Resource > Expository Notes on the Bible (Constable) >
Ezra >
Exposition >
I. THE FIRST RETURN UNDER SHESHBAZZAR chs. 1--6 >
B. The Rebuilding of the Temple chs. 3-6 >
3. The delay in construction ch. 5 >
The resumption of work 5:1-2
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The Book of Haggai contains four messages that Haggai delivered to the returned exiles in 520 B.C. We know from it that the people had turned from their commitment to rebuild the temple to constructing comfortable houses for themselves (Hag. 1:2-11). The prophet Zechariah joined Haggai in encouraging the people to give God's interests priority over their own (v. 1).
"There is always an effective answer to discouragement in the bold proclamation of the word of God."85
In response to their ministries the people began to rebuild the temple again (v. 2; Hag. 1:12-14) in 520 B.C. (4:24).
