Providence And Restoration (5:1-6:12)
Neal Pollard
After the hassle and opposition of the enemy, Judah did cease work on the temple for a while. As The Pulpit Commentary says, “There crept over the people a growing indifference to the work; they became unready for the self-denial which it demanded; their spiritual unfitness for it was increased by the presence of the external obstacles: to understand this we must turn to the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah” (H.D.M. Spence). They invested their energy, time, and money on rebuilding their own houses (Hag. 1:4-7). Zechariah reveals that it was a heart problem, a tendency that undid their forefathers (Zec. 1:1-7).
But, the work and preaching of these two prophets had their effect. Led by their governor and High Priest, the people “arose and began to rebuild the house of God which is in Jerusalem; and the prophets of God were with them supporting them” (Ezra 5:2). Then, officials who look to be Persian imperial representatives (regional officials rather than national officials, thus higher, greater authorities than Zerubbabel), enquire into what they were doing and who gave them permission to be doing it. This questioning seems to be prompted by a different motivation than the Samaritans’ effort. The Samaritans were trying to stop the work while these Persians were making sure these Jews were not working in defiance or rebellion to their king.
Unlike with the first inquiry, Judah continues to rebuild while the Persian governor, Tattenai, writes to King Darius to see if this project was sanctioned (5:5ff). It’s impressive that his letter to Darius shows reverence to Jehovah and respect to the Jews. Tattenai refers to “the house of the great God” (5:8). He passes along their reference to Him as “the God of heaven (and earth)” (5:11,12) and the temple as “the house of God” (5:16,17). Tattenai passes along Judah’s claim that King Cyrus (founder of the Persian Empire) gave them permission and even proclaimed that the Persian treasuries underwrite the project (5:13-17).
Darius, the current king of Persia, has the archives searched and the scroll containing Cyrus’ decree is found in the fortress city of Ecbatana, Media (6:1-2). They find the decree just as the Jews claimed, complete with the specifications of the temple’s size (6:3), materials (6:4), and furnishings (6:5). Upon finding this, Darius goes even further. He commands that the Jews be unobstructed (6:7), underwritten (6:8), and unhindered in their return to worship and service to God (6:9-10). To underscore his seriousness, Darius ends by saying, “And I issued a decree that any man who violates this edict, a timber shall be drawn from his house and he shall be impaled on it and his house shall be made a refuse heap on account of this. May the God who has caused His name to dwell there overthrow any king or people who attempts to change it, so as to destroy this house of God in Jerusalem. I, Darius, have issued this decree, let it be carried out with all diligence!” (6:11-12).
Consider what happens here. The people attempted to rebuild the temple. Opposition stopped their work. God raises up prophets to stir the people back to action. The people favorably respond, getting back to work. Imperial officials happen by their worksite, asking by what authority they were working. They refer back to Cyrus’ original decree, which is verified by Darius. Not only does he permit the work to continue, but he also pays for it.
Can’t we apply this to today? Hasn’t God given us a great work? Don’t we face external pressures and internal obstacles which discourage our obedience? Not only can God’s message stir our hearts and move us to restore, but we can also count on God to provide what we need, when we need it, if we will put our hands to the good work (Neh. 1:3). This is the very thing Paul has in mind when he writes, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28). God is the cause, He is at work helping His people serving His purpose! If God wills it and we do it, He will help make it happen! Believe it!
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