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{{DOD-May}}
Chapters 4 and 5 describe two other key events in the history of the remnant of [[Israel]]. In chapters 1 and 2 the work of the [[Lord]] was progressing well. But now [[Satan]] steps in.
In chapter 4 we find the remnant resisting the enemy. [[Satan]] never wants the work of the [[Lord]] to prosper. Christ is always the builder, and [[Satan]] always tries to destroy. We now see [[Satan]]'s hand as he seeks to oppose and hinder the work. For nearly fifteen years the work on the Temple ceased. However, in chapter 5, the work is resumed. Actually, there is about a fifteen-year span of time between chapters 4 and 5, and it is not until the [[Word]] of [[God]] is proclaimed by the two prophets, [[Haggai]] and [[Zechariah]] , that the work on the Temple begins again. Notice carefully that it was the [[Word]] of [[God]] that began the work ( [[Ezra]] 1:1); now it is the [[Word]] of [[God]] which encourages the workers to ultimately finish the work (chapter 6:14). From 520 to 515 b.c., the people labored feverishly and finished the Temple. What was the secret of the [[victory]] of completing the Temple? I sincerely believe it was the preaching of [[God]]'s Word. For no work can stand, apart from the [[Word]] of [[God]].
Chapter 6 records the completion of the Temple. The [[Jews]] joyfully dedicated the house of the [[Lord]], even though the building was not as grand and glorious as [[Solomon]]'s Temple. They kept the Passover and the Feast of the Unleavened Bread. [[God]] had answered prayer. The nation had its Temple again.
In verse 10 of chapter 7 we read, "For [[Ezra]] had prepared his heart to seek the law of the [[Lord]], and to do it, and to teach in [[Israel]] statutes and judgments." We find the secret of [[Israel]]'s success in this verse. [[Ezra]] was successful in his undertaking, for he believed, "If [[God]] be for us, who can be against us?" Not only was he a [[God]]ly man, but he was aware that the [[Lord]] must work in the hearts of men before anything real can happen. He acknowledged that [[God]] had moved upon the king's heart to effect the rebuilding of the Temple. He knew the meaning of Proverbs 21:1: "The king's heart is in the hand of the [[Lord]]..." [[God]] is able to change the affairs of mankind through the believing prayer of one saint!
