The first to return to their property in the cities included Israelite citizens, priests, Levites, and Temple workers.

The priests, the Levites, the Temple guards, the musicians, many of the ordinary people, the Temple workers---all the people of Israel---settled in the towns and cities of Judah.

The enemies of the people of Judah and Benjamin heard that those who had returned from exile were rebuilding the Temple of the LORD, the God of Israel.

He sacrificed 22,000 head of cattle and 120,000 sheep as fellowship offerings. And so the king and all the people dedicated the Temple.

He sacrificed 22,000 head of cattle and 120,000 sheep as fellowship offerings. And so he and all the people dedicated the Temple.

They had spent seven days for the dedication of the altar and then seven more days for the festival. On the last day they had a closing celebration,

It was winter, and the Festival of the Dedication of the Temple was being celebrated in Jerusalem.

For seven days they joyfully celebrated the Festival of Unleavened Bread. They were full of joy because the LORD had made the emperor of Assyria favorable to them, so that he supported them in their work of rebuilding the Temple of the God of Israel.

They sang the LORD's praises, repeating the refrain: "The LORD is good, and his love for Israel is eternal." Everyone shouted with all their might, praising the LORD, because the work on the foundation of the Temple had been started.

Many of the older priests, Levites, and heads of clans had seen the first Temple, and as they watched the foundation of this Temple being laid, they cried and wailed. But the others who were there shouted for joy.

There, in the presence of the LORD your God, who has blessed you, you and your families will eat and enjoy the good things that you have worked for.

So all the Israelites accompanied the Covenant Box up to Jerusalem with shouts of joy, the sound of trumpets, horns, and cymbals, and the music of harps.

and on the following day, the twenty-third day of the seventh month, Solomon sent the people home. They were happy about all the blessings that the LORD had given to his people Israel, to David, and to Solomon.

they all decided to celebrate for another seven days. So they celebrated with joy.

The city of Jerusalem was filled with joy, because nothing like this had happened since the days of King Solomon, the son of David.

Now go home and have a feast. Share your food and wine with those who don't have enough. Today is holy to our Lord, so don't be sad. The joy that the LORD gives you will make you strong."

That day many sacrifices were offered, and the people were full of joy because God had made them very happy. The women and the children joined in the celebration, and the noise they all made could be heard for miles.

I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the LORD's house."

May you always be joyful in your union with the Lord. I say it again: rejoice!