According to Merriam Webster, one of the definitions of politics is simply this: "the art or science concerned with guiding or influencing governmental policy". The mention of politics usually has a negative connotation these days. My husband loves to discuss politics and his opinions of current U.S. government policy. I have learned a lot from him, but am also sometimes overwhelmed at the job I believe needs to be done to guide or influence current day policies. To be honest, I usually feel helpless to impact change such a grand scale.
In these chapters of Ezra, we clearly see politics involved with the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. We also read several letters written to Persian kings and the responses. (I enjoyed reading those, didn't you?) As always, there were those who opposed God's work. In this case, they were disturbed about the rebuilding of the temple. These people wrote a letter to King Artaxerxes with their opinions, persuasive statements, and request to stop the work of building the temple. They claimed to be concerned with lower tax revenues and "honor" of the king. Sound familiar? In this case, these people make a difference. Under King Artaxerxes' decree, the temple efforts were temporarily stopped.
The oppositions' motives were selfish, but we know that God's plan would not be thwarted. Several years later, the Jewish elders resumed work on the temple. Again, the opposition complained through written letters. However, this time King Darius was moved to follow the previous commands of King Cyrus for the Jewish people to rebuild the temple. God not only to allow the rebuilding to continue. He also wanted to make sure the Israelites had everything they needed and paid for it from his royal treasury.
Praise God... He provided and still does!
The second temple was completed and the "people of Israel... celebrated the dedication of the house of God with joy" (6:16). We read that they were offering sacrifices, reestablishing the service of priests and Levites, and celebrating (Passover) "according to what is written in the Book of Moses" (6:18). I believe they were experiencing a spiritual revival after their period of exile. They were re-rooting themselves in God's commands and promises. The Israelites had persevered through ridicule and opposition and now were able to celebrate.We also see the dedication of studying the Law of the Lord in the life of Ezra. "The king had granted him everything he asked, for the hand of the Lord his God was on him." (7:6). Ezra was also allowed to return to Jerusalem with many other Israelites including those to serve in and maintain the temple. God moved in the king's heart to provide anything Ezra needed for the temple and to allow Ezra to return the remaining treasures to the temple. Ezra's response was to acknowledge God's work and to praise Him. Ezra returned to Israel and took many others with him.
In current days, extreme politics continue around the temple site in Jerusalem. This is arguably, THE hot spot on earth today as the Muslims and Jews continue to battle over this piece of land. There is a plethora of information about the first, second, and third temples on the Internet. If you are interested, take a few minutes (or hours) and search Google, youtube, and Wikipedia.
Miraculously through God, we are able to unite with the Israelites from 2500 years ago. We can also celebrate with joy today because His temple is completed in us through Jesus Christ.
"The God who made the world and everything in it
is the Lord of heaven and earth
and does not live in temples built by hands."
~ Acts 17:24
is the Lord of heaven and earth
and does not live in temples built by hands."
~ Acts 17:24
