19 The exiles e observed the Passover on the fourteenth e of the first month . 20 For the priests and the Levites had purified themselves together ; all of them were pure . Then they slaughtered the Passover lamb for all the exiles e , both for their brothers the priests and for themselves. 21 The sons of Israel who returned from exile and all those who had separated themselves from the impurity of the nations of the land to join them, to seek the Lord God of Israel , ate the Passover. 22 And they observed the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with joy , for the Lord had caused them to rejoice , and had turned the heart of the king of Assyria toward them to encourage e them in the work of the house of God , the God of Israel .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ezra 6:19-22
Commentary on Ezra 6:13-22
(Read Ezra 6:13-22)
The gospel church, that spiritual temple, is long in the building, but it will be finished at last, when the mystical body is completed. Every believer is a living temple, building up himself in his most holy faith: much opposition is given to this work by Satan and our own corruptions. We trifle, and proceed in it with many stops and pauses; but He that has begun the good work, will see it performed. Then spirits of just men will be made perfect. By getting their sins taken away, the Jews would free themselves from the sting of their late troubles. Their service was with joy. Let us welcome holy ordinances with joy, and serve the Lord with gladness.