Tuesday 12th May
Read Ezra 5:6-10
“This is a copy of the letter that Tattenai, governor of Trans-Euphrates, and Shethar-Bozenai and their associates, the officials of Trans-Euphrates, sent to King Darius. 7 The report they sent him read as follows:
To King Darius:
Cordial greetings.
8 The king should know that we went to the district of Judah, to the temple of the great God. The people are building it with large stones and placing the timbers in the walls. The work is being carried on with diligence and is making rapid progress under their direction.
9 We questioned the elders and asked them, ‘Who authorised you to rebuild this temple and to finish it?’ 10 We also asked them their names, so that we could write down the names of their leaders for your information.” (NIVUK)
There are two ways to read this letter. One way of reading it is as a respectful enquiry out of concern for the king. It is respectful toward the ‘god’ of Israel, compliments the progress made and the building techniques and politely asks to see the building permissions. A second way is to read it as a veiled threat to the empire that it would be wise for Darius to nip in the bud as the people are industrious and enthusiastic and this often leads to rebellion. Which way do you read it?
It is fascinating to read this letter in conjunction with the direct, plain-speaking, words of Haggai to the rulers in Jerusalem. He puts a veritable rocket under them and tells them to get on with it! God is not to be trifled with – He wants the temple rebuilt pronto!
“But now be strong, Zerubbabel,” declares the Lord. “Be strong, Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,” declares the Lord, “and work. For I am with you,” declares the Lord Almighty. 5 “This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.” 6 ‘This is what the Lord Almighty says: “In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. 7 I will shake all nations, and what is desired by all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,” says the Lord Almighty. 8 “The silver is mine and the gold is mine,” declares the Lord Almighty. 9 “The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,” says the Lord Almighty. “And in this place I will grant peace,” declares the Lord Almighty.’” (Haggai 2:4-9) (NIVUK)
It is no wonder they placed the timber in the walls, a classic earthquake-proofing technique…The Lord is coming and the earth itself will tremble. This building needs to be God-proof! I suspect the last verse came true when Jesus entered and the furniture was overthrown… 😊
