The Return of the Exiles
Audio:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/pLwh1E0bhrc?list=PL4ByrircmXL4AIWLkRrpeoEq_A6VmA54y
The advent of the army of Cyrus before the walls of Babylon was to the Jews a sign that their deliverance from captivity was drawing nigh.
Daniel's prayer had been offered in the first year of Darius, the Median monarch whose general, Cyrus, had wrested from Babylonia the scepter of universal rule.
The magnificence of the first temple, and the imposing rites of its religious services, had been a source of pride to Israel before their captivity; but their worship had ofttimes been lacking in those qualities which God regards as most essential. The glory of the first temple, the splendor of its service, could not recommend them to God; for that which is alone of value in His sight, they did not offer. They did not bring Him the sacrifice of a humble and contrite spirit.
Not all the beauty of art can bear comparison with the beauty of temper and character to be revealed in those who are Christ's representatives.
When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion,
We were like them that dream.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter,
And our tongue with singing:
Then said they among the heathen,
The Lord hath done great things for them.
The Lord hath done great things for us;
Whereof we are glad.
Psalm 126:1-3
We were like them that dream.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter,
And our tongue with singing:
Then said they among the heathen,
The Lord hath done great things for them.
The Lord hath done great things for us;
Whereof we are glad.
Psalm 126:1-3