Ezra 5:1-2

The resumption of work 5:1-2

The Book of Haggai contains four messages that Haggai delivered to the returned exiles in 520 B.C. We know from what he said that the people had turned from their commitment to rebuild the temple, to constructing comfortable houses for themselves (Haggai 1:2-11). The prophet Zechariah joined Haggai in encouraging the people to give God’s interests priority over their own (Ezra 5:1).

"There is always an effective answer to discouragement in the bold proclamation of the word of God." [Note: McConville, p. 32.]

In response to the ministries of these prophets, the people began to rebuild the temple again (Ezra 5:2; Haggai 1:12-14) in 520 B.C. (Ezra 4:24).