After they had settled down the people met "with one accord". This reminds me of the disciples meeting together on the Day of Pentecost. Apparently it is quite a miracle for Jews to meet together "with one accord"! Joshua and Zerubbabel began to rebuild the altar for the sacrifices. For there to be restoration there needs to be sacrifice. In Christ we have the once for all sacrifice, and if there needs to be restoration, whether it be in an individual or a church or a nation, we will need to return to the cross.
They did this despite their fear of the peoples around them. It is perfectly normal for the world around us to oppose the worship of God, as we experience in our society today, and is experienced in violent forms in many countries. Sometimes we think that we need to get rid of the fear, but actually the most important thing is to not let the fear deter us from obeying God.
So sacrifices and festivals were celebrated in accordance with the Law of Moses.
Next they gave money to the craftsmen and to the people of Tyre and Sidon for cedar logs. Work began on rebuilding the temple. As it happens this was the same month that Solomon had begun work on the original temple.
Worship was also an important part of the restoration.
There was a mixture of rejoicing and weeping on the day the foundation stone was laid. For some of the older people remembered the former temple. Maybe they were weeping with joy at the rebuilding, or perhaps thinking that it would never be like the former temple (Hag 2:3).
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