Restoration of The Temple Resumed
September 14, 2021
Commentary
As this chapter opens, Artaxerxes, the king who had forbidden the Jews to work on the temple, had been killed, and a new king, Darius, had been on the throne for over a year. Yet no attempt had been made to restart the building. The people were discouraged, including the leaders Zerubbabel and Joshua. The work on the temple had been stopped for about fifteen years, and hope had slowly faded as daily life took priority over worship, even after years of delay and disappointment. Fear, uncertainty, and weariness weakened their resolve. At this critical time, God raised up two faithful prophets who urged the people to continue the work. God sent Haggai and Zechariah to encourage and strengthen them, calling them to begin rebuilding the temple again (v. 1). These prophets did more than speak words of encouragement. They showed personal commitment by joining the people in the labor and leading by example (v. 2). Their obedience stirred faith, courage, and renewed purpose among the people.
The renewal of the construction project caught the attention of Tatnai, the governor of the region west of the Euphrates. He came to Jerusalem and asked who had authorized the rebuilding and who was responsible for supervising the work (vv. 3–4). From the official report, it is clear that Zerubbabel explained the decree originally given by King Cyrus and the reason they were rebuilding. Tatnai did not force the Jews to stop building. Instead, he allowed the work to continue while he waited for confirmation from the king (v. 5). This unexpected response reflects God’s providence at work. God directs rulers, circumstances, and events according to His will, often using unlikely people to protect His plans and move His work forward.
Application
God’s Word calls me to begin again when I feel tired or afraid. I see how encouragement renews faith and action. Am I listening to God’s voice over discouragement? Who can I encourage through my actions? Where do I need to restart obedience? Will I trust God to protect His work as I move forward?
Ezra 5:1–5 (NET)
1 Then the prophets Haggai and Zechariah son of Iddo prophesied concerning the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel who was over them. 2 Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak began to rebuild the temple of God in Jerusalem. The prophets of God were with them, supporting them.
3 At that time Tattenai governor of Trans-Euphrates, Shethar-Bozenai, and their colleagues came to them and asked, “Who gave you authority to rebuild this temple and to complete this structure?” 4 They also asked them, “What are the names of the men who are building this edifice?” 5 But God was watching over the elders of Judah, and they were not stopped until a report could be dispatched to Darius and a letter could be sent back concerning this.
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