A Devotion from D.A. Carson

Genesis 3; Matthew 3; Ezra 3; Acts 3

THE SHEER INTENSITY OF THE experiences of God’s people during the first few months of their return

to the Promised Land (Ezra 3) shines through the lines of the text.

(1) They are afraid (3:3). This is the first hint of the dangers that they face, the source of

which becomes clearer in the following chapters. The Persian king Cyrus has granted permission

to the Jews to return to their homeland, and even sanctioned certain payments for their

support and for the rebuilding of the temple. But the frontiers of the empire are a long way

from the center, and in the rough politics of the real world, possession is nine-tenths of the law.

These Jews are, after all, a minority surrounded by foes much stronger than they.

(2) They are resolute (3:3). The opposition understands that the erection of the temple is

not only a religious sign but a sign of growing political strength. The Jews therefore would have

had some incentive to keep quiet and maintain a low profile. But their resolution at this

juncture is admirable: despite their understandable fear, they build the altar of the Lord and re-

institute the sacrificial system prescribed by the “Law of Moses the man of God” (3:2–6), and

then proceed with the first steps of constructing a new temple.

(3) They are full of joy and praise (3:10–11). The laying of the foundation of the new temple

elicits worship and adoration of God himself, who transparently is blessing the endeavors of his

chastened covenant community. Here is hope not only for a temple, but for a restoration of the

Davidic dynasty, the fulfillment of the glorious promises of hope delivered by the prophets

during Israel’s darkest hours of exile.

(4) Many weep (3:12–13). These tend to be the older ones who can still remember the

contours of Solomon’s magnificent temple. The foundations of the new structure seem piddling

in comparison. Doubtless these people are grateful for days of small things; after all, they, too,

have elected to return. But days of small things are still small, and the intensity of their

emotional response is elicited by long memories of things past.

At least these people are alive, and getting on with God’s business. Their responses may

sometimes be wrenching, full of lows and highs, but they are real, vital, human, charged with

life and engagement. Here there is no glum despondency, no cynical reserve, no emotionally

flat withdrawal. Here are the emotions of a group of people committed, in difficult

circumstances, to doing God’s will.