5:1 More details about the work and messages of Haggai and Zechariah are found in the books of the Bible that bear their names.
5:1, 2 God sometimes sends prophets to encourage and strengthen his people. To accomplish this, Haggai and Zechariah not only preached but also got involved in the labor. In the church today God appoints prophetic voices to help us with our work (Ephesians 4:11-13). Their ministry should have the same effect upon us as Haggai’s and Zechariah’s had on Israel. “He that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort” (1 Corinthians 14:3). In turn, we should encourage those who bring God’s words to us.
5:3-5 The non-Jews who lived nearby attempted to hinder the construction of the Temple. But while the legal debate went on and the decision was under appeal, the Jews continued to rebuild. When we are doing God’s work, others may try to delay, confuse, or frustrate us, but we can proceed confidently. God will accomplish his purposes in our world, no matter who attempts to block them. Just as he watched over the Jewish elders, he watches over you. Concentrate on God’s purpose, and don’t be sidetracked by intrigues or slander.
5:6-17 This letter, in comparison with the previous one (4:11-16), at least stated the facts correctly and asked a fair question. The earlier letter accused the Jews of preparing the foundation for the entire city, rather than reporting that they were doing only what they had been permitted by Cyrus to do. Perhaps the opposition simply thought that sending this letter to Babylon would create enough concern to stop the Jews from rebuilding the Temple. God had other plans, however. We can’t predict how God will get his purposes accomplished, but we can certainly trust he will succeed!
5:11 While rebuilding the Temple, the workers were confronted by the Persia-appointed governor, demanding to know who gave permission for their construction project (5:3). This could have been intimidating, but, as we learn from the letter, they boldly replied, “We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth.”
It is not always easy to speak up for our faith in an unbelieving world, but we must. The way to deal with pressure and intimidation is to recognize that we are workers for God. Our allegiance is to him first, people second. When we contemplate the reactions and criticisms of hostile people, we can become paralyzed with fear. If we try to offend no one or to please everyone, we won’t be effective. God is our leader, and his rewards are most important. So don’t be intimidated. Let others know by your words and actions whom you really serve.
5:13-17 Cyrus is called king of Persia in 1:1 and king of Babylon in 5:13. Because Persia had just conquered Babylon, Cyrus was king of both nations. Babylon is more important to this story because it was the location of the Hebrews’ 70-year captivity. The Babylon in 5:17 may refer to the city of Babylon, which was the capital of the nation of Babylon.