The NIV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2012–2013, ed.

July 14
Lesson 7

DEDICATING THE TEMPLE

DEVOTIONAL READING: Ezra 5:1–5
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Ezra 6


EZRA 6:13–22

KEY VERSE
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

LESSON AIMS

After participating in this lesson, each student will be able to:
1. Describe the sequence of events in the completion and dedication of the second temple.
2. Compare and contrast the importance of the temple with the importance of church buildings today.
3. Dedicate himself or herself, as the temple of the Holy Spirit, to honoring God as sincerely as did the former exiles in Ezra 6 in dedicating the physical temple.

LESSON OUTLINE

Introduction
      A.      The Importance of Places
      B.      Lesson Background
          I.      Decree Obeyed (EZRA 6:13–15)
      A.      Diligence of the Officials (v. 13)
      B.      Determination in Building (v. 14)
      C.      Date of Completion (v. 15)
          II.      Temple Dedicated (EZRA 6:16–18)
      A.      Occasion for Joy (v. 16)
      B.      Offering of Sacrifices (v. 17)
      Willing to Sacrifice
      C.      Offices of Priests and Levites (v. 18)
          III.      Passover Kept (EZRA 6:19–22)
      A.      Celebration (v. 19)
      B.      Purification (v. 20)
      C.      Participation (v. 21)
      Purity Priority?
      D.      Realization (v. 22)
Conclusion
      A.      Real Joy
      B.      Prayer
      C.      Thought to Remember

The NIV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2012–2013, ed. Ronald L. Nickelson and Jonathan Underwood (Cincinnati, OH: Standard, 2012). 393.