the songs of Zion!’ How can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a foreign land?” How indeed!
“If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill. May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not consider Jerusalem my highest joy.” As for the Edomites, who applauded the efforts of the Babylonians, recall their transgression. As for the Babylonians, retribution awaits.
The prophets, who had warned of impending judgment, now turned their attention to comforting the exiles with the prospect of their return. With such in mind, Cyrus issued a proclamation which read: “The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. Anyone of his people among you—may his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the temple of the Lord, the God of Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem” (Ezra 1”2–3). While urging their neighbors to contribute the means to accomplish this demanding enterprise. Thus the exile draws to a close.
With “the second exodus.” The return from exile has been graphically described as the second exodus. Since those returning anticipated reclaiming the land of promise. Along with a renewal of their covenant, eventuating in God’s blessing.
“When the seventh month came and the Israelites had settled in their towns, the people assembled as one man in Jerusalem. Despite their fear of the peoples around them, they built the altar on its foundation and sacrificed burnt offerings on it to the Lord, both the morning and evening sacrifices” (Ezra 3:1, 3). Their common cause providing encouragement in spite of opposition.
When the foundation of the temple was laid, the priests and Levites sang: “He is good; his love for Israel endures forever.” “But many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy. No one could distinguish the sound of the shouts of joy from the sound of weeping, because the people made so much noise.” While not comparable to the splendor of the former edifice, it marked a significant beginning.
Although delayed, the temple was completed. “Then the people of Israel—the priests, the Levites and the rest of the exiles—celebrated the dedication of the house of God with joy” (Ezra 6:16). Extensive sacrifices were offered. They also installed the priests in their divisions and the Levites in their groups for the service of God, and celebrated the Passover.
It was brought to Ezra’s attention that the “people of Israel, including the priests and Levites, have not kept themselves separate from the neighboring peoples with their detestable practices” (Ezra 9:1). Upon hearing this, he tore his tunic and cloak, pulled hair from his head and beard, and sat down appalled at the situation. Then everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel joined him.
A proclamation was subsequently sent throughout Judah for all the exiles to assemble in Jerusalem. “Anyone who failed to appear within three days would forfeit all his property, in accordance with he decision of the officials and elders, and would himself be expelled from the assembly of the exiles” (Ezra 10:8). It was a decisive action meant to deal with a critical issue.
When the people assembled, Ezra declared: “You have been unfaithful; you have married foreign women, adding to Israel’s guilt. Now make confession to the Lord, the God your fathers, and do his will.” Rather than heartily embracing their role as a chosen people, set apart for God’s service.
“You are right!” the people exclaimed. “We must do as you say.” Opposition was minimal (cf. v. 15).
“Comparatively few had availed themselves of the opportunity either then or on later occasions, and sixty years later large numbers of Jews remained in the eastern half of the Persian empire, many in the great imperial cities of Persia itself.”28 While little is known of them, the text of Esther provides an interesting insight.
“Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen” (Esther 2:17). He was not aware of her Israelite identity, nor did she volunteer the information.
Given the opportunity to intercede on behalf of her oppressed people, she made the most of it. “On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but the tables were turned and the Jews got the upper hand over those who hated them” (Esther 9:10). Culminating in the annual celebration of Purim. And providing a convenient place to take leave of the entries that comprise the Old Testament, in anticipation of what would follow.
12. Inch, Scripture as Story, 18.
13. Hartley, Genesis, 83.
14. Derek Kidner, Genesis, 109.
15. Inch, Scripture as Story, 26.
16. Hartley, Genesis, 237.
17. Cole, Exodus, 64.
18. Walton and Matthews, Genesis-Deuteronomy, 91–92.
19. Wright, Deuteronomy, 52.
20. Harris et al., Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 18.
21. Hess, Joshua, 104–105.
22. Harris et al., Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 123.
23. Evans, 1 and 2 Samuel, 41–42.
24. Ibid., 50.
25. Heschel, The Prophets, 4.
26. Inch, Scripture as Story, 85.
27. Klein, Israel in Exile, 3.
28. Baldwin, Esther, 17.
Prophecy Fulfilled
Qualifications aside, the interim between the old and new testament has aptly been described as the silent years. “It seemed as if God had tired of speaking to those who continued to turn a deaf ear toward him. The school of the prophets has withered an on the vine. While this was a relief for some, it seemed a tragedy for others.”29 As for the latter, “For if you remain silent, I will be like those who have gone down to the pit” (Psa. 28:1)
The silent years were certainly not uneventful. Philip of Macedon initiated the Hellenic League as a rival to Persia. He was succeeded by his youthful son Alexander. Alexander
