DAILY TEXT, Friday, July 4, 2025, Go up to Jerusalem and rebuild the house of the Lord (Ezra 1:3).

Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2025

Friday, July 4, 2025

Go up to Jerusalem and rebuild the house of the Lord (Ezra 1:3).

It was official! The Jews who had been captive for some 70 years in Babylon could leave and return to their land, Israel (Ezra 1:2-4). Only Jehovah could accomplish such a thing. The Babylonians did not usually free their captives (Isa. 14:4, 17). But Babylon was defeated, and the new government announced that the Jews could leave. All Jews, especially householders, had a choice: leave Babylon or stay there. But this decision may not have been easy.

Some were too old to make the long and difficult journey. And since most of the Jews had been born in Babylon, it was the only home they knew. To them, Israel was simply the land of their ancestors. On the other hand, some Jews appear to have become wealthy in Babylon. So it may not have been easy for them to leave their comfortable homes or businesses and settle in a strange land. w23.05 14 pars. 1, 2.

What blessing awaited the Jews who returned to Israel?

For faithful Jews, the benefits of returning to Israel far outweighed any sacrifices they would have to make. The greatest blessing was related to their worship. There were more than 50 pagan temples in Babylon, but no temple to Jehovah. Since there was no altar or organized priesthood, the Israelites could not offer the sacrifices required by the Law of Moses. Furthermore, those who respected Jehovah and his standards were but a handful compared to all those who worshipped false gods. Therefore, the thousands of God-fearing Jews longed to return to their land and restore pure worship.

What did Jehovah promise the Jews?

The journey from Babylon to Israel would take about four months, and it would not be easy. But Jehovah promised that He would make sure the path was clear. Isaiah wrote: “Make clear the path of Jehovah! Make a straight path for our God in the wilderness. [...] The rough ground must be made smooth and the rough land made plain.” (Isa. 40:3, 4) Can you imagine? It would be much easier for the Jews to travel on a straight road and level ground than to climb up and down mountains and valleys. It would also be faster and more enjoyable.

What was the name of the symbolic road between Babylon and Israel?

Many roads have names, others just a number. And the symbolic road Isaiah spoke of? Well, it also has a name. The Bible says: “There will be a path there, a way called The Way of Holiness. No unclean person will travel on it” (Isa. 35:8). What did these words mean for the Israelites? And for us?

All Rights Reserved Copyright © 2024 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania JW.ORG.