King Cyrus issues a decree to restore the temple in Jerusalem.  This was foretold by Jeremiah and also Isaiah in Isaiah 44:28, about 150 years before it happened.   This decree begins the countdown to Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem just before the crucifixion.

Most of the people living in Persia at the time of this decree had never been to Israel. And yet many return, much like the Jews returning to Israel today. 

Among those exiles who returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian captivity are a few who were unable to prove their genealogy as priests. This tells us of the importance of the genealogical record. In order to be included into the priesthood, they needed to consult the Urim and the Thummim. These were two stones (one white, one black) carried by the priest to determine answers to questions.

In Ezra 3 we read about the altar that was built by those who returned to the land from captivity, despite the fear of the people around them.   And almost always what followed a spiritual awakening in Israel was the observance and celebration of one of God's Feast Days, most often the Feast of Tabernacles – which is what happened at this time at the beginning of the rebuilding of the temple.  Great lessons to be learned from this.   God wants His feast days honored.  

The people who settled back into the land of Israel came together "as one man" (or in unison) to build the altar, sacrifice, and worship God, despite their fear of the people living in the land.  Another great lesson for us - we should do the right thing in God's eyes, no matter what other people may think.  

Wow! What worship when they laid the foundation for the temple! What joyous celebration! (Ezra 3:10-13)

Then right on the heels of the celebration and worship…the enemies feign help. They really wanted to infiltrate the feast days with paganism, claiming that they were worshiping God. Isn’t that so characteristic of Satan? He can’t stand it when God’s people rejoice or when they honor one of the God-ordained Holy Days.

Does it make us want to rejoice even more today?