Ezr 5:1 | MHM | STEP | The Jews Encouraged by Their Prophets This passage explains how the work on the temple, which had stopped for many years, was started again. The delay lasted somewhere between nine and fifteen years. During this time, the people continued worshipping God with an altar and a tabernacle, but they did not rebuild the temple. The enemies of the Jews had discouraged them, and some false prophets even claimed it was not yet time to build (Haggai 1:2 ). The people became comfortable in their own homes while God’s house stayed in ruins. But then, God sent prophets to encourage and correct them. v. 1 : God sent two prophets, Haggai and Zechariah, to the people in the second year of King Darius (Haggai 1:1; Zechariah 1:1 ). These prophets spoke God’s word, not just human ideas. God’s work is advanced by spiritual means, not by force. The prophets’ job was to stir up the people, strengthen them, and encourage them to do good. When God wants to show mercy, He sends people to deliver His word and inspire action. The prophets spoke directly to the Jews, who were called the children of the prophets (Acts 3:25 ). Their words were meant to give life to a discouraged people, much like Ezekiel’s prophecy over the dry bones (Ezekiel 37:4 ). Sometimes, the word of God comes as a warning, and if people do not listen, it will one day stand as a testimony against them. Haggai and Zechariah spoke in the name of the God of Israel. They were sent by God and reminded the people of His authority, His relationship with them, and His glory among them.

‏ Ezra 5:1

The Jews Encouraged by Their Prophets

This passage explains how the work on the temple, which had stopped for many years, was started again. The delay lasted somewhere between nine and fifteen years. During this time, the people continued worshipping God with an altar and a tabernacle, but they did not rebuild the temple. The enemies of the Jews had discouraged them, and some false prophets even claimed it was not yet time to build (Haggai 1:2 ^a). The people became comfortable in their own homes while God’s house stayed in ruins. But then, God sent prophets to encourage and correct them.

v. 1: God sent two prophets, Haggai and Zechariah, to the people in the second year of King Darius (Haggai 1:1; Zechariah 1:1 ^b). These prophets spoke God’s word, not just human ideas. God’s work is advanced by spiritual means, not by force. The prophets’ job was to stir up the people, strengthen them, and encourage them to do good. When God wants to show mercy, He sends people to deliver His word and inspire action. The prophets spoke directly to the Jews, who were called the children of the prophets (Acts 3:25 ^c). Their words were meant to give life to a discouraged people, much like Ezekiel’s prophecy over the dry bones (Ezekiel 37:4 ^d). Sometimes, the word of God comes as a warning, and if people do not listen, it will one day stand as a testimony against them. Haggai and Zechariah spoke in the name of the God of Israel. They were sent by God and reminded the people of His authority, His relationship with them, and His glory among them.