Kingdom Builders

The Trans-Euphrates governor and his associates asked the builders who were busy rebuilding the temple to the Lord, “Who authorized you to rebuild this temple and to finish it?” “What are the names of those who are constructing this building?” [1]

Intimidation, anger, and questioning!

“The eye of their God was watching over the elders of the Jews, and they were not stopped...” [2] Next, the political leaders sent a letter to King Darius detailing the work that the builders were doing. They gave the king the names of the builders. They gave the king quotes from the leaders like this one: “We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth.” [3] Thankfully, God had given the builders prophets named Haggai and Zechariah to be WITH them and SUPPORT THEM.

Thankfully, King Darius did not take the word of the critics of those builders at face value, but had a search done of the royal records. After a diligent search, it was discovered that the builders had been authorized to do the work a long time ago by King Cyrus. The complainants were actually breaking the law by hindering a fully sanctioned work by a previous king. [5]

King Darius sent a decree to the governor of the Trans-Euphrates, “Do not interfere with the work on this temple of God. Let the governor of the Jews and the Jewish elders rebuild this house of God on its site. Their expenses are to be fully paid out of the royal treasury.” [6]

To those who thought to disregard the aforementioned words of King Darius, he decreed: “A beam is to be pulled from their house and they are to be impaled on it. And for this crime their house is to be made a pile of rubble. May God, who has caused his Name to dwell there, overthrow any king or people who lifts a hand to change this decree or to destroy this temple in Jerusalem.” [7]

This was a miracle of God! God is greater than all earthly power and authorities. He is able to ensure the ongoing success of the builders of His kingdom.

The temple was completed. The priesthood was organized and outfitted. Sacrifices were made to the Lord. The Passover was kept. [8]

“For seven days they celebrated with joy the Festival of Unleavened Bread, because the Lord had filled them with joy by changing the attitude of the king of Assyria so that he assisted them in the work on the house of God, the God of Israel.” [9]

“Those who know Your Name trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You.” [10]

“The grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.” [11]

God’s grace to humankind is His Son Jesus Christ. When we trust In Him, He gets His kingdom work accomplished and we enjoy the privilege of being a part of His wonderful deeds.

[1] Ezra 5:3-4
[2] Ezra 5:5
[3] Ezra 5:6-11
[4] Ezra 5:1-2
[5] Ezra 6:1-5
[6] Ezra 6:7-8
[7] Ezra 6:11-12
[8] Ezra 6:14-21
[9] Ezra 6:22
[10] Psalm 9:10
[11] Titus 2:11