Good morning, well, I am back again. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
The Israelites had the money to start rebuilding the temple. It was important for them to put their resources to best use.
3 And when the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem. 2 Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as it is written in the law of Moses the man of God.
The children of Israel were in the cities. As their first official act they built an altar to GOD. This was a symbol of GOD's presence and protection. This also showed their commitment to serve GOD. Zerubbabel offered burnt offering as the law of Moses stated in Levitius 1-7.
3 And they set the altar upon his bases; for fear was upon them because of the people of those countries: and they offered burnt offerings thereon unto the Lord, even burnt offerings morning and evening.
The Jews were weary of the people here. They were a mixed group of people that the Assyrians had conquered in years past. However, this did not stop them from building the altar and serving GOD.
4 They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of every day required;
This Festival of Shelters lasted seven days. The people lived in whatever they could, tents, lean-tos, booths, or...... This was just as their ancestors had done during their trek through the wilderness. This festival reminded them of Gods past protection and guidance in the wilderness and His continued love for them.
5 And afterward offered the continual burnt offering, both of the new moons, and of all the set feasts of the Lord that were consecrated, and of every one that willingly offered a freewill offering unto the Lord.
The exiles built an altar just after arriving in the new land. The people began worshipping GOD through sacrifices even before the Temple foundation was started. After years of captivity they learned the importance of obeying God from the heart and not just out of habit.
This too we must learn. We must stay close to GOD and keep HIM as our top priority. Thank you for reading with me. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny
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