# Day 196

# The Jews Complete God’s Building

Ezra 6:13–22

The Jews rebuilt God’s temple at Jerusalem helped by Haggai’s and Zechariah’s prophecies. They finished their building because of the command of the God of Israel. The temple was built by order of three mighty kings—Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes of Persia.

The people of Israel, the priests, and the Levites celebrated. They were full of joy when the temple was dedicated. Here is the list of their offerings to God that day: 100 bulls, 200 rams, and 400 lambs; as a sin offering—12 male goats, one for each of the tribes of Israel.

Hundreds of years before, Israel had kept the first Passover in Egypt. They celebrated the Passover again in the land of God’s promise. The priests were purified and the Passover lamb was killed. It was eaten by the people of Israel who had returned from Babylon. They celebrated with the Lord’s joy for seven days.

The second temple was similar to Solomon’s temple. There the people worshiped as before. But the ark of the covenant was lost and never returned to Jerusalem.

Questions: Who were the prophets who helped the building? Who were the three kings who made the building possible?