Ezr 4:24 | MHM | STEP | v. 24 : As a result of this opposition, the work on the temple stopped for a time (Ezra 4:24 ). It remained unfinished until the second year of King Darius. The delay was partly due to the enemies’ interference and partly due to the Jews’ lack of enthusiasm. The prophets later rebuked the people for neglecting the temple, showing that they could have resumed the work sooner if they had been more determined (Ezra 5:1; Haggai 1:1 ). This teaches us that the church often suffers not only from the hostility of its enemies but also from the indifference of its friends.

‏ Ezra 4:24

v. 24: As a result of this opposition, the work on the temple stopped for a time (Ezra 4:24 ^a). It remained unfinished until the second year of King Darius. The delay was partly due to the enemies’ interference and partly due to the Jews’ lack of enthusiasm. The prophets later rebuked the people for neglecting the temple, showing that they could have resumed the work sooner if they had been more determined (Ezra 5:1; Haggai 1:1 ^b). This teaches us that the church often suffers not only from the hostility of its enemies but also from the indifference of its friends.