Post by Woody Williams on Mar 23, 2006 6:49:58 GMT -5
Text for the Day -- Ezra 6:1-4, 12
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Then King Darius made a decree, and they searched the archives where
the documents were stored in Babylon. But it was in Ecbatana, the
capital in the province of Media, that a scroll was found on which
this was written: 'A record. In the first year of his reign, King
Cyrus issued a decree: Concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, let
the house be rebuilt, the place where sacrifices are offered and
burnt-offerings are brought; its height shall be sixty cubits and its
width sixty cubits, with three courses of hewn stones and one course
of timber; let the cost be paid from the royal treasury. May the God
who has established his name there overthrow any king or people that
shall put forth a hand to alter this, or to destroy this house of God
in Jerusalem. I, Darius, make a decree; let it be done with all
diligence.'
Devotional
----------
The temple Solomon built was destroyed in the great Exile to Babylon.
When Cyrus allowed the Israelites to return to Jerusalem, he also
provided for them the permission to rebuild the temple. This was
important to the Israelites since the temple was such a strong symbol
of God's presence and favor for them. Restoring the temple was like
restoring their identity.
Prayer
----------------
Bless me with forgiveness, my God, so that my inner temple will be
cleansed. Amen
----------
Then King Darius made a decree, and they searched the archives where
the documents were stored in Babylon. But it was in Ecbatana, the
capital in the province of Media, that a scroll was found on which
this was written: 'A record. In the first year of his reign, King
Cyrus issued a decree: Concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, let
the house be rebuilt, the place where sacrifices are offered and
burnt-offerings are brought; its height shall be sixty cubits and its
width sixty cubits, with three courses of hewn stones and one course
of timber; let the cost be paid from the royal treasury. May the God
who has established his name there overthrow any king or people that
shall put forth a hand to alter this, or to destroy this house of God
in Jerusalem. I, Darius, make a decree; let it be done with all
diligence.'
Devotional
----------
The temple Solomon built was destroyed in the great Exile to Babylon.
When Cyrus allowed the Israelites to return to Jerusalem, he also
provided for them the permission to rebuild the temple. This was
important to the Israelites since the temple was such a strong symbol
of God's presence and favor for them. Restoring the temple was like
restoring their identity.
Prayer
----------------
Bless me with forgiveness, my God, so that my inner temple will be
cleansed. Amen