang into being in obedience to his voice (Psalms 33:9).
(2) It serves his purposes in all its complicated movement (Psalms 147:7-19, Psalms 147:15-19; Psalms 148:1-19.; Colossians 1:17).
2. This truth is also exemplified in prophecy.
(1) The temple was finished in accordance with prophecy (Isaiah 44:27, Isaiah 44:28). The events which prepared the way were also pre-indicated (see also Jeremiah 50:1-24. and 51.). These are samples. The whole subject of prophecy proves that God governs the moral world by a plan.
(2) This plan must comprehend all possible contingencies that may arise from the action of free beings. There is a limit to all freedom except that of God. His absolute freedom ultimately limits all that is relative. Lesson—To attempt to resist the will of God is indeed madness.
II. THAT GOD HONOURS HIS WILLING SERVANTS.
1. He gives them an interest in his work. "They prospered," viz; in the success of God's work.
(1) They obeyed his commandment because it was his. Love to God animated their zeal.
(2) Thereby their own moral nature became ennobled.
2. He encourages them by his approving voice. "They prospered through the prophesying of Haggai," etc.
(1) His word supplies the noblest motives. To the true servant of God nothing is trifling; he does all to the glory of God. This stamps the most ordinary things with sublimity.
(2) His word gives wisdom, viz; to sustain them in his work against the prudence of the world (see Ezra 5:5). Also to answer prudently in the face of the enemy (see Ezra 5:11-15). Prophecy in Christian sanctuaries is a grand thing for business men.
3. He crowns their labours with success.
(1) There may be, there will be, vicissitudes in the way. Even in these there is real success when the signs of it are not visible.
(2) But the issue is sure. The sequel will be glorious. Lesson—Trust God when you cannot trace him.
III. GOD MAKES UNLIKELY PERSONS HIS WILLING SERVANTS.
1. Several Medo-Persian kings were such.
(1) These were worshippers of the elements. Why should they favour the worship of Jehovah, who had humiliated their idolatry by defeating their gods? The miracles of the Old Testament in general were levelled against Sabianism.
(2) Political as well as religious reasons would render it unlikely that they should favour the return of the Jews. They succeeded to the place of the Babylonish kings, and might be presumed to follow up the policy of Nebuchadnezzar.
(3) But God found means to move the heart of Cyrus. Darius also was moved by him to follow his great predecessor. This he was the more disposed to by nature of the laws of the Medes and Persians, which alter not. Artaxerxes Longimanus, in after years, rendered his service to the people of God.
2. Perhaps Tatnai was another example.
(1) He was unlikely inasmuch as he had been moved by the enemies of Israel. But he seems to have had little sympathy with their malice.
(2) The "speedy'' obedience which he rendered to the decree of Darius may have been cheerful. Lesson—Let no one despair of the power of the gospel to convert unlikely sinners.
IV. THAT GOD MAKES UNWILLING PERSONS SERVE HIS PURPOSES. The "people of the land" were in this category.
(1) Their opposition was undoubted. Their conduct hitherto proved this. Their enmity was transmitted to their posterity (see Nehemiah 2:9, Nehemiah 2:10, Nehemiah 2:19; Nehemiah 4:1-16; Nehemiah 6:16; John 4:9).
(2) But their opposition was overruled for good. It brought the necessities of Israel, occasioned by the neglect of the decree of Cyrus, under the notice of Darius. The enemies now had to pay and collect taxes to supply those necessities. They do this too "speedily," not because they love God, but because they fear the king (see verses 11, 12). So God "makes the wrath of man to praise him." Better we should praise him with a loyal heart. "When a man's ways please the Lord he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him."—J.A.M.
HOMILIES BY A. MACKENNAL
The temple finished.
The building of the temple was finished in about four years after the work was resumed. This was a short time for a work so vast, when compared with the resources of the Jews. It was carried through without intermission; the zeal of the people was not suffered to become languid through delay. The fact illustrates both the propitious character of external circumstances and the wisdom of the Jewish leaders. When the building was completed it was dedicated, and the worship of the LORD was re-established with solemnity and with joy. Here arc two themes, distinct and yet united—first, the rebuilding of the temple; and secondly, its dedication.
I. THE REBUILDING. The accession of Darius appeared to Haggai and Zechariah the sign that the Lord had again visited his people. The last monarch had been a Magian, "opposed to belief in a personal God," and "not approving of temples." Darius was in sympathy with the work of Cyrus, having faith in the God of heaven, and regarding the Jewish nation with special favour (verses 10, 12). Darius was the great organiser of the Persian kingdom. He made each province feel itself under the protection of the central authority, and by his system of "posts" brought each province into immediate communication with himself. A strong central authority is the best protection against the tyranny of provincial governments, with their petty jealousies and miserable intrigues. Modern as well as ancient Oriental history illustrates how heavily anarchy may press on a people like the Jews, too steadfast in religious convictions to join in prevailing heathenism and immorality, too feeble to enforce their claims. The change in the method of administration of which general history informs us is indicated in the sacred history (cf. the title "governor" given to Tatnai, Ezra 5:3, with the titles "chancellor" and "scribe" given to Rehum and Shimshai, Ezra 4:9). Tatnai's personal character, moreover, appears in favourable contrast with the characters of the "adversaries of Judah and Benjamin" whose letter is recorded Ezra 4:7-15. He writes no "accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem;" he simply reports the case for the decision of Darius (Ezra 5:6-15). Nor is his a one-sided report; fairly enough he states the pleading of the elders, referring definitely to the decree of Cyrus under which they acted, and asks that search may be made for it. And when the answer of Darius comes to him, he loyally endeavours to fulfil it. Tatnai's doing, and doing speedily, "according to that which Darius the king had sent," is mentioned in connection with the "prospering" of the elders of the Jews. The wisdom of the leaders of the Jews is seen in their hurrying forward the work. The zeal of the people might flag; changes might occur in the monarchy; they must take advantage of the favouring circumstances. The work was a great one; not all was accomplished when the temple walls were built; the mention of Artaxerxes in conjunction with Cyrus and Darius shows that they were in the middle, not at the end, of their labours. But this at least they could do—make sure their steps as they proceeded; the temple once erected was not destroyed;it stood a point of vantage for the carrying out of further projects. Their wisdom appears again in their refusal to relax their efforts while the appeal to Darius was being made (Ezra 5:5). They knew the character of Tatnai; they acted in confidence either that he would not desire or would not venture on his own authority to disallow their appeal to the decree of Cyrus. Their boldness was the truest prudence; it would keep up the hearts of their own people; it would overawe the "adversaries." The basis of their wisdom was piety; they knew that "the eye of their God was upon them." They not only confided in the general providence of God; the prophets Haggai and Zechariah urged the Jews to remember his special commission to them: he had brought them back. from captivity to do this work; his blessing would crown their fidelity with success; his curse would fall on their negligence. Haggai spoke to the people, pledging the fidelity of the Lord to them (Haggai 2:10-37). Zechariah appealed to the sense of Divine inspiration in Zerubbabel (Zechariah 4:6-38), and strengthened Jeshua the high priest by lofty assertions that he and his purpose and his trials were near the heart of God (Zechariah 3:1-38.). Special tokens of the Divine favour encouraged the people in their labour. The closing Psalms of the Psalter are assigned to this period of Jewish history; Psalm 146-148, are entitled in the Septuagint version "of Haggai and Zechariah;" and they speak of deliverance out of trouble, and prosperity after distress. Haggai's pledge on behalf of God was fulfilled: for drought they had flowing waters; instead of fruitless labour they had "food for the hungry," and "the finest of the wheat" (cf. Psalms 146:5-19; Psalms 147:3, Psalms 147:8, Psalms 147:13-19, with Haggai, passim). In almost all great histories of deliverance and progress these two elements are found united—favouring circumstance and human character. One-sidedness must be avoided in our interpretation of history. It is not wise to overlook the force of propitious events; we break human hearts if we teach that everything depends on our own fidelity, our own skill; not only so, we thus obscure men's faith in the providence of God. On the other hand, no times are propitious to those who are not ready to serve God. God's providence does not supersede our service, nor render needless his choicest gift of men. Inability to read "the signs of the times" is declared by Christ to be a mark of insincerity (Luke 12:54-42); the highest service man can render man is to be an "interpreter" of God's purpose, a prophet calling for the fulfilment of God's will.
II. THE DEDICATION. The festival of the dedication contrasts strikingly with Solomon's festival. "The holy of holies was empty. The ark, the cherubim, the tables of stone, the pot of manna, the rod of Aaron were gone. The golden shields had vanished. Even the high priest, though he had recovered his official dress, had not been able to resume the breastplate with the oracular stones." It is the contrast of youth, flushed with prosperity and of an exultant tone of piety, with experienced and saddened manhood. The barbaric munificence of Solomon's offering, 22,000 bullocks and 120,000 sheep, contrasts also with the 100 bullocks, 200 rams, and 400 lambs of the second sacrifice. But one touch of pathos appears here wanting in the first—the offering of twelve he-goats, a sin offering for each of the tribes. The sin offering, for sins of ignorance and negligence, was a confession that all had been heedless; they knew not, with all they had learnt, the full extent of their remissness, they felt "the sin that mingled with their holy things." We are touched by the record; the appeal went to the heart of God. "Thou desirest not sacrifice." "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit." With the dedication was associated the first passover, about a month after. The true consecration of a house of prayer is not the august ceremonial which attends its opening, but the habitual service offered in it. Note the carefulness to follow the law which is characteristic of this period (verses 18-20). Negligence had been their undoing; the sin offering confessed that; but the true repentance is amendment of the evil habit. There was a forward look in this arrangement of the priests and Levites; it was provision for a long future of Divine service. And with this was combined hope for the ingathering of all the nation. All the tribes, the children of the captivity, the children of the dispersion, and the undistinguished remnant left behind by the king of Assyria were regarded as one. Their hearts—like that of Paul (Romans 9:1-45 - 11.)—could not endure the thought of losing any. The family is not complete until all are gathered; humbler members, its very prodigals, as well as the virtuous and the prosperous. A nation, a Church, includes the weakly and the "less comely" members as well as those which are honourable. Among those who "had separated themselves unto them from the filthiness of the heathen of the land to seek the Lord God of Israel" may have been heathen proselytes. The "court of the Gentiles" appears for the first time in the temple of Zerubbabel. The true separation, it was recognised with increasing clearness, was separation from the sins of heathenism, not national exclusiveness. The joyousness of the festival is twice noticed (verses 16, 22). It is remarkable how much is said of joy in the Divine service in these books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Perhaps we are never fully conscious of joy till we have been sobered by sorrow. And it is a religious duty to encourage hope and gladness in the depressed. We must learn how to treat the various experiences with which we have to deal; not only weeping with them that weep, but doing all we can to win them to smiles. Elevating influences are most needed by the depressed. It was to slaves Paul told Titus to speak of "adorning, making beautiful, the doctrine of God our Saviour." To the prosperous we may speak of sobriety; we may remind him who lives many years, and rejoices in them all, of the "days of darkness," which shall be many. But those who have seen affliction, and who have arduous labour and adverse times before them, require that their religious services should be made as joyous and as bright as possible.—M.
HOMILIES BY J.S. EXELL
Church prosperity.
I. THERE WAS A CHANGE OF MOOD IN THOSE WHO HAD SOUGHT TO HINDER THE WORK. Tatnai, who had sought to hinder the building of the temple, now by the royal command does all he can to promote it. The world sometimes changes its mood toward the Church; often from motives of policy or fear; seldom from good will. Civil governors can greatly aid religious builders. When enemies help the Church prospers.
II. THERE WAS A FAITHFUL MINISTRY EXERCISED IN THE MIDST OF THE PEOPLE. "They prospered through the prophesying of Haggai" (verse 14). The ministry has much to do with the prosperity of a Church; men like Haggai and Zechariah cannot fail to inspire their comrades with their own earnest spirit. A faithful pastor will often make a Church prosperous.
III. THERE WAS THE COMPLETION OF AN ARDUOUS UNDERTAKING. "And this house was finished" (verse 15). A great enterprise, which had passed through so many vicissitudes, was now successfully ended. By the completion of its toils the Church indicates its energy, provides for its own welfare, and glorifies God.—E.
Church building.
I. THAT GOD REQUIRES a HOUSE ESPECIALLY ERECTED FOR HIS WORSHIP. "This house."
1. As a dwelling on the earth. God's presence pervades the universe; there is no place where it is not. The heaven of heavens cannot contain him, much less the house which we have built; yet in great condescension he manifests a richer presence in his holy sanctuary than in all the world outside. The Shechinah dwells in the temple. God's dwelling-place is in Zion. Christ is in the midst of his gathered people (Matthew 18:20).
2. As a testimony for the truth. The temple was a testimony to the heathen nations and to all people of the worship and sacrifice due from the Israelites to Jehovah. Our Christian churches testify to our belief in the great God, and to all those sacred truths which he has revealed in his book.
3. As the evidence of a religious feeling. While others are only building houses for themselves; we build also for God; we sacrifice the comfort of our ceiled houses and of our gains so to do. Our churches are evidence of the unselfish and devout sentiments of the human heart.
4. As the means of social philanthropy. We love the nation, and seek its moral welfare, hence we build it a sanctuary.
II. THAT THERE ARE A GREAT MANY IMPEDIMENTS IN THE WAY OF BUILDING CHURCHES. The Israelites had many hindrances in their work.
1. The lack of a good heart for the work.
2. The lack of generous gifts for the work.
3. The lack of suitable men to lead the work.
4. The lack of sympathy in men for the moral welfare of God's cause.
5. The lack of mutual concession to opposing ideas.
6. The lack of right help from the outside circles of society.
Christian enthusiasm, generosity, sympathy, good feeling, are the requisites of successful church building.
III. THAT THE COMPLETION OF A NEW CHURCH IS WORTHY OF SPECIAL GRATITUDE. The Israelites would indeed be grateful to see their finished temple.
1. Grateful for the kind providence that had aided them.
2. Grateful for the valiant leaders that had inspired them.
3. Grateful for the persistent spirit of work which had been given them.
4. Grateful that their arduous toils were at an end.
5. Grateful that the glorious worship of God could now be fully celebrated.
6. Grateful that they had a new impulse given to their national life.—E.
HOMILIES BY J.A. MACDONALD
The dedication of the temple.
As the temple was a type of the Church of God, and the stones of which it was composed represented individual believers, so the completing of the building foreshadowed that grand consummation in which the number of the elect shall be complete. The consequent dedication of the finished edifice will therefore represent the future devotion to the service of God of his glorified Church. By anticipation it also describes the service which believers should now render to God, since each part should be a true sample of the whole. In this view how fittingly was the dedication of the temple an occasion of joy (Ezra 6:16)!
I. THE REJOICING WAS OVER THE FINISHED WORK.
1. It was the end of all their toil.
(1) The end, in being the consummation towards which they wrought. So will the heavenly state be to all true workers in the Church of God.
(2) Also the end, in the sense of bringing their toil to its period. The labour of twenty long years was now closed. No more straining of muscles in felling of cedars in Lebanon. No more sweat of the face in lifting great stones. No more endurance of cruel mockings and violent persecutions, So when we gain our reward "there will be no more curse" (Revelation 21:3-66).
2. It was the triumph of their faith and hope.
(1) The word of God sustained them against opposition from the rulers and from the rabble. It nerved them under the discouragements of threats and violence. So amidst vicissitudes for twenty years they plodded on. Now they reap the reward of their constancy.
(2) So has the Church of God been carried up stone by stone amidst opposition from princes and people. Amidst poverty and perplexity. With interruptions and threatenings. But it is destined to witness a magnificent sequel (see Revelation 21:1, Revelation 21:2, Revelation 21:9, etc.).
(3) The history of the Church has its epitome in the experience of its members. Their constant faith will reap its reward too in the heights of the heavenly Zion.
II. THEY REJOICED OVER IMMENSE SACRIFICES.
1. There were peace offerings for the dedication.
(1) The number of the victims was 100 bullocks and 600 smaller animals, viz; 200 rams and 400 lambs. At the dedication of Solomon's temple the sacrifices were 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep (see 1 Kings 8:63). Yet this immolation does not compare unfavourably. Here were only 50,000 Jews as against say 10,000,000 Israelites in the days of Solomon, or 1 to 200. Multiply these victims by 200, and they scarcely differ in number from those offered at the earlier dedication (see also Ezra 8:35). Consider also the difference in their circumstances (see 2 Corinthians 8:2, 2 Corinthians 8:3). Well might they rejoice in their religious zeal.
(2) Corresponding to this enormous slaughter, there will be in connection with the dedication to God of his glorified Church a fearful sacrifice of his enemies. These judgments began upon the antichristian Jews (see Jeremiah 19:6, Jeremiah 19:7). They will culminate in the destruction of the Antichrist of Gentiledom (see Isaiah 34:1-23; Ezekiel 39:17-26). If mercy rejoices, it rejoices upon judgment (not "against" it); as the ark of mercy rode upon the flood of judgment (see Revelation 22:15).
2. There were sin offerings for all Israel.
(1) "Twelve he-goats according to the number of the tribes." The number of the victims sacrificed for the tribes at the dedication of Solomon's temple is not mentioned (2 Chronicles 7:4).
(2) Why for "all Israel," when so large a part of the ten tribes remained in their dispersion? Perhaps an expression of faith in those promises which speak of a full restoration of "all the house of Israel wholly" (see Ezekiel 11:14-26). This restoration was but an instalment of the ultimate restoration even of Judah.
(3) Atonement necessary to the acceptableness of services. The "children of the captivity" had a lively remembrance of the miseries they had suffered through sin. The redeemed in heaven will sing of Calvary (Revelation 5:8-66).
III. THEY REJOICED OVER THE ORDERING OF THE SERVICE OF GOD.
1. The priests were distributed into their divisions.
(1) These "divisions" are also called courses (2 Chronicles 8:14). They were twenty-four in number, and so ordered by David (1 Chronicles 24:1-13). They served in turn, under the direction of the high priest, and on entering this service were ceremonially sanctified (2 Chronicles 5:11). Example in the case of Zacharias (see Luke 1:5, Luke 1:8).
(2) There will be supreme order in the service of God in heaven.
2. The Levites also were distributed into courses.
(1) David, the type of his infinitely more illustrious Son, gave this ordinance likewise (1 Chronicles 23:3-13).
(2) Their services were
(a) those connected with sacrifice (2 Chronicles 31:2).
(b) Supervising matters pertaining to the temple.
(c) Keeping the doors of the house of the Lord.
(d) Leading the praise in the worship of God.
3. Believers in Christ are the priests and Levites of the spiritual sanctuary.
(1) They offer continual sacrifices of prayer, of praise, of service.
(2) Everything which concerns the house of God concerns them. The service they render is therefore joyful service. We should welcome holy ordinances with joy (Psalms 100:2)—J.A.M.
HOMILIES BY W. CLARKSON
Timely and wise enthusiasm.
It was natural and right that, when the temple was finished, the Israelites, who had spent on their work so much anxiety and toil, and who looked on the sacred building as the one great possession and glory of the land, should find their hearts elated with a strong and glowing enthusiasm. It was timely, and, moreover, it was wise; let us see its characteristics.
I. JOYOUS. "And the children of Israel … kept the dedication … with joy" (Ezra 6:16). It was "the Lord had made them joyful" (Ezra 6:22). Their souls were all alight and aglow with that best kind of happiness, the joy of gratitude. There is nothing so miserable as unthankfulness; nothing so happy as gratitude. They were mindful of his mercies who had brought them out of bondage, away from the "strange land" where they could not "sing the songs of Zion" (Psalms 137:1-19.), to their own home, the land of their fathers. They remembered him who had "turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them," and made him even lend them his aid; they blessed the Divine hand which had arrested and diverted the blow of their enemies. "Not unto us," they said, "but to thy name," etc. (Psalms 116:1-19.), and their souls thrilled with enthusiastic joy as they took possession of the new house they had built (Ezra 6:16), and again as they kept the feast of unleavened bread (Ezra 6:22). Happy they who "drink of the river of his pleasures," whom God makes joyful, whose gladness of heart is not the mere excitement of the flesh, but the pure and healthy satisfaction of the spirit.
II. SACRED (Ezra 6:17, Ezra 6:20, Ezra 6:21). Proceeding from a pure and sacred source, it flowed in a sacred channel, and took a devout and holy form; for
(a) they purified themselves, "separated themselves from the filthiness of the heathen" (Ezra 6:21); they made themselves clean of heart and hand, preparatory to worship, and "all of them were pure" (Ezra 6:20). And
(b) they brought sacrifices in abundance to the altar of the Lord (Ezra 6:17). Not the "thousands" of Solomon's time of wealth, but the "hundreds" of their own time of poverty; gladly, spontaneously, liberally they presented their offerings unto God.
Here are two of the requisites of acceptable service.
(a) Purity. If we regard iniquity in our heart the Lord will not hear us (Psalms 66:18). We must be clean who bear the vessels of the Lord (Isaiah 52:11). Only the pure in heart can hope to see God, either here by faith, or hereafter by sight (Matthew 5:8).
(b) Spontaneity. The willing, cheerful surrender both of ourselves (our will, our affections, our intelligence) and of our possessions (our time, our strength, our money) unto our Lord. "In the strength of grace, with a glad heart and free," we must dedicate ourselves unto him.
III. HUMBLE-HEARTED. They "offered for sin offering," etc. (Ezra 6:17). Twelve he-goats were offered as a sin offering (Ezra 6:17). It was not forgotten that, beside God's mercies to be celebrated, there were their own sins to be atoned. In the midst of our overflowing joy, joy before God and in him, it is well to remember that there are "sins of our holy things," and many shortcomings in our service, beside trespasses in our daily life, which Should lead to the prayer, "Let thy mercy, O Lord, lighten upon us," blending, not inharmoniously, with the voice of our supplication, and the song of our thanksgiving.
IV. SOCIAL. "And the children of Israel … did eat, and kept the feast," etc. (Ezra 6:21, Ezra 6:22). All the children of Israel, from the highest to the lowest, from the governor to the humblest menial of the state, from the high priest to the lowliest Levite, all sat down together to eat, to keep the feast. Their holy joy was multiplied and was beautified in the sight of God by being shared, and by being made as social as their circumstances and customs would allow. So should ours be; and though we have no longer Christian institutions answering to the early "agapae," we should seek for and discover some ways by which our "common joy in the common salvation" should be expressed together, in social as well as sacred service.
V. SYSTEMATIC. "They set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses" (Ezra 6:18). They kept the passover according to law (Ezra 6:19), and instead of letting enthusiasm simply blaze up and die down, they made provision for future devotion (Ezra 6:18). Here is enthusiasm in its wisdom; in the hour of its strength providing for the hour when its excitements will be over, when reliance must rest on calm conviction, and when piety must be maintained by devout habits and wise methods of worship and of work.—C.
HOMILIES BY J.S. EXELL
Church dedication.
I. THAT WE SHOULD DEDICATE A NEW CHURCH TO GOD IN A SPIRIT OF SOLEMN REJOICING. "With joy" (Ezra 6:16).
1. The work itself a joy. As a material structure, embodying the skill and handiwork of man, it is a joy.
2. The purpose of the work a joy. It is built for the glory of God and for the good of man.
3. The spirit of the work a joy.
4. The completion of the work a joy.
5. The prospect of the work a joy.
6. The interest of the work a joy. Heaven rejoices m the finished sanctuary, in which its holy worship shall be conducted, and its redemptive purposes be promoted. Religious worship is a joyful thing; let us enter the house of God with thanksgiving.
II. THAT WE SHOULD DEDICATE A NEW CHURCH TO GOD IN A SPIRIT OF DEEP SELF-ABASEMENT. "For a sin offering" (Ezra 6:17).
1. We must not be proud of our mechanical skill. Israel might be tempted to think that as a band of captives they had displayed great skill in building the house; they rather felt that God had built it.
2. When we have completed any great work for God we must not think that we have done anything worthy of praise; we must not commend our energy, devotion, or self-sacrifice; but we must remember our delay, our weakness, and how we needed the ministers of God to stir us to duty.
3. We must humble our souls before God in deep confession of sin.
4. We must come offering by faith the only sacrifice that can avail to make us and our imperfect work acceptable to God. The best house we can build for God is unworthy his acceptance; he can only accept it through the sacrifice of Christ.
5. We must come united in the sacred fellowship of the Church. Israel united in the feast.
III. THAT WE SHOULD DEDICATE A NEW CHURCH TO GOD BY INAUGURATING USEFUL MORAL AGENCIES. "They set the priests in their divisions" (Ezra 6:18). The house will be comparatively worthless unless it becomes the scene of busy Christian toil and enterprise; it is to be a house of moral industry. The agencies are—
1. Authoritative.
2. Varied. Priests and Levites; all kinds of workers.
3. Orderly—"in their course."
4. Useful—"for the service."
5. Continuous.
One course will relieve another. It is impossible to indicate the manifold agencies which ought to be set in operation by a new church, or to estimate the mighty impulse which should be given to the work of Christ on the earth.
IV. THAT WE SHOULD DEDICATE A NEW CHURCH TO GOD REGARDING IT AS THE REPOSITORY OF CHRISTIAN TRUTH AND THE SCENE OF RELIGIOUS WORSHIP. "As it is written in the book of Moses" (Ezra 6:18). "And killed the passover" (Ezra 6:20).
1. The repository of the truth. The temple was the repository of the law of Moses; in it the law of Moses was recognised as of supreme authority. In the new church God's book must rule our thought, speech, and action; a law more complete than the law of Moses; for in these last days God hath spoken unto us by his Son.
2. The scene of worship. The new church is not merely for literary, scientific, philanthropic purposes; but for the passover, for Christian worship. See that it is used for its rightful purpose.—E.
HOMILIES BY J.A. MACDONALD
The passover.
Six memorable passovers are mentioned in Old Testament Scripture. The first was in Egypt (Exodus 12:1-2.). The second in the wilderness (Numbers 11:1-4.). The third at Gilgal (Joshua 5:1-6.). The fourth in the days of Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 30:1-14.). The fifth in the eighteenth year of Josiah (2 Kings 23:1-12.). The sixth is that here mentioned. The subject is distributed into two parts:—
I. THE FEAST. This also is distributed into two parts.
1. The passover proper.
(1) This was held "upon the fourteenth day of the first month." This was the anniversary of the night before the departure of the children of Israel from Egypt, when the angel who destroyed the first-born of the Egyptians passed over the Israelites, who were protected by the blood of a slaughtered lamb.
(2) What an expressive type of the protection we derive through the sprinkling of the blood of Christ (see 1 Corinthians 5:7)! The very time of the death of Jesus was indicated in this date. He suffered not only in the first month and on the fourteenth day, but also "between the evenings" (Matthew 27:46).
2. The feast of unleavened bread,
(1) Scrupulous care was taken that no leaven should be found in their dwellings. Leaven is a salt and sour matter which is put into dough to ferment the mass for bread, and is also of a putrefying nature. Its exclusion by the ancient Israelite expressed his aversion to the abominations of the Egyptians from which he was delivered (Exodus 12:17; Exodus 13:3). These Jews would associate with the abominations of Egypt those of Babylon from which they were now delivered.
(2) The Eucharist is our feast of unleavened bread. Those who partake of this should put away all leaven of heresy (Matthew 16:16). All notorious and scandalous living (1 Corinthians 5:6, 1 Corinthians 5:7). All malice and wickedness of the heart (1 Corinthians 1:8).
3. The feast was kept with joy.
(1) With the joy ordinarily fitting to such an occasion. They kept it "seven days, and therefore with its "holy convocations" on the first and last days. Holy convocations to godly persons are essentially joyous. They anticipate the convocation in the heavens.
(2) But they had special reason for rejoicing. "For the Lord had made them joyful by turning the heart of the king of Assyria unto them to strengthen their hands," etc. The Persian monarchs are here collectively called the "king of Assyria" because they were rulers over the ancient Assyrian territory. The finishing of their temple was an occasion of great joy. There is no joy to be compared with that which the Lord makes for us.
II. THE PREPARATION.
1. The priests were purified, and the Levites were all of them pure. The state of things was now as it had been in the days of Hezekiah, when the passover had to be held in the second month because the priests had not sufficiently sanctified themselves to hold it at the more proper time (2 Chronicles 30:3). Note—When the spiritual temple is complete the priests and Levites—the saints of God—will be all morally pure.
2. All the children of the captivity were pure.
(1) This is evident from the fact that the passover was killed for them all (Ezra 6:20). The second passover was instituted to meet the case of those who through ceremonial uncleanness were incapable of taking the first (see Numbers 9:6-4). Here there was no need of a second, for the whole nation was ceremonially clean. This was a very remarkable circumstance, and shows what a wonderful providence was over their families, for a dead body in a house was sufficient to render its inmates unfit for this feast (see Numbers 19:14). What a type of the glorified Church! The joy of the paschal feast when it is renewed in the kingdom of God will not be interrupted by death. All there will be pure in the noblest sense.
3. Believing Gentiles were joined with their Jewish brethren (Ezra 6:21). They were qualified for this holy fellowship—
(1) By "separating themselves from the filthiness of the heathen land." Some may have come with them from Babylon, as the mixed multitude came up from Egypt (see Exodus 12:38; Nehemiah 13:3). Some may have been "people of the land," descendants of Esar-haddon's importation (Ezra 4:2). But they must have become Jewish proselytes.
(2) By "seeking the Lord God of Israel." True worship and salvation are nowhere else to be found (see John 4:22). At whatever sacrifice, let us seek the fellowship of the saints (Ephesians 2:13-49).—J.A.M.