00A.05 Ezra 5

Ezra 5:1-17 On the face of it, the interruption of the work described in Ezra 4:1-24 was due to circumstances beyond the builders’ powers. What could they do if they were stopped by force, and with authority? And yet, in the light of the prophecies uttered by the two prophets referred to at the start of Ezra 5:1-17, especially Haggai, we learn that there were reasons beneath the surface. The people had actually lost interest in the house of God and started concentrating on their own houses. Haggai had to deliver a stern message, addressing the consciences. Only after this could he deliver a message of comfort, assuring the people of God’s presence and support (Haggai 1:1-15). So Haggai and Zechariah prophesied (Ezra 5:1), and the result was that the building work was resumed (Ezra 5:2). This did not mean that opposition would cease. Again, the enemies come, ask questions, require justification for the building work. The leaders of the people give a beautiful answer, stating that

• they served the God of heaven

• they were under God’s discipline because their fathers had sinned, and that

• Cyrus had passed a decree entitling them to build.

They were firm but humble. The enemies write another letter, this time to King Darius. What would the result be?