Ezra 第 5
KJV — King James Version · 17 節
Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, even unto them.
Spiritual Insight
After years of silence, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah spoke up. Sometimes what God's people need most is a prophetic voice to reignite their courage.
Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God helping them.
Spiritual Insight
Zerubbabel and Jeshua rose up and started building again. The prophets' words turned into action. Encouragement should lead to movement.
At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall?
Spiritual Insight
Immediately, the regional governor came asking who authorized the building. When you restart God's work, expect questions — and be ready with an answer.
Then said we unto them after this manner, What are the names of the men that make this building?
Spiritual Insight
They simply told them the names of the builders. Transparency is the best policy when you're doing God's work honestly.
But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, that they could not cause them to cease, till the matter came to Darius: and then they returned answer by letter concerning this matter.
Spiritual Insight
God's eye was on the elders, and the officials couldn't stop them. Divine protection doesn't mean no opposition — it means opposition can't ultimately succeed.
The copy of the letter that Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and his companions the Apharsachites, which were on this side the river, sent unto Darius the king:
Spiritual Insight
Tattenai sent a formal letter to King Darius. The opposition escalated again, but this time it would backfire.
They sent a letter unto him, wherein was written thus; Unto Darius the king, all peace.
Spiritual Insight
The letter started with 'peace' — a polite opening to a dangerous inquiry. Sometimes the most threatening messages come wrapped in courtesy.
Be it known unto the king, that we went into the province of Judea, to the house of the great God, which is builded with great stones, and timber is laid in the walls, and this work goeth fast on, and prospereth in their hands.
Spiritual Insight
Even the governor had to admit the work was progressing beautifully. When God is in it, even opponents become witnesses to its quality.
Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus, Who commanded you to build this house, and to make up these walls?
Spiritual Insight
They asked again who authorized this. It's the same question the enemy always asks: 'By what authority?' Our answer should be: 'By God's.'
We asked their names also, to certify thee, that we might write the names of the men that were the chief of them.
Spiritual Insight
They asked for names to report to the king. Bureaucratic oversight can feel threatening, but God works even through official channels.
And thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded these many years ago, which a great king of Israel builded and set up.
Spiritual Insight
Their answer was bold: 'We are servants of the God of heaven and earth.' When you know whose you are, you can face any authority with confidence.
But after that our fathers had provoked the God of heaven unto wrath, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this house, and carried the people away into Babylon.
Spiritual Insight
They didn't hide the painful history — their fathers sinned, and the temple was destroyed. Honest confession of the past gives credibility to present faith.
But in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon the same king Cyrus made a decree to build this house of God.
Spiritual Insight
But then came the turning point: Cyrus issued a decree to rebuild. One king's decree changed everything. God uses authorities to accomplish His purposes.
And the vessels also of gold and silver of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem, and brought them into the temple of Babylon, those did Cyrus the king take out of the temple of Babylon, and they were delivered unto one, whose name was Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor;
Spiritual Insight
The gold and silver vessels that Nebuchadnezzar stole were being returned through Cyrus. What was lost in judgment was being restored in grace.
And said unto him, Take these vessels, go, carry them into the temple that is in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be builded in his place.
Spiritual Insight
Cyrus told Sheshbazzar to take the vessels back and rebuild the temple. Sometimes God uses unlikely people to accomplish His restoration.
Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundation of the house of God which is in Jerusalem: and since that time even until now hath it been in building, and yet it is not finished.
Spiritual Insight
Sheshbazzar laid the foundation, but the work was still unfinished. Faithful beginnings matter, even when we don't live to see the completion.
Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search made in the king’s treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.
Spiritual Insight
They asked the king to search the records — the same strategy their enemies used earlier, now turned in their favor. Truth ultimately defends itself.