The children of Israel were to keep themselves separated from the other nations but, by intermarrying with the different nations around them, they had compromised and taken on their abominations. The answer for them, though it might seem harsh, was to separate from their heathen marriages.
The birth and naming of John the Baptist and the prophecy of Zecharias
There are two different responses to the destruction of Babylon. Which side will you be on?
The people return to the building of the temple and continue with determination in the face of renewed opposition. However, because of their obedience, God turned the opposition into assistance.
The ark of the covenant was brought from the city of David. Solomon’s Temple was on Mount Moriah and was located to the north of the city of David which is Zion – Zion was later used to refer to the entire city of Jerusalem and also to the heavenly abode of God.
