God’s Strengthening Word: Offering God Thanks and PraiseНамуна

Introduction

Ezra 4:24—5:17: Problems caused by neighboring people halted the rebuilding of the Temple from 535 to 520 B.C. (see 4:1–23). The prophets Haggai and Zechariah persuade the people to start again, but adversaries challenged the exiles’ authority to begin rebuilding. The rebuilding of the Temple took place during the reign of Emperor Darius of Persia (522–486 B.C.).

Today’s Key Verse: Ezra 5:11 GNT

[The Jewish leaders answered:] “We are servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the Temple which was originally built and equipped many years ago by a powerful king of Israel.”

Reflect

According to today’s reading, who challenged the work of rebuilding the Temple? What did they do? In the report that was sent to Emperor Darius, what did the Jewish leaders say when critics questioned their authority to rebuild and equip the Temple (verses 11–16)? How did the initiators of the challenge conclude their report (verse 17)?

Pray

Almighty God of heaven and earth, I am your servant and seek to follow your teachings each day. May my words and actions be pleasing in your sight. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Ezra 6:1–12: Emperor Cyrus’s order is rediscovered.