The people who returned to Jerusalem to build the temple did not begin the actual construction of the Temple until June of the second year of their arrival.  Construction began after they rebuilt the altar of Moses, “the man of God”. They offered prayer, worship, and sacrifices on the very spot that Moses worshiped.  They took the time to gather the right men, the right supplies, and they took time to honor the Sabbath and traditional annual feasts of the Lord.

Interestingly, they organized shared leadership under the direction of Zerubbabe, Jeshua, Kadmi-el, Henadad, and their sons and relatives.  The Levites who were twenty years old or older were appointed to supervise the workmen. Everyone had a role and leadership was shared.

This preparation allowed a strong foundation for the Temple. The people were fearful of attack, but they knew that God had called them to rebuild.

^3-5 Even though they were afraid of what their non-Israelite neighbors might do, they went ahead anyway and set up the Altar on its foundations and offered Whole-Burnt-Offerings on it morning and evening.

They pressed on with their fear.  They boldly worked together to honor God’s plan without being stymied or swayed by the culture around them.

When the builders completed the foundation of the Temple, the priests put on their priestly robes and blew their trumpets; and the descendants of Asaph crashed their cymbals to praise the Lord in the manner ordained by King David.

They sang praise and worship songs and thanked God! “He is good, and His love and mercy toward Israel will last forever.” (verse 11)

THEN ALL THE PEOPLE GAVE A GREAT SHOUT!

His Word says that the old men who remembered Solomon’s beautiful Temple-WEPT ALOUD.  The younger generation were shouting with joy! Together their voices could be heard from far away! Their worship and  obedience influenced the culture around them.

The world around you may not agree or support your faith in Jesus, but be bold and worship! Whatever emotions you may be feeling today or circumstances you have encountered–worship!  Learn from the older generation who “remembers” and weeps with Joy.  Be the next generation who shouts the praises of the King!  Let us first work on our “foundation” in Christ.  Are you established in the love and truth of Jesus and His Word?

Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. ²⁵ Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. ²⁶ But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. ²⁷ When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.  Matthew 7: 24-27

There is much to worry about in our world today, but God has called us to follow Him despite what is going on around us and to WORSHIP HIM!  This wonderful worship song based on Ezra Chapter 3 verse 11 will start you on the path of worship and remembering that God is good all the time and His mercy endures forever!

Israel Houghton, You Are Good