Angels From the Captivity to John the Baptist
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The victory was finally gained, and the forces of the enemy were
held in check all the days of Cyrus, who reigned for seven years, and
all the days of his son Cambyses, who reigned about seven years and
a half.—
The Review and Herald, December 5, 1907
.
The Second Temple
The second temple did not equal the first in magnificence, nor was it
hallowed by those visible tokens of the divine presence which pertained
to the first temple. There was no manifestation of supernatural power
to mark its dedication. No cloud of glory was seen to fill the newly
erected sanctuary. No fire from heaven descended to consume the
sacrifice upon its altar. The Shekinah no longer abode between the
cherubim in the most holy place; the ark, the mercy seat, and the tables
of testimony were not found there. No sign from heaven made known
to the inquiring priest the will of Jehovah.—
Prophets and Kings, 596,
597
.
Ezra
The children of the captivity who had returned with Ezra “offered
burnt offerings unto the God of Israel” for a sin offering and as a token
of their gratitude and thanksgiving for the protection of holy angels
during the journey.—
Prophets and Kings, 619
.
[146]
Nehemiah
Four months Nehemiah waited for a favorable opportunity to
present his request to the king. During this time, though his heart
was heavy with grief, he endeavored to bear himself with cheerful-
ness in the royal presence. In those halls of luxury and splendor, all
must appear lighthearted and happy. Distress must not cast its shadow
over the countenance of any attendant of royalty. But in Nehemiah’s
seasons of retirement, concealed from human sight, many were the
prayers, the confessions, the tears, heard and witnessed by God and
angels.—
Prophets and Kings, 630
.