March 20

Lesson 3

(NIV) FREE TO CELEBRATE DEVOTIONAL READING: Ezra 6:13–22

BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Ezra 6:13–22; Leviticus 23:4–8

Ezra 6:13–22 13 Then, because of the decree King Darius had sent, Tattenai, governor of Trans-Euphrates, and Shethar-Bozenai and their associates carried it out with diligence. 14 So the elders of the Jews continued to build and prosper under the preaching of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah, a descendant of Iddo. They finished building the temple according to the command of the God of Israel and the decrees of Cyrus, Darius and Artaxerxes, kings of Persia. 15 The temple was completed on the third day of the month Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius. 16 Then the people of Israel—the priests, the Levites and the rest of the exiles—celebrated the dedication of the house of God with joy. 17 For the dedication of this house of God they offered a hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred male lambs and, as a sin offering for all Israel, twelve male goats, one for each of the tribes of Israel. 18 And they installed the priests in their divisions and the Levites in their groups for the service of God at Jerusalem, according to what is written in the Book of Moses. 19 On the fourteenth day of the first month, the exiles celebrated the Passover. 20 The priests and Levites had purified themselves and were all ceremonially clean. The Levites slaughtered the Passover lamb for all the exiles, for their relatives the priests and for themselves. 21 So the Israelites who had returned from the exile ate it, together with all who had separated themselves from the unclean practices of their Gentile neighbors in order to seek the LORD, the God of Israel. 22 For seven days they celebrated with joy the Festival of Unleavened Bread, because the LORD had filled them with joy by changing the attitude of the king of Assyria so that he assisted them in the work on the house of God, the God of Israel.

I. Obedient Dedication

(EZRA 6:13–18)

A. Leaders and Associates

(v. 13) 13. Then, because of the decree King Darius had sent, Tattenai, governor of Trans-Euphrates, and Shethar-Bozenai and their associates carried it out with diligence.

Tattenai, the governor, oversaw the region on the west side of the Euphrates River, a region known as the Trans-Euphrates. His patience is notable. He waited until the decree of King Darius before responding to the reconstruction (see Ezra 5:5). Little is known about the associates who joined Tattenai and Shethar-Bozenai. They likely consisted of numerous groups of people (see Ezra 4:9). The leaders inquired of the Jews, reported to Darius, and received his support (see 5:6; 6:6–12). Previous opposition to the exiles dissipated because of the patronage shown by the king (see 4:1–5). Patronage was a socioeconomic relationship between a benefactor and a client. The benefactor provided materials and financial support for the client’s needs. In return, the client pledged loyalty to the benefactor. In this example, Darius served as the benefactor for the temple and provided for its reconstruction. In return, he hoped to quell any possible uprising among the exiles.I thes e are dedicated people that follow the King aned the King is doing Gods will.....

i liked the way God got Darius to be the benefactor giving the Exiles premission and finicial aid just like our presis is doing for the ukrain people. and also keeping the Exiles in order so and having others to take control of the kings wishes. that they showed respect for the King. just like we show respect for our president “”Sometimes!!!!!! we may not like what he does but we still show respect . that is one thing mom got us to do is show respect to our elders.... but it gets the job done ........

B. Elders and Prophets

(vv. 14–15)

14a. So the elders of the Jews continued to build and prosper under the preaching of Haggai , Haggai the prophet and Zechariah, a descendant of Iddo. ( Topical Bible: Iddo minor prophet

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Work on the temple’s reconstruction began in 536 BC (Ezra 3:8). For a time, work did stop due to opposition. However, it began again in the second year of Darius, 520 BC (4:24). The repatriated ( re·pa·tri·ate

exiles and the elders of the Jews continued in their rebuilding efforts. However, they would prosper in their efforts only as they followed the preaching of prophets (5:1). Decades after the events of Ezra 6, Jerusalem’s population was sparse (see Nehemiah 7:4). Eventually 10 percent of the repatriated population moved to Jerusalem (11:1–2). Still, the city was not a massive metropolis like other major cities. Therefore, the prophets were likely familiar with each other and each other’s teachings. For a time, the exiles avoided work on rebuilding the temple (Haggai 1:2). However, in August of 520 BC, Haggai the prophet urged rebuilding efforts, which soon occurred (1:1, 8, 14–15). Haggai’s exhortation was not a one-time occurrence. Over the months that followed, he appealed to the people of Judah. He was most concerned with the glory of the temple and the actions of its priests (2:1–23). The first address of Zechariah came two months later, in November of 520 BC (Zechariah 1:1-2). He warned the exiles of repeating the past mistakes of their people (1:4). The mercy of the Lord was emphasized among the people (1:16; 3:1–10). In response, they were to seek just and compassionate treatment of the community’s vulnerable members (7:8–10). What Do You Think? How can you build relationships with your neighbors that lead to their prospering? by trying to get them to believe in the same one GOd that we all believe in and hope that they follow Christ like we do .........

Digging Deeper How do Romans 15:1–7; Galatians 5:13; 6:2 inform your answer? after reading this verse i almost answered the digging deeper with out know that verse from romans. see how God works in our lives...........

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EXCEPTIONAL EXAMPLES

Millard Fuller (1935–2009) wanted something more from life. The self-made millionaire found life lacking. Millard and his wife, Linda, sold their

possessions and began the search for something meaningful. After spending five years in the international mission field, the Fullers returned to the United States. They were led to help create a housing ministry. The ministry sought to solve housing disparities by building houses on a profit-and-interest-free basis. From that foundation, Habitat for Humanity began its work in 1976. Through the Fullers’ exceptional example, others have participated in the vision of Habitat for Humanity. The prophetic voices of Haggai and Zechariah encouraged the exiles to continue their reconstruction work. When the exiles followed, they were filled with hope. The glory of God would soon fill the temple! How can you serve as an example to others for God’s work? Is your vision of God’s work clear so that you might become an exceptional example? —A. S. i can only hope that what i say and do is pleaseant in the sight of GOD........

14b. They finished building the temple according to the command of the God of Israel and the decrees of Cyrus, Darius and Artaxerxes, kings of Persia.

The decrees of Cyrus and Darius commanded that the Jerusalem temple be rebuilt (Ezra 1:2–3; 6:7). Their decrees came to fruition ( fru·i·tion

[fro͞oˈiSH(ə)n]

NOUN the point at which a plan or project is realized: "the plans have come to fruition sooner than expected" the realization of a plan or project: "new methods will come with the fruition of that research")

as the exiles finished building the temple. While there were several rulers with the name Artaxerxes, this one was Artaxerxes I (reigned 464–423 BC).

What does A.D. mean?

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In 457 BC Artaxerxes paused the reconstruction efforts of Jerusalem (4:7–23). He tasked Ezra with visiting the city on his behalf (7:1, 8, 11–26). Artaxerxes’s inclusion with the others kings of Persia shows that Ezra 6 was written at a later time than the events it described. Persian support for Jerusalem and its temple did not stop with Darius. Artaxerxes’s inclusion with Cyrus and Darius showed the continuation of Persian patronage toward the Jewish temple.

cant you see the work of GOD on the Persian people to continue to work with Gods people, we can only hope that we can get others to follow us along this path that leads us back to God by following CHRIST and maybe this world can be a better place for all....

15. The temple was completed on the third day of the month Adar,( In the Hebrew (Biblical) calendar, the Roman months of February/March are the month of Adar. Adar means “strength” (Ephesians 6:10-13, Psalms 18:1-3, Psalms 27:1-6, 14 )in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius The year 516 BC marked the sixth year of the reign of King Darius (522–486 BC). The month Adar marks the final month of the Jewish religious calendar. This month corresponds to late February or early March. ,

( In the Hebrew (Biblical) calendar, the Roman months of February/March are the month of Adar. Adar means “strength” (Ephesians 6:10-13, Psalms 18:1-3, Psalms 27:1-6, 14 )

in the Seventy years after the temple was destroyed by the Babylonians, it was rebuilt. Furthermore, Adar marked an important time for exiles remaining in Persia. The festival of Purim was celebrated during this month. That festival was established around 470 BC; therefore, it did not exist during the reign of Darius I. Purim commemorated the deliverance of the Jews from their enemies (Esther 9:20–32). what a time for celebration the month of ADAR its time to celebrate ,i wonder if this time is what is used for madi gra !!!!!!!!!which i doubt but any one want to look this up?????????

C. Priests and Exiles

(vv. 16–18)

16. Then the people of Israel—the priests, the Levites and the rest of the exiles—celebrated the dedication of the house of God with joy.

Acts of dedication were central throughout Israel’s history. Large crowds of the people of Israel joyously dedicated Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 8). In a similar manner, a crowd gathered for the dedication of the rebuilt temple. All involved—the priests, the Levites and the rest of the exiles—acknowledged that “the Lord builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the exiles of Israel” (Psalm 147:2). What Do You Think? How will you joyously celebrate God’s work in the lives of other believers? just like we are doing now learning of GODS word makes me want to celebrate. how about you?

Digging Deeper What prevents believers from experiencing the joy of the Lord? by having Doubt or questioning GOD . thats when being happy to be one of Gods children seems to slow down but we should always be to a member of this Family of Christ................ Gods children

17a. For the dedication of this house of God they offered a hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred male lambs,

The offered sacrifices were much smaller in number than those offered at the dedication of Solomon’s temple (see 1 Kings 8:62–63). The discrepancy could be due to the fewer number of people. Or, perhaps the exiles’ poverty prohibited them from amassing larger numbers of sacrifices. Their offerings were not chosen randomly but were consistent with the people’s history. The law required bulls to be offered during the burnt offering (Leviticus 1:3, 5). In addition, bulls were offered as a part of the sin offering (4:3, 13–14). A sacrifice of rams was required during the guilt offerings (5:14–15; 6:6). The fellowship offering (3:6–8) and the sin offering (4:32) made allowance for the use of lambs. The text of Ezra does not indicate whether these specific offerings were made at the dedication. These animals were offered as Israel celebrated the Festival of Trumpets (see Numbers 29:1, 13, 17–18, etc.). Also, when Israel dedicated the tabernacle altar (7:10), these animals were offered (7:87–88). That the animals were offered at the dedication of the rebuilt temple reflects two major points. First, it showed a concern to uphold the stipulations God required of the people. Second, the offering followed precedent made by previous generations. Ritual purification and repentance were prerequisites (pre·req·ui·site

[prēˈrekwəzət]

NOUN prerequisites (plural noun) a thing that is required as a prior condition for something else to happen or exist: "sponsorship is not a prerequisite for any of our courses" 📷 Image: imagict.com

The definition of a prerequisite is something that must happen first, or that is a condition of something else occurring. An example of a prerequisite is the requirement that you have money before you can buy something. Required as a prior condition of something else; necessary or indispensable.

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for Israel to offer proper worship to God. Furthermore, Israel saw no contradiction between repentance and joyfulness before the Lord (see also Nehemiah 8:9–12). The repatriated tribes experienced joy as they offered sacrifices before God.

if you happy and you know it clap your hands. because we should be very happy to know what God can do for us even though we are not gonna go out and make sacrifices like they did back in those days that would mean we have have a big old farm with alot of farm amimals how many do you have . so we can diffidently find another way to celebrate what God does in our lives right? like whats done in eva walkers park every year praise in the park. WE PRAISE is our celebration......

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17b. and, as a sin offering for all Israel, twelve male goats, one for each of the tribes of Israel. A sin offering of male goats purified the people of their sins or ritual violations (see Leviticus 4:22–26; 5:6; 9:3, 15). That twelve were offered represented the split nation as a unified 12 tribes of Israel. As not all tribes had returned from exile, the offerings anticipated a reunited nation. During exile, the Jews had been without proper accommodations to make sin offerings. Their act of purification acknowledged decades of impure and sinful acts. As a new temple was dedicated, the people had a new start before God. Visual for Lessons 2 & 3. Have this visual on display as you pose the discussion question that is associated with Ezra 6:16.

so what do we do for our sin we ask forgivenesss with a sincere heart to God for forgiveness of our sins right??????

DEDICATION AND CELEBRATION!

My senses were tingling that morning. I can remember the sight of the new sanctuary, the smell of new carpet, and the feeling of new pews. That day marked the dedication of our church’s new building. The anticipation of planning, building, and moving into a new building had come to its grand conclusion. I was excited for the work that the Lord would do in that building. Our church community was filled with joy and gratitude as the dedication ceremony proceeded. We were eager to see God’s work in that building. However, we were most excited for how God would work among us. For ancient Israel, God’s presence was made known in the temple. However, that presence now resides in a different temple: his people (see 1 Corinthians 3:16–17; 6:19; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 2:21). Are you filled with joy and hope for how God might work? Are you living in a way that will show God’s presence to others? —A. S.

I am trying my best to so God that im happy and i want jump for joy for the way he is leading Poplar fork to be better in what God wants us to do we have a few new things going on here new floors getting new instalation soon wifi so we can communicate to others who can not make were looking up praise the lord........

18. And they installed the priests in their divisions and the Levites in their groups for the service of God at Jerusalem, according to what is written in the Book of Moses.

A rebuilt temple required a new labor force. The priests and Levites were tasked with care for the building and overseeing the sacrificial rituals in service of God. The prescriptions for their labor are found in parts of the Book of Moses, the Pentateuch. There Moses described the consecration and duties of Israel’s leadership (Exodus 29; Leviticus 8; Numbers 3:5–13, 18). The Law of Moses set the boundaries for the priests and the Levites. However, their divisions and groups were established by King David (1 Chronicles 24; compare Ezra 2:36–40). The renewed focus on worship highlighted the importance of the priesthood for Israel. Even in regard to physical health and well-being, the priests served God and Israel (Leviticus 13:2–44).

What Do You Think? How can your church become more effective in service through the use of organized groups for specific ministries? because as i said before we are working towards getting the word of God out to others who cant make it here.....one way any others?

Digging Deeper How does the church’s ministry depend on the whole “body of Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:27)? like putting on the whole amor of God ....

II. Celebratory Fellowship

(EZRA 6:19–22)

A. Passover (vv. 19–21)

19. On the fourteenth day of the first month, the exiles celebrated the Passover.

Beginning with this verse, the language of the text switches from Aramaic to Hebrew. This marks a transition and a new focus. Previously the text was concerned with the dedication of the rebuilt temple. Now the text focuses on the religious practices of the exiles once in captivity. A new focus reinforced Israel’s distinctiveness, one that diminished during their time in exile (see Nehemiah 13:24). The observation of the Passover gave space for remembrance. Israel was to remember God’s deliverance of their nation from oppression in Egypt (Exodus 12:1–14; Leviticus 23:4–8). Proper observation required that it begin on the fourteenth day of the month of Aviv (Leviticus 23:5; Numbers 28:16; Deuteronomy 16:1–2). Aviv was the Canaanite name of the first month of the Hebrew religious calendar. During the exile, Israel adopted the Babylonian calendar system. As a result, the name of that month changed to Nisan (Nehemiah 2:1). remember the service last sunday when Rev Morton said that we were passed over because we are still here and not taken by covid ....spmtthing to think about this passover.... coming up on sunday.......

20. The priests and Levites had purified themselves and were all ceremonially clean.

The Levites slaughtered the Passover lamb for all the exiles, for their relatives the priests and for themselves. Earlier descriptions of the observance of Passover do not mention the priests and Levites. Instead, the elders of the community of Israel selected and killed the Passover sacrifice (Exodus 12:21). However, depictions from the time of Kings Hezekiah (reigned 715–687 BC) and Josiah (reigned 640–609 BC) describe a different story. In those cases, the Levites slaughtered the Passover lamb for the people because of their uncleanness (2 Chronicles 30:17; 35:3–6, 10–11). The practice of having the Levities kill the sacrifice seems to have continued into postexilic Israel.

What Do You Think? How can believers live lives of purity in regard to their daily actions? by living up to Gods laws !!!!!!

Digging Deeper How do Psalm 24:3–6; Galatians 5:16–25; 1 Thessalonians 4:1–12; 2 Timothy 2:22–25; and James 1:27 inform your answer? james 1:27 says it all to keep oursleves un spotted from the outside world and rely on Gods word......ONLY

21. So the Israelites who had returned from the exile ate it, together with all who had separated themselves from the unclean practices of their Gentile neighbors in order to seek the LORD, the God of Israel.

Proper observance of Passover required eating roasted lamb, seasoned with bitter herbs, and bread made without yeast (Exodus 12:8–9; Numbers 9:11). Some of the meal’s participants were those who had separated themselves. This identification might refer to members of the northern kingdom of Israel or Israelites who did not experience exile. More likely, however, they were non-Israelites who chose to renounce idolatry and turned away from the unclean practices of the surrounding nations to seek the Lord, the God of Israel (compare Nehemiah 9:2). As long as they followed God’s requirements, these individuals could eat (Exodus 12:44, 48). Distinctiveness as the people of God was most important to Israel. However, that did not imply blind patriotism or nationalistic fervor. Non-Jews, or Gentiles, could participate in Israel’s blessing. This occurred if they followed the stipulations God had for his people (see exceptions in God’s people when they observed the Sabbath and followed his requirements (see Isaiah 56:3, 6–8). i knew it thats all we have to do . so we can eat in celebration of living a Christ like life . then we can eat curry goat and whats that bread called (No Yeast Naan / Indian Flatbread Recipe - Pooja's …

B. Unleavened Bread (v. 22)

22a. For seven days they celebrated with joy the Festival of Unleavened Bread, because the LORD had filled them with joy The one-day celebration of Passover preceded a week long observance of The Festival of Unleavened Bread. During this week participants ate bread that was unleavened, or without yeast. This act served as a reminder of Israel’s salvation and rescue out of Egypt (Exodus 12:14–20; 13:3–10; 23:15; Leviticus 23:6; Numbers 28:17–25; Deuteronomy 16:3–4). The feast was not to be somber but, rather, one of joy (see 2 Chronicles 30:21). It reminded Israel of the ways the Lord had provided. For the exiles, the festival was even more timely. It reminded them of his provision as he brought them out of exile.

22b. by changing the attitude of the king of Assyria so that he assisted them in the work on the house of God, the God of Israel. This portion of the narrative reaches its dramatic conclusion as the Lord changed the attitude of the king. As a result, new life would emerge in Israel. The once exiled people would increase in number, fulfilling the promises made to Abraham (Genesis 12:2; 15:5; compare Isaiah 54:1–3). The mention of Assyria is a puzzling inclusion. The reign of Assyrians ended almost a century prior to the described events of this text. While the Persians adopted aspects of Assyrian government and culture, they were a different force altogether. The best explanation is that the text describes the king in this regard to remind readers of their history. Exile had begun with Assyria and the rule of its king (see Nehemiah 9:32). However, the God of Israel showed concern toward his people as he worked through pagan rulers.

What Do You Think? What attitude of your heart needs to change for God to work through you? mostly because im a professional driver i feel like no one drives better than i. which i know that there is others that drive like me but most dont.

Digging Deeper Who will you ask to help you in this regard? who else the one and onlt trinity God the father God the Son God the Holy Spirit no one else...........

Conclusion

A. Building a Joyful Community By 1942 the gestapo had shut down numerous underground seminaries, including Finkenwalde. War was in full swing in Europe. Bonhoeffer’s former students were scattered around the continent. However, they were still faithful to their calling to serve the underground church. In an effort to encourage the leaders, Bonhoeffer wrote a series of letters calling the leaders to embrace joy. As suffering and indifference had become prevalent, finding joy was a challenge for these leaders. The rebuilt temple was a result of God’s provision and faithfulness toward his people. As a result, the exiles expressed their joyous worship and gratitude to God. These expressions took the form that had been prescribed to them centuries before. The temple’s dedication and the celebratory feasts invited the exiles to express proper joy toward God. Once again the people could experience right relationship with God, a true cause for joy and celebration. Our community of faith may be driven to build new buildings and establish new programs. But our primary challenge when building is to respond joyfully. God’s faithfulness to us demands such a response! From that foundation we are called to build ministries as an outpouring of God’s faithfulness. Ultimately, these become a sign for the world to see.

B. Prayer God, during difficult times, finding joy is a challenge. Fill us with the joy that comes only from you. May we be a people who celebrate your work in our lives in a joyous manner. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

C. Thought to Remember God’s people live in joyous and celebratory hope!