Ezra 5:1 takes up the account from 4:24. Sixteen years have passed since 4:1, when the neighboring “enemies” were able to halt the work. The people have good excuses for not trying to build the temple; after all, their neighbors stopped them when they tried to build. But according to Haggai (1:9–10), who was preaching in Jerusalem at that time (520 BC), they have become more interested in building their own houses and are guilty of putting their own comfort before their responsibility to God. God expects the people to put forth more initiative for his work.

Ezra 5 and 6 provide an amazing account of how God works everything together to fulfill his purposes. This marks an important year in Jerusalem: it is the first time since the days of Jeremiah that a prophet of God has preached in Jer…