Wed Sep 18 04:12:56 UTC 2024: ## Enemies Hinder Temple Reconstruction, But God’s Will Prevails
**Jerusalem, Israel -** The rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem, a project initiated by returning exiles, faced persistent opposition from surrounding nations. Despite attempts by these nations to discourage and sabotage the project, the Jewish community persevered, ultimately completing the temple thanks to divine intervention and the unwavering support of some Persian rulers.
The enemies of Judah and Benjamin, claiming to worship the God of Israel, initially offered assistance in rebuilding the temple. However, the Jewish leaders rejected their offer, stating the temple was to be built solely for the Lord by those who had been exiled and returned.
Undeterred, the enemies continuously hampered the project, bribing officials during the reigns of Cyrus and Darius. During the reign of Xerxes, accusations were formally lodged against the people of Jerusalem, leading to further delays.
Under the reign of Artaxerxes, a letter signed by high-ranking officials from Samaria and Trans-Euphrates was sent to the King, detailing the Jewish efforts to rebuild Jerusalem and claiming this would lead to a loss of revenue for the empire. The letter also emphasized Jerusalem’s history of rebellion against past rulers.
Artaxerxes, convinced by the letter, issued an order to halt the construction, and officials enforced it in Jerusalem. Construction stalled for several years, but the spirit of the Jewish people was not dampened.
Years later, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah encouraged the Jewish community to resume construction. The project was then questioned by officials from Trans-Euphrates, who demanded authorization and the names of those leading the work.
The Jewish elders explained they were rebuilding the temple, a project begun by a great king of Israel, but interrupted by the Babylonians due to their ancestors’ transgressions. They recounted King Cyrus’s decree in the first year of his reign, which authorized the rebuilding and included the return of temple artifacts from Babylon.
This response led to a thorough investigation of royal archives, which confirmed the decree issued by Cyrus. King Darius, upon discovering the decree, issued a new decree, fully supporting the temple’s reconstruction and protecting the Jewish elders from any interference. He even ordered that expenses for the project be covered by royal funds and resources.
The temple was finally completed in the sixth year of Darius’ reign, amidst great joy and celebration. The people of Israel, priests, and Levites dedicated the temple with offerings and resumed their religious practices, as outlined in the Book of Moses.
The perseverance of the Jewish people in rebuilding the temple, despite external pressures and setbacks, serves as a testament to their faith and the power of divine intervention.
First Piper 