Daily Scripture: Day 119—Ezra 5

From Handbook to Scripture, Day 119

READING: EZRA 5

The second temple was begun under Zerubbabel’s leadership in 536 BC, discontinued in 534 BC, and not resumed until 520 BC, when the prophets Haggai and Zechariah exhorted the Jewish people to complete the temple. Inspired by these prophets, Zerubbabel and Jeshua resumed the work. Immediately, their opponents challenged them and asked them who gave them the right to resume. They refused to cease unless the Darius king of Persia (521–486 BC) issued an edict to this effect. When the opponents of the Jews wrote to Darius, they referred to the Jewish claim that Cyrus had issued a decree to build the temple and asked that a search be made for such a decree.

Prayer: Lord, the pressures of this world and its systems often discourage Your people from pressing on in obedience. May I remember that all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution, and may I take courage, knowing that You have overcome the world.

Meditation passage: verses 5, 11

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