Passage
Ezra 4:1-24 (ESV)
God’s Wrath and Justice
Revelation 6:1-17
Key Verse: 6:17
Opposition to Rebuilding
Date: Sep. 24, 2014
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 4:3
First, we alone will build it for the LORD (1-5; 24). The enemies were people brought into the land by various Assyrian kings (2, 10) after their conquest of northern Israel (2 Ki 17:24). They offered to help build the temple and claimed to worship God. In fact, they worshiped many idols (2 Ki 17:29) and did not obey God’s word. Their offer was an attempt to subvert the construction and lead the people away from God. However, God gave spiritual discernment to the leaders. The exiles alone would build the temple for the LORD. These enemies continued to plant fear and frustrate plans until the temple efforts stopped for 15 years (24).
Second, enemies hinder wall rebuilding (6-23). Verses 6-23 record two official complaints (6, 7-16) lodged against the Jews made many years later. This look into the future reveals that enemies hindered efforts for over 100 years. The second letter was about rebuilding Jerusalem and her walls. It resulted in an official decree to stop the rebuilding. God blesses his people with his work but he never promises that it gets easier. God’s people must be prayerful and patient.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your work. Please give us spiritual discernment, patience and faithfulness.
One Word: Don’t compromise; wait and pray
