Day 349: Opposition and Triumph in Rebuilding the Temple

In Day 349 of 'Immerse: The Daily Bible Reading Experience,' the episode covers the significant challenges faced by the exiles from Judah and Benjamin in rebuilding the temple of the Lord. Initially, local adversaries pose opposition by offering assistance, which is rejected by the leaders of Israel to follow the decree of King Cyrus of Persia. Subsequently, the locals attempt to discourage the rebuilders by writing letters to Persian kings, including Xerxes and Artaxerxes, labeling Jerusalem as a rebellious city. This results in orders to halt construction until further investigation. With intervention from the prophets Haggai and Zechariah and a subsequent decree from King Darius affirming King Cyrus's original decree, work on the temple resumes with renewed vigor. After overcoming adversities, the episode culminates with the joyous completion and dedication of the temple, including a detailed account of the sacrificial offerings and celebration of Passover by the returned exiles and those who turned to worship the Lord.

00:00 Introduction and Context
00:04 Opposition to Rebuilding the Temple
01:01 Accusations Against the Jews
03:02 King Artaxerxes' Response
04:18 Prophets Encourage Rebuilding
04:43 Governor Tattenai's Inquiry
07:16 King Darius' Decree
10:11 Completion and Dedication of the Temple
11:05 Celebration of Passover

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Volume 6 — Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Daniel

Chronicles

Immerse: Chronicles is the sixth and final installment in Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience. Chronicles contains the remaining First Testament Books: Chronicles–Ezra–Nehemiah, Esther, and Daniel. These works were all written after the Jewish people fell under the control of foreign empires and were scattered among the nations. They remind God’s chastened people of their identity and calling to faithfully represent God to the nations and that there is still hope for the struggling dynasty of David.

4 Questions to get your conversations started:
1. What stood out to you this week?
2. Was there anything confusing or troubling?
3. Did anything make you think differently about God?
4. How might this change the way we live?

QUICK START GUIDE
3 ways to get the most out of your experience

1. Use Immerse: Beginnings instead of your regular chapter and verse Bible. This special reader’s edition restores the Bible to its natural simplicity and beauty by removing chapter and verse numbers and other historical additions. Letters look like letters, songs look like songs, and the original literary structures are visible in each book.
2. Commit to making this a community experience. Immerse is designed for groups to encounter large portions of the Bible together
   for 8 weeks–more like a book club, less like a Bible study. By meeting every week in small groups and discussing what you read in open,
   honest conversations, you and your community can come together to be transformed through an authentic experience with the Scriptures.
3. Aim to understand the big story. Read through “The Stories and the Story” (p. 483) to see how the books of the Bible work together to tell God’s story of his creation’s restoration. As you read through Immerse: Beginnings, rather than ask, “How do I fit God into my busy life?” begin asking, “How can I join in God’s great plan by living out my part in his story?”

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