The first wave of opposition that the
Jews encountered as they sought to rebuild the temple was from the Samaritans.
As a result of the opposition, work was stopped for about 15 years. Now in King
Darius’ reign and under the influence of the Prophets Haggai and Zachariah, the
rebuilding resumed. But as soon Zerubbabel and Jeshua restarted work the second
wave of opposition began. This time the opposition came from the King’s
official. Possibly instigated by the Samaritans who complained to governor
Tattenai. Together with Shethar-bozenai and colleagues, the governor then interrogated the Jews who were engaged in the rebuilding program.
The Jews were asked who gave them permission
to resume the work to complete the rebuilding of the temple. However, this
time, they were not the least bit threatened. We can guess why. Firstly they
were encouraged by the words of the two godly prophets, Haggai and Zechariah.
Secondly, Ezra 5:5 said that “…the eye of their God was on the elders of the
Jews….” Though they could not see Him with their naked eyes, He was nonetheless
moving among them invisibly, strengthening their hearts, and giving them
courage. So they were unperturbed by the interrogation. They just gave the
authority what they wanted and submitted the names of those who were involved
in the restructuring of the temple to them. God’s favor was obviously upon
them. So they were not prevented from their rebuilding program. The official
allowed them to continue to work while they await a written response from
Darius.
There is no threat too huge to intimidate
us when we put our lives in the hand of the LORD. Like
them, none of us should feel so terrified by our circumstances that we dare not
be involved in what God is doing. There is nothing that is outside of God’s
control and no threat too overwhelming when we put our lives in God’s hands. If
His eyes are on the sparrow surely, He will watch over us. Just like He watched
over the lives of the elders, He watches over us.
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