Tuesday, August 6
Read Ezra 6
Think About It:
- The decree of Darius clearly explains how to restore the temple, lays out plans for dedicating the temple and issues warnings to anyone violating the edict given. (Verse 11: “I have also issued a decree that if there is anyone who violates this edict, a beam of timber shall be pulled from his house and set up; then he shall be impaled on it and his house shall be turned into a refuse heap for this violation.”) Think of how more strongly God wants His temple to be dedicated to Him – we are His temple. Think of your favorite pastime and how much time and affection you give toward your hobbies. Think about anything or any person who distracts you from giving all your passion and strength into seeking God first. Repent of those things and thank God for His awesome mercy toward us today.
Family Time:
- What did Darius tell Tatnai to do? (verse 7)
- How did the children of Israel celebrate the dedication of the house of God? (verses 16-22)
