A Journey Through The Old Testament - Elmer Towns

“So Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak rose up and began to
build the house of God which is in Jerusalem; and the prophets of God were with them, helping
them” (Ezra 5:2). Of course there was still opposition to the work by neighboring peoples, but
this time the Jews would not be intimidated. Again a letter was sent off to the Persian rulers, but
this time the answer was different. Darius, a new ruler, called for a search of the archives to
determine what had been decided earlier concerning the matter. In the process of that research, a
copy of the original decree of Cyrus was found. Darius determined to enforce the terms of that
initial ruling. “So the elders of the Jews built, and they prospered through the prophesying of
Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they built and finished it, according to
the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the command of Cyrus, Darius, and
Artaxerxes king of Persia” (6:14).
If the beginning of the temple construction had been a cause for celebration, it was more
so concerning its completion. When compared to Solomon’s temple, the smaller frame building
that stood in the city was rather insignificant in appearance. Years later the rabbis would lament
the fact it never had the Shekinah glory cloud of God descend on it as on the first temple. But
this temple would have an even greater glory. The prophet had promised that God would not
only visit it in His presence, but in His person. As the people celebrated the Passover in
Jerusalem that year, they may not have comprehended the implications of Haggai’s prophecy,
but they rejoiced in the presence of a house of worship. “And they kept the Feast of Unleavened
Bread seven days with joy; for the Lord made them joyful” (6:22).
PERSPECTIVE
For seventy years, Israel had been in Babylon as captives. But in God’s timing, leaders
were raised up to accomplish God’s will in bringing a remnant back to the land and
reestablishing religious and civic aspects of Jewish society. But some chose not to be a part of
that remnant. They had grown comfortable in Babylon and were reluctant to give up their present
lifestyle for something better God had in store for them. Christians today need to be careful not
to be so comfortable with a materialistic lifestyle that they are unwilling to respond to the Lord’s
leading in their lives.
FIFTY
ESTHER:
The Saving of a Nation
(Esther)