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of the company returning to Judea; and with him was associated
Joshua the high priest. The long journey across the desert wastes was
accomplished in safety, and the happy company, grateful to God for
His many mercies, at once undertook the work of re-establishing that
which had been broken down and destroyed. “The chief of the fathers”
led out in offering of their substance to help defray the expense of
rebuilding the temple; and the people, following their example, gave
freely of their meager store. See
Ezra 2:64-70
.
As speedily as possible, an altar was erected on the site of the
ancient altar in the temple court. To the exercises connected with the
dedication of this altar, the people had “gathered themselves together as
one man;” and there they united in re-establishing the sacred services
that had been interrupted at the time of the destruction of Jerusalem by
Nebuchadnezzar. Before separating to dwell in the homes they were
endeavoring to restore, “they kept also the Feast of Tabernacles.”
Ezra
3:1-6
.
The setting up of the altar of daily burnt offerings greatly cheered
the faithful remnant. Heartily they entered into the preparations nec-
essary for the rebuilding of the temple, gathering courage as these
preparations advanced from month to month. They had for many years
been deprived of the visible tokens of God’s presence. And now, sur-
rounded as they were by many sad reminders of the apostasy of their
fathers, they longed for some abiding token of divine forgiveness and
favor. Above the regaining of personal property and ancient privileges,
they valued the approval of God. Wonderfully had He wrought in their
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behalf, and they felt the assurance of His presence with them; yet they
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desired greater blessings still. With joyous anticipation they looked
forward to the time when, with temple rebuilt, they might behold the
shining forth of His glory from within.
The workmen engaged in the preparation of the building material,
found among the ruins some of the immense stones brought to the
temple site in the days of Solomon. These were made ready for use,
and much new material was provided; and soon the work was advanced
to the point where the foundation stone must be laid. This was done
in the presence of many thousands who had assembled to witness the
progress of the work and to give expression to their joy in having a
part in it. While the cornerstone was being set in position, the people,
accompanied by the trumpets of the priests and the cymbals of the