Soon after the dedication of the temple the people celebrate the Passover. Beginning in 6:19 the text is again written in Hebrew; the portion in Aramaic ends in verse 18. It is calculated, according to our calendar, that the temple was completed on March 12, 515 BC, and the Passover would have begun on April 21. So, only a few weeks after the dedication of the temple the Jews had another important celebration.

Celebrations were important in the life of the Jews. These gatherings gave them opportunity to worship together, to remember God’s great works throughout their history, to be taught from the law, and to have joyous times of fellowship. The Passover celebrated their deliverance from the bondage of Egypt. The events of the exodus from Egypt left a lasting effect on Israel. We can see…