Ezra 3:10-11

Ezra is an Old Testament prophet who God spoke to. Israel had been in Babylon exiled there. Then, King Cyrus of Persia was used to fulfill the LORD’s prophecy given through Jeremiah. King Cyrus allowed the Israelites to go home to rebuild the Temple. The Priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, Temple servants, and a few common folks settled in villages near Jerusalem so they could work on the Temple.

At this point in history, God dwelt in that Temple and with the Ark of The Covenant which housed the 10 Commandments. Now, WE are the Temple. When they had festivals (like Passover) they all just came into town. There weren’t Temples in every city. (Or almost every corner like here in the U.S.) The rebuilding of this Temple was a big deal! They were so thankful just for the foundation being finished that they sang & thanked God! We can do that too! Thanking God for the little things builds a foundation of thankfulness in our hearts. Wouldn’t you agree?