Bible Lesson 9 – The Book of Ezra.
Just for your thoughts.
Bible Lesson 9 – The Book of Ezra.
Who Stopped the Work of God’s Temple in Jerusalem?
At first glance, it appears that the work of God’s Temple in Jerusalem was stopped because of the conspiracy of enemies.
In Ezra 4:1, 5, we read that the enemies of the people of Judah opposed them and hired counselors against them throughout the reign of Cyrus the Great, king of Persia, and continued their opposition until the reign of Darius I.
Because of this, it seems as though the Temple work was halted purely due to external opposition. Indeed, God may have used the conspiracy of the enemies as an instrument. However, Scripture reveals a deeper underlying reason.
What Was the Inner Cause?
After 70 years of captivity in Babylon, in 538 BC, King Cyrus of Persia permitted the Jews to return to their homeland.
The primary purpose of their return was to rebuild the Temple of God.
The prophets who ministered during that period were:
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi
Among these, the Book of Haggai clearly reveals why the Temple work had stopped.
The Truth Revealed in the Book of Haggai
When we read Haggai 1:1–10, we see that instead of rebuilding the Temple of God, the people were busy constructing and decorating their own houses.
“Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?” (Haggai 1:4)
“Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored,” says the Lord. (Haggai 1:8)
“While my house remains a ruin, each of you is busy with your own house.” (Haggai 1:9)
These verses reveal God’s sorrow and displeasure.
Therefore, it was not merely the enemies who stopped the Temple work. Because the people neglected God’s purpose out of selfishness, God allowed them to be handed over to the influence of their adversaries, and the work was permitted to cease.
God’s Message for Us Today
God has chosen us for a great purpose —
to engage selflessly in His work and to expand His Kingdom.
Yet in today’s context, many believers and ministers, lacking sacrifice and dedication, focus more on their personal growth than on building God’s Temple (His Church).
As a result, in a nation filled with spiritual need, the work of God often remains stagnant.
Our Call
To engage in God’s work without selfishness
To pray for the nation
To live a sacrificial life
Not to consider material prosperity alone as God’s blessing
In this era when clouds of war surround the world, living with commitment to the work of God’s Kingdom is not optional — it is our responsibility.
Even if the work is called “building the Church,” if those involved act selfishly, God will not use them as His instruments.
Conclusion
If we study the Book of Haggai from this perspective, many profound spiritual truths will be revealed to us.
May God Himself clarify for us the meaning of building His Church and our role in it.