This chapter describes the events around the renewed effort to rebuild the temple.
“Now the prophets, Haggai and Zechariah… prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem, in the name of the God of Israel who was over them. Then Zerubbabel… and Jeshua… arose and began to rebuild the house of God that is in Jerusalem, and the prophets of God were with them, supporting them… the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews…” (v1-2, 5 abr)
For some reason, the book of Ezra lacks some of the broader context around the temple rebuilding efforts (a fuller context includes Hag. and Zech.). My understanding is, the initial rebuilding effort was according to human priorities, and using human initiative and planning, which is why God allowed it to be stopped.
The second time around, Haggai and Zechariah are prophesying, and the Jews are listening / obeying, so God is now blessing their efforts. Their enemies send a letter to the new king of Persia (Darius) in another attempt to stop the Jews’ efforts, but it completely backfires.
I think the second rebuilding effort succeeds because the Jews have recognized their past sin, repented, and are now obedient to God’s leading: “We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth… our fathers had angered the God of heaven, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon” (v11-12 abr).
In my understanding, there are two main types of roadblock that God allows us to encounter: consequence and trial. A consequence roadblock stops our efforts because we are doing something disobedient to God, so we need to repent and realign. A trial roadblock slows us down when we’re obeying God, but it can be easily overcome by increased faith in Him.
There can sometimes be a very subtle difference between these two roadblocks, and I suggest God allows both of these out of a desire for us to draw nearer to Him. I suggest that when encounter trials or consequences in our lives, we take a few minutes to assess why God has allowed the circumstance, repent if we’re in the wrong, and rely more closely on Him. This is one major way in which we grow on our faith journey.
Father God, our Wise and Protective Provider, You care for us in more ways than we realize. Thank you for Your occasional tough love, for allowing us to encounter trials that will draw us nearer to You. Please help us to see these for what they are, and repent as necessary, so we may continue on the paths of righteousness and obedience. May we honor and glorify You, all of the days of our lives. In the name of Jesus we praise You, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training