The
effect of faith: the intervention of their adversaries
All this shews us that, in
ceasing to build the temple, Israel was in fault. It
appears from Haggai (chap. 2:15) that they had made no
progress at all. The terror with which the adversaries
had inspired the Jews had stopped them. They had no
excuse for this, since even the king's commandment was on
their side. That which they lacked was faith in God. We
have seen that, when there was faith they dared to build,
although there was a decree against it. The effect of
this faith is to give rise to a decree in their favour,
and that even through the intervention of their
adversaries. It is good to trust in God. Blessed be
His gracious name!
Under the influence of the
prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah the house was finished
(chap. 6: 15).
The passover kept:
Jehovah's kindness and grace
Jehovah's great grace in
this was a real occasion for joy. The priests are set in
their divisions, and the Levites in their courses,
according to the law of Moses, and we find more
faithfulness than in the best days of the kings (compare
chap. 6: 20 with 2 Chron. 29: 34). But we hear nothing of
the ordinances of David, and a still greater deficiency
is seen in their celebration of the feast of dedication.
They kept the passover—a proof that the redemption
of the people could be remembered in the land. Happy
privilege of the restored remnant! Many also had joined
them, separating themselves from the filthiness of the
heathen of the land. Jehovah had given them cause for
joy; but fire no longer came down from heaven to testify
divine acceptance of the sacrifice offered for the
dedication of the house. This was indeed a negative
difference, but one of deep significance. And even that
which formed the subject of their joy betrayed their
condition. "Jehovah had turned the heart of the
king of Assyria unto them, to strengthen their hands
in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel."
It was great kindness and touching grace on His part. But
what a change!
Ezra 6 Bible Commentary
John Darby’s Synopsis
All this shews us that, in ceasing to build the temple, Israel was in fault. It appears from Haggai (chap. 2:15) that they had made no progress at all. The terror with which the adversaries had inspired the Jews had stopped them. They had no excuse for this, since even the king's commandment was on their side. That which they lacked was faith in God. We have seen that, when there was faith they dared to build, although there was a decree against it. The effect of this faith is to give rise to a decree in their favour, and that even through the intervention of their adversaries. It is good to trust in God. Blessed be His gracious name!
Under the influence of the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah the house was finished (chap. 6: 15).
The passover kept: Jehovah's kindness and grace
Jehovah's great grace in this was a real occasion for joy. The priests are set in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, according to the law of Moses, and we find more faithfulness than in the best days of the kings (compare chap. 6: 20 with 2 Chron. 29: 34). But we hear nothing of the ordinances of David, and a still greater deficiency is seen in their celebration of the feast of dedication. They kept the passover—a proof that the redemption of the people could be remembered in the land. Happy privilege of the restored remnant! Many also had joined them, separating themselves from the filthiness of the heathen of the land. Jehovah had given them cause for joy; but fire no longer came down from heaven to testify divine acceptance of the sacrifice offered for the dedication of the house. This was indeed a negative difference, but one of deep significance. And even that which formed the subject of their joy betrayed their condition. "Jehovah had turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel." It was great kindness and touching grace on His part. But what a change!