Wednesday · 2026-07-29

Brothers and sisters, welcome to your daily "Come Follow Me" devotional.

Today, we delve into Ezra 5–7, witnessing the culmination of the temple's rebuilding and the renewed emphasis on God's law.

Scripture Reading

• Ezra 5: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezra/5?lang=eng
• Ezra 6: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezra/6?lang=eng
• Ezra 7: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezra/7?lang=eng

Historical and Narrative Context

In Ezra 5, after years of neglected work due to Samaritan opposition, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah stirred the spirits of the Jewish people in Jerusalem to resume rebuilding the temple. The Persian governor, Tattenai, questioned their authority, sending a letter to King Darius to inquire about any decree that permitted such construction. Darius then searched the royal archives and found King Cyrus’s original decree, which authorized the temple's reconstruction and even mandated royal funds for its completion. Consequently, in Ezra 6, the temple was triumphantly completed and dedicated with great joy, followed by the celebration of the Passover. Decades later, Ezra, a devoted priest and "ready scribe in the law of Moses," received a commission from King Artaxerxes to travel to Jerusalem, bringing additional exiles and resources to beautify the temple and teach God's law to the people. Ezra had "set his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments".

Reflective Questions

1. The prophets Haggai and Zechariah's words inspired the people to resume temple building despite significant opposition (Ezra 5). How can seeking and responding to divine inspiration help us overcome obstacles in accomplishing the Lord’s work in our lives today?
2. Ezra diligently "set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel" (Ezra 7:10). What conscious steps can we take to more deeply immerse ourselves in God's word, not just to learn it, but to truly live and share its principles?

Closing Tying Insight

The completion and dedication of the temple in Ezra 6 provided a sacred space for the covenant people to worship, but Ezra 7 emphasizes that this sacred work must be matched by a commitment to God's law in daily life. Just as the Lord inspired and sustained the Jews in rebuilding His physical house, He also inspires us to internalize His law, making our hearts and homes places where His word dwells richly.