Today's lesson comes from Ezra 6: 2-15. Fifteen years have passed from the time that construction of the temple had stopped until the time Haggai and Zechariah began to preach. The people responded, work began, but new opposition from Tatnai, the governor of the territory east of the Euphrates created new issues. Tatnai started asking questions such as, "Who commanded you to build this house?" When the people told him that king Cyrus had ordered the project, Tatnai sent a letter to the current king Darius to search the records to see if Cyrus had really ordered the work.
At the heart of this lesson is the overriding power of God in the affairs of men and nations. Tatnai attempts to frustrate the Jew's efforts to rebuild the temple. God turns the situation around, and Tatnai is ordered to assist the Jews. If you have had someone or group come against you, then this study will provide you hope that God will bring about His perfect plan. No man can stop His purposes.
The first section is "A Written Record." vv. 1-5 As a result of Tatnai's request, king Darius ordered a thorough search in the house of rolls in Babylon. A record was found in the royal place at Achmetha. Cyrus' degree set forth the dimensions of the reconstructed temple, as well as instructions for the inner court. So, Tatnai was wrong and would have to be informed that Cyrus had in fact issued the decree to reconstruct the temple.
The summary points for this sections:
1. It is important to keep accurate records, especially in our day and age.
2. The Jews had a mandate from Cyrus and more importantly one from God.
3. If there is a conflict between man's laws and God's laws, "we ought to obey God rather than men." (Acts 5: 29)
The second section is "A Decree Made." vv. 6-12 Darius had married the daughters of Cyrus, and had a high regard for him. We know that the law of the Medes and Persians could not be vchanged once3 made. Thus, Darius confirmed Cyrus' decree and issued his own degree with four parts:
1. Darius ordered Tatnai and their associates to leave the Jews alone and offer no hindrances to them.
2. Not only was Tatnai not to hinder the work, but he was charged to pay the expenses of the workers.
3. Darius ordered that if anyone violated his decree, the violator would be hung from a beam from his house. In addition, the person's property would be made into a garbage dump.
4. There was to be no delay in the carrying out of Darius' decree.
The summary points of this section:
1. God is able to turn a situation completely around so that those who would be our persecutors become our benefactors.
2. The expenses of building the kingdom should be underwritten by others so they can devote their energies to work for the Lord.
3. Even non believers will seek true believers to pray for them.
The fourth section is "The Temple Finished." vv. 13-15 Tatnai and his associates lost no time in carrying out the degree of Darius. Provisions including expense money, animal sacrifices, and offerings were on their way to Jerusalem. The Jews made continuous progression to complete the temple. Haggai had tod them of God's promised blessings if they would build the temple (Hag. 2). Zechariah keep everyone focused on the coming Messiah. A spiritual revival accompanied the construction of the temple. In all the rebuilding, God was at work. He inspired the prophets and raised up leaders. God's timing was perfect. He gave the Jews victory over all the opposition. God can use every means He wants, including heathen leaders and un believers. The "house was finished," after seventy years of being a pile of rubble.
The summary points of this section:
1. Obedience to God's Word brings blessings.
2. God keeps His promises and accomplishes His perfect will.
3. God is Sovereign over the affairs of men and nations.
The Golden Text is: "That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of Heaven." (Ezra 6: 10) The temple was the center of Jewish religious life. Their sacrifices for sin, offerings of gratitude and fellowship, all prefigured Christ and His redemptive work. Centuries later, Jesus would give His life for His sheep. Today, we give ourselves to Him in response to the love He has shown to us.
Next week: "Haman's Wicked Plot." (Esther 3: 1-13)
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