Restoration of The Temple Resumed

Topic: Renewal
Passage: Ezra 5:1–5

September 14, 2021

Commentary

As this chapter opens Artaxerxes, the king who had forbidden the Jews to work on the temple, had been slain and a new king, Darius, had been on the throne for over a year. However no attempt had been made to start building again because everyone was discouraged including the leader Zerubbabel and Joshua. The building of the temple was stopped about fifteen years. Then they had two good ministers, who urged them to go on with the work. God sends Haggai and Zechariah to encourage and strengthen the people as they exhort them to commence again their work of rebuilding (v. 1). To accomplish this Haggai and Zechariah not only preached but they rolled up their sleeves and also got involved in the labor (v. 2).

The renewal of this construction project brought to Jerusalem, Tatnai, the governor of all the provinces. He wanted to know who authorized the building and who was involved in supervising this project (vv. 3-4). From the letter written, it is evident that Zerubbabel informed them of the decree of Cyrus. Tatnai did not make the Jews stop building. Rather, he permitted them to continue until he received official word from the king (v. 5). This act of kindness can be attributed to the providence of God. He directs and controls all circumstances and incidents of life.

Application

Even though others may try to delay, confuse or frustrate me in doing God’s work I can be sure that He will accomplish His purpose. All I need to do is concentrate on God’s purpose and not be sidetracked by accusations or slander.

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.