Ezra 6:21-22

Ezra was a Priest/Scribe. He was a direct relative of Aaron, Moses’ brother. Several times in the Old Testament, Israel ended up exiled to another country and or had attacks on their own land. The Temple was messed up a few times during these attacks.

The joy if Israel in our verses came from the Temple being repaired, Passover, and the Festival of Unleavened Bread. Passover was their celebration of the night God saved them in Egypt because they put s perfect lamb’s blood over their doorway.

Way back in Exodus chapter 12, as they were observing their first Passover. God told them to eat bread without yeast for 7 days each year. (Exodus 12:17) God made it a law for them. This was a reminder that He brought them out of Egypt on that day.

It seems to me that God enjoyed reminding them of where they came from, what He had done for them, and He wanted them to enjoy celebrating all of it. We haven’t been rescued in the way they were, but we were rescued from sin and death. We can be joyful daily for our salvation!