July 27, 2026

In Ezra 3:1, as the Jews returned to Jerusalem under the command of King Cyrus of Persia to rebuild the temple, it says that "the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem". Being as one man is an Hebrew idiom that signifies complete and total unity. This is beautiful because they have returned home and are completely united in their priority and efforts to rebuild the house of God and worship as they have not been able for the past 70 years.

Being gathered as one man to Jerusalem reminds me of two related scriptures. Moses 7:18 and the tenth article of faith.

"And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind."

"We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory."

They gathered in unity to rebuild Jerusalem as a shadow of things to come in this latter day, when we are gathering Israel and striving to be as one man, with one heart and mind towards Christ so He will come again. At that time, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is the Christ.