Ezra 5:1-17

GOD WAS WATCHING OVER THEM

Keywords 5:5

But the eye of their God was watching over the elders of the Jews, and they were not stopped until a report could go to Darius and his

written reply be received.

 

1. God’s word inspires the builders (1-5)

Enemies had hindered the work of rebuilding and discouraged the workers. The

Jews’ initial zeal for the temple faded into selfishness and the mundane. God

raised prophets to proclaim his word to the people. Haggai rebuked the people for

neglecting the temple reconstruction (Hag 1:9-11). Zechariah prophesied future

hope (Zech 1:16-17, 3, 4:6-10). Joshua and Zerubbabel responded to God’s word

by restarting the work on the temple. When they obeyed God’s word, God also

watched over them. Man’s hindrance cannot stop God’s work.

 

2. A letter to King Darius (6-17)

Tattenai and some other officials wrote a letter to King Darius. The letter

contained the testimony of the Jewish elders. Solomon’s temple had been

a symbol of God’s grace. But when the Israelites angered God, he allowed

Nebuchadnezzar to destroy the temple and deport the people. Later Cyrus issued

a decree to rebuild the temple and the temple articles were returned. The Jewish

elders believed God’s grace and sovereignty over all history.

 

Prayer Lord, thank you for watching over and protecting us when we participate

in your work.

One Word God’s eye is watching over us