For the last nine weeks, we have been learning about how God tried to bring hope to the spiritual darkness that His children had put upon themselves, by sending prophets (over a 400+-year period) to try to end their rebellious ways. Most of the time, the people would not. (See 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9).
In 538 B.C., King Cyrus of Persia, put an end to the Israelites’ 70-year Babylonian captivity – exactly as God had prophesied 150 years prior. The king freed them to return to Israel and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. Cyrus also returned all of the temple artifacts that King Nebuchadnezzar had stolen during his conquest of the Hebrews.
The first wave who returned were over 42,000 in number, and led by a Jewish leader, Zerubbabel, commissioned by King Cyrus to reconstruct the temple. During the second year of their return, the Temple foundation was completed.
It was an exciting time for those who were born in exile. However, those who were old enough to remember the grandeur of Solomon’s Temple were grieved (by comparison) of the humble beginnings of its successor.
Construction of the temple was criticized by the Samaritans (a mixed race of Jews and Assyrians). They even complained to King Cyrus and his successor, King Darius, that the Jews were trying to usurp Persian rule.
Zerubbabel and his entourage became discouraged and halted construction. Jehovah steps up and commissioned two prophets, Haggai and Zechariah to encourage the Temple reconstruction:
‘This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: “Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.’ Zec. 1:3 NLT
Obviously, His children were not. Indeed, they became busy with the task of building themselves new homes. God is not happy:
“Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins? This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: Look at what’s happening to you! You have planted much but harvest little. You eat but are not satisfied. You drink but are still thirsty. You put on clothes but cannot keep warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes! Hag. 1:4 – 6. NLT
When we put our will above Jehovah’s, our lives will suffer. Still, God encourages:
“Now go up into the hills, bring down timber, and rebuild my house. Then I will take pleasure in it and be honored,” says the LORD. Hag. 1:8 NLT
“Be strong, all you people still left in the land. And now get to work, for I am with you,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. “My Spirit remains among you…So do not be afraid.” Hag. 2:4, 5. NLT
Then, God leaves them with a little wisdom about living a godly life:
“Make fair decisions. Show faithful love and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the resident alien or the poor, and do not plan evil in your hearts against one another.” Zec. 7:9, 10. CSB
He then leaves His children with a bit of a prophetic future:
“Thus says the LORD, ‘I will return to Zion and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the LORD of hosts will be called the Holy Mountain.’ “ Zec. 8:3 NASB
“Many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the LORD of Heaven’s Armies and to ask for his blessing.” Zec. 8:22 NLT
The Temple was completed in 515 B.C. In 458 B.C., King Artaxerxes sends Ezra, a priest, to lead a second wave of 5000 exiles to Israel, as well as to assume leadership over the Temple.
In 446 B.C., he also sends Nehemiah to govern Israel and complete the city walls. And together with Ezra, they led God’s children back to Him. Humanity however, tends to become lackadaisical about keeping Him in the center of its focus. So, Jehovah sends the last Old Testament prophet, Malachi, who first confronts the priests:
“A son honors his father, and a servant his master. But if I am a father, where is my honor?” And if I am a master, where is your fear of me? says the LORD of Armies to you priests, who despise my name.” Mal. 1:6 CSB
God continues by hinting that His favor may be taken away:
“…My name shall be great among the Gentiles; in every place incense shall be offered to My name, and a pure offering; for My name shall be great among the nations,” says the LORD of hosts. “But you profane it…” Mal. 1:11, 12. NKJV
Jehovah turns to His children and offers mercy:
“I am the LORD and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already destroyed. Ever since the days of your ancestors, you have scorned my decrees and failed to obey them. Now return to me, and I will return to you,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. Mal. 3:6, 7. NLT
Finally, our Father clarifies how our decisions have eternal consequences:
At that time those who feared the LORD spoke to one another. The LORD took notice and listened. So a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who feared the LORD and had high regard for his name. “They will be mine,” says the LORD of Armies, “my own possession on the day I am preparing. I will have compassion on them as a man has compassion on his son who serves him.” Mal. 3:16, 17. CSB
The LORD of Heaven’s Armies says, “The day of judgment is coming, burning like a furnace. On that day the arrogant and the wicked will be burned up like straw. They will be consumed – roots, branches, and all. But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy…” Mal. 4:1, 2. NLT
Choose wisely…
Goodnight and God bless.