Today I read Ezra 5 & 6, in which Zerubbabel and others begin to build God’s temple again and their enemies had to help provide resources to them after king Darius’s search of the old records and reply. Today I considered that God will make your enemies help you.
Building Again with Enemies Assistance
The enemies went from complaining to the Assyrian king about the Jews to having to help the Jews (Ezra 5:1-6:22). After prophets Haggai and Zechariah prophesied, Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the prophets of God began building the house of God again. Governor Tatnai, Shetharboznai, and their companions tried to get them to stop but the Jewish elders could not stop them from working. So, the enemies took the matter to king Darius. The Jews response to king Darius’ letter about building the house of God said that they were sent there to build by king Cyrus. After finding proof that king Cyrus agreed to pay for the building of the house of God, king Cyrus told governor Tatnai to provide resources to build the God’s temple, sacrifice to God, and destroy the house and hang anyone who altars this word. The Jews former enemies, governor Tatnai, Shetharboznai, and their companions quickly gave as king Darius instructed. God’s temple was finished in the sixth year of Darius’ reign. The children of Israel and the rest of the children of captivity dedicated God’s house according to the book of Moses. They also kept the Passover and feast of unleavened bread.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
God’s children may go through hardship in completing God’s tasks, but God will make even their enemies help them. God turned the heart of the Assyrian king to the side of the Jews such that anyone hindering them lost their home and their life. Also, their enemies had to provide them with supplies and resources to complete the building God’s temple. We need to remember that God can and will give us help even from unexpected places.
When have you or someone you know received help from somewhere you never expected?