257 - Opposition to the wor

Kathleen's thoughts.

Ezra 4: 1-24, 5:2
Psalm 125: 1-5, 120: 1-8
Haggai 1-15, 2: 1-9
Zechariah 1: 1-6

Samaritan interference They wanted to be part of building the house of the Lord but Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the other leaders of Israel's families answered them, You may have no part with us in building a house for our God, since we alone must build it for the Lord, the God of Israel, as King Cyrus, the king of Persia has commanded us.

The security of God's people Do what is good, Lord, to the good, to those whose hearts are upright. But as for those who turn aside to crooked ways, the Lord will banish them with the evildoers. Peace be with Israel.

Letters of accusation Let it be known to the king that the Jews who came from you have returned to us at Jerusalem. They are rebuilding that rebellious and evil city, finishing its walls, and repairing its foundations. Let it now be known to the king that if that city is rebuilt and its walls are finished, they will not pay tribute, duty, or land tax, and the royal revenue will suffer.
...That a search should be made in your father's record books. In these record books you will discover and verify that the city is a rebellious city, harmful to kings and provinces. There have been revolts in it since ancient times. That is why this city was destroyed.

Artaxerxes' answers The king read the letters of accusation and said to be true. Therefore, issue an order for these men to stop, so that this city will not be rebuilt until a further decree has been pronounced by me. See that you not neglect his matter. Otherwise, the damage will increase and the royal interests will suffer.

Work suspended for seven years Now the construction of god's house in Jerusalem had stopped and remained at a standstill until the second year of the reign of King Darius of Persia.


A prayer against Israel's enemies

Haggai and Zechariah But when the prophets Haggai and Zechariah son of Iddo prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem, in the name of the God of Israel who was over them.

People reproached for neglect of Temple The Lord of Hosts says this; These people say; The time has not come for the house of the Lord to be rebuilt.

Zerubbabel and Joshua Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Jeshua son of Jozadak began to rebuild God's house in Jerusalem. The prophets of God were with them, helping them.
They began work on the house of Yahweh of Hosts, their God, on the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month, in the second year of King Darius.

The splendour of the future Temple For the Lord of Hosts says this; Once more, in a little while, I am going to shake the heavens and the earth,m the sea and dry land. I will shake all the nations so that the treasures of all the nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory. Says the Lord of Hosts. The silver and gold belong to Me - the declaration of the Lord of Hosts. The final glory of this house will be greater than the first. says the Lord of Hosts. I will provide peace in this place the declaration of the Lord of Hosts.

Zechariah's plea. Return to me this is the declaration of the Lord of Hosts. and I will return to you, says the Lord of Hosts.

But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the proclamation might be fully made through me, and all the Gentiles might hear. So I was, rescued from the sons' mouth 2 Timothy 4: 17
Blessings
Kathleen.