The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Wednesday, March 6, 2024

 

The Daily Lectionary
With Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Sanctuaries of Worship and Restoration

Psalm 84; Ezra 6:1-16; Mark 11:15-19
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Lent 3)

Introduction

Psalm 84, Ezra 6:1-16, and Mark 11:15-19 collectively explore the profound reverence and restoration associated with sacred spaces. Psalm 84 poetically expresses the deep yearning and blessedness of dwelling in God's sanctuary, highlighting the sanctuary as a place of comfort and spiritual nourishment. In Ezra 6:1-16, we witness the fulfillment of God's promise through the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple, a testament to divine faithfulness and a focal point for communal worship. Mark 11:15-19 presents Jesus' cleansing of the temple in Jerusalem, an act that reclaims the temple as a house of prayer and challenges the misuse of sacred space. Together, these passages invite reflection on the sanctity of worship places and the continual need for spiritual renewal and purity in our approach to the divine.

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 84
How Lovely is God’s Dwelling Place

Psalm 84 is a heartfelt homage to the splendor and sacredness of God’s abode. Traditionally attributed to the sons of Korah, it reflects a deep yearning for the presence of the Lord and a joyful celebration of being in His holy temple. The Psalm vividly captures the bliss and peace experienced by those who dwell in God's presence, contrasting the fleeting pleasures of the world with the eternal joy found near the Almighty. As we read and reflect upon this Psalm, let us immerse ourselves in its profound longing and recognition of the beauty of God's dwelling.

1    How lovely is your dwelling place, *
        O LORD of hosts!

2    My soul longs, indeed it faints
    for the courts of the LORD; *
        my heart and my flesh sing for joy
        to the living God.

3    Even the sparrow finds a home,
    and the swallow a nest for herself,
    where she may lay her young, *
        at your altars, O LORD of hosts,
        my King and my God.

4    Happy are those who live in your house, *
        ever singing your praise.                    Selah

5    Happy are those whose strength is in you, *
        in whose heart are the highways to Zion.

6    As they go through the valley of Baca
    they make it a place of springs; *
        the early rain also covers it with pools.

7    They go from strength to strength; *
        the God of gods will be seen in Zion.

8    O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer; *
        give ear, O God of Jacob!                    Selah

9    Behold our shield, O God; *
        look on the face of your anointed.

10    For a day in your courts is better
    than a thousand elsewhere. *
        I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
        than live in the tents of wickedness.

11    For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
    he bestows favor and honor. *
        No good thing does the LORD withhold
        from those who walk uprightly.

12    O LORD of hosts, *
        happy is everyone who trusts in you.

Heavenly Father, in the beauty of Your dwelling place, our hearts yearn and even faint for the courts of the Lord. In Your presence, O God, we find joy and peace, for a day in Your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.

We come before You, acknowledging Your majesty and grace, seeking the warmth of Your love and the light of Your guidance. Like the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, may our souls find rest and comfort in You, our Lord, our King, and our God.

Blessed are those who dwell in Your house, ever singing Your praise. Grant us the strength to walk through the valleys of life, turning them into places of springs, filled with Your blessings and grace.

O Lord of hosts, hear our prayer. Listen, O God of Jacob. Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of Your anointed.

For in Your presence, we find strength and truth. In Your love, we find hope and salvation. No good thing do You withhold from those who walk uprightly.

O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in You. May our hearts and souls always yearn for Your living presence, finding joy and fulfillment in Your eternal love.

Be with us today and every day in Jesus Christ, Who taught us to pray:

“Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.”

Ezra 6:1-16
King Darius Orders the Temple Rebuilt

Ezra 6:1-16 recounts the remarkable story of the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem following the Babylonian Exile. This passage begins with King Darius of Persia issuing a decree to search the royal archives for the original decree of King Cyrus, which permitted the Jews to rebuild their temple. Upon finding it, King Darius not only reaffirms Cyrus's decree but also commands his officials to support the Jewish community in their endeavor. The narrative highlights the faithfulness of the Jewish leaders and the providence of God in overcoming opposition and hardship. This culminates in the joyful dedication of the Temple and the celebration of the Passover, marking a significant moment of restoration and renewal for the Jewish people.

6 1 Then King Darius made a decree, and they searched the archives where the documents were stored in Babylon. 2 But it was in Ecbatana, the capital in the province of Media, that a scroll was found on which this was written: “A record. 3 In the first year of his reign, King Cyrus issued a decree: Concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, let the house be rebuilt, the place where sacrifices are offered and burnt offerings are brought; its height shall be sixty cubits and its width sixty cubits, 4 with three courses of hewn stones and one course of timber; let the cost be paid from the royal treasury. 5 Moreover, let the gold and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple in Jerusalem and brought to Babylon, be restored and brought back to the temple in Jerusalem, each to its place; you shall put them in the house of God.”

6 “Now you, Tattenai, governor of the province Beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai, and you, their associates, the envoys in the province Beyond the River, keep away; 7 let the work on this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews rebuild this house of God on its site. 8 Moreover I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the rebuilding of this house of God: the cost is to be paid to these people, in full and without delay, from the royal revenue, the tribute of the province Beyond the River. 9 Whatever is needed—young bulls, rams, or sheep for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, or oil, as the priests in Jerusalem require—let that be given to them day by day without fail, 10 so that they may offer pleasing sacrifices to the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king and his children. 11 Furthermore I decree that if anyone alters this edict, a beam shall be pulled out of the house of the perpetrator, who then shall be impaled on it. The house shall be made a dunghill. 12 May the God who has established his name there overthrow any king or people that shall put forth a hand to alter this, or to destroy this house of God in Jerusalem. I, Darius, make a decree; let it be done with all diligence.”

13 Then, according to the word sent by King Darius, Tattenai, the governor of the province Beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates did with all diligence what King Darius had ordered. 14 So the elders of the Jews built and prospered, through the prophesying of the prophet Haggai and Zechariah son of Iddo. They finished their building by command of the God of Israel and by decree of Cyrus, Darius, and King Artaxerxes of Persia; 15 and this house was finished on the third day of the month of Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius.

16 The people of Israel, the priests and the Levites, and the rest of the returned exiles, celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy.

Expository Commentary

Verses 1-2: These verses describe King Darius' order to search for the scroll containing King Cyrus' decree in the Babylonian archives. This demonstrates the respect for past decrees and the importance of historical records in governance.

Verses 3-5: These verses recount Cyrus' decree, allowing the Jews to rebuild their temple in Jerusalem. It highlights the freedom of religion and the respect for diverse faiths under Cyrus' rule. The specific instructions regarding the dimensions and funding for the temple indicate the thoroughness and support of the Persian government towards this endeavor.

Verses 6-7: King Darius instructs the governor of the region to not interfere with the temple rebuilding. This shows a continuation of the policy of religious tolerance and support that Cyrus initiated.

Verses 8-10: Darius goes further by providing resources for the temple's construction and daily offerings. This is significant as it shows a foreign king financially and materially supporting the religious practices of a conquered people, which was relatively rare in ancient times.

Verses 11-12: These verses establish a curse on anyone who alters the decree or destroys the temple, reflecting the seriousness with which Darius views this project. It also invokes divine protection over the temple.

Verses 13-15: The passage recounts the completion of the temple, highlighting the cooperation between the local leaders and the Persian government. The temple's completion in the sixth year of King Darius marks an important historical and religious milestone for the Jewish people.

Verse 16: Finally, the Israelites celebrate the dedication of this new temple with joy. This celebration includes sacrifices and appointing priests and Levites. It symbolizes not just the rebuilding of a physical structure, but the restoration of religious practice and community identity after a period of exile and hardship.

In summary, Ezra 6:1-16 is a powerful narrative of restoration and religious tolerance. It underscores the importance of historical records, the respect for religious diversity, and the role of political leadership in supporting religious practices. The passage also celebrates the resilience of the Jewish faith and community through the rebuilding of the Temple, which was central to their identity and worship practices.

Mark 11:15-19
Jesus Cleanses the Temple

Mark 11:15-19 presents a pivotal and thought-provoking event in the life of Jesus Christ, known as the Cleansing of the Temple. This passage depicts Jesus entering the temple in Jerusalem and driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturns the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves, accusing them of turning a house of prayer into a den of robbers. This act of Jesus not only demonstrates his authority and zeal for righteousness but also serves as a significant moment of conflict between Him and the religious authorities. The passage concludes with these leaders seeking a way to destroy Jesus, deeply troubled by his teachings and growing popularity among the people. This narrative is a compelling reflection on the themes of corruption, religious practice, and the challenge of true spiritual authority.

11 15 Then they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling and those who were buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves; 16 and he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. 17 He was teaching and saying, “Is it not written,

    ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’?
        But you have made it a den of robbers.”

18 And when the chief priests and the scribes heard it, they kept looking for a way to kill him; for they were afraid of him, because the whole crowd was spellbound by his teaching. 19 And when evening came, Jesus and his disciples went out of the city.

Expository Commentary

Verse 15 — Context and Setting: The event occurs in Jerusalem, specifically in the temple, one of the holiest places for the Jewish people. This happens just after Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, which is significant as it sets a contrast between the celebratory reception he received and the confrontational action he's about to take.

Verses 15-16 — Jesus’ Actions in the Temple: Jesus drives out those who were buying and selling in the temple, overturns the tables of the money changers, and the seats of those who sold doves. He also prevents anyone from carrying anything through the temple. These actions are symbolic and forceful, reflecting Jesus' disapproval of the commercial activities occurring in a place meant for worship. The mention of doves is significant as they were often the sacrifices of the poor, suggesting a criticism of exploiting the needy.

Verse 17 — Jesus’ Teaching: Jesus quotes from Isaiah 56:7 and Jeremiah 7:11, combining the themes of the temple as a house of prayer for all nations and the corruption he sees, equating it to a "den of robbers." This teaching criticizes the temple authorities and those who profited from the commercialization of religion, indicating a profound disrespect for the sanctity of the temple.

Verse 18 — Response of the Chief Priests and the Scribes: The chief priests and scribes are threatened by Jesus' actions and teachings, as they challenge the established religious order and their authority. Their seeking a way to destroy him highlights the growing tension between Jesus and the Jewish religious leaders, which eventually leads to the crucifixion.

Verse 19 — Reaction of the Crowd: The crowd’s amazement at Jesus’ teaching suggests his significant influence over the people. This public support and popularity might have added to the concerns of the religious leaders, who feared losing their authority and control.

Theological Significance: This passage demonstrates Jesus' authority and his zeal for pure worship. It also points to the corruption and misguidance in the temple practices of the time. Theologically, this event foreshadows the new covenant in Jesus, where the focus shifts from the temple as the center of worship to Jesus himself.

Historical and Cultural Relevance: Understanding the historical and cultural context is crucial. The temple was not just a religious place but also a center of economic and social life. The commercial activities, although necessary for the temple sacrifices, had possibly become exploitative and corrupt, losing sight of their original purpose.

Summary: Mark 11:15-19 is a pivotal moment in the Gospel narrative, showcasing Jesus' authority and his challenge to the established religious order. It underscores his commitment to pure worship and his opposition to the corruption and exploitation he witnessed in the temple. This event sets the stage for the increasing conflict that leads to Jesus' crucifixion and is a critical point in understanding his ministry and message.

Optional parts of the readings are set off in [square brackets.]

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Commentaries are by Kenny Sallee, ThM, aided by ChatGPT.

The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year B. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2024, we will be in Year C. The year which ended at Advent 2023 was Year A. These readings complement the Sunday and festival readings: Thursday through Saturday readings help prepare the reader for the Sunday ahead; Monday through Wednesday readings help the reader reflect and digest on what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org