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Royalty and Ruin
Jerusalem was destroyed, and “they also kept the Feast of Taberna-
cles.”
Ezra 3:1, 4
. Setting up the altar greatly cheered the faithful
remnant. They gathered courage as preparations for rebuilding the
temple advanced from month to month. Surrounded by many sad
reminders of their ancestors’ apostasy, they longed for some per-
manent token of divine forgiveness and favor. More than regaining
personal property, they valued the approval of God. They felt the
assurance that He was with them, yet they desired greater blessings.
They looked forward to the time when they might see His glory
shining out from within the rebuilt temple.
Among the ruins the workmen found some of the immense
stones brought to the temple site in the days of Solomon. These they
made ready for use, and much new material was provided. Soon
the foundation stone was laid in the presence of many thousands
assembled to witness the progress of the work. While the cornerstone
was being set in position, the people “sang responsively, praising
and giving thanks to the Lord.”
Verse 11
.
A Carryover From Israel’s Ancient Unbelief
Everyone present should have entered heartily into the spirit of
the occasion. Yet a discordant note mingled with the music and
shouts of praise heard on that glad day: “Many of the ... old men
who had seen the first temple, wept with a loud voice.”
Verse 12
.
These aged men thought of the results of many years of rebellion. If
they and their generation had carried out God’s purpose for Israel,
the temple built by Solomon would not have been destroyed and the
captivity would not have been necessary.
But conditions were different now. The Lord had allowed His
people to return to their own land. Sadness should have given way
to joy. God had moved Cyrus to aid them in rebuilding the temple!
But instead of rejoicing, some cherished thoughts of discontent and
discouragement. They had seen the glory of Solomon’s temple, and
they mourned because the building now to be constructed was not
as grand.
The murmuring and complaining had a depressing influence on
many. The workmen began to question whether they should proceed
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with constructing a building that was so freely criticized and was