The Pulpit Commentary — Ezra — Section 89

Ver~. 14--16.-Tlie temple .finislied. The building of the temple was finisher\ in about four years nfter tlie work was resumed. This was a Rhort time for a work so vnst, when compnred with the resources of the Jews. It was carried through without intermission ; the zeal of the people was not suffered to become languid through delay. The fact illustrates both the propitious character of external circumstances and the wisdom of the Jewish leaders. When the building wa!! completed it was dedicated, and the worship of the LORD was re-established with solemnity and with joy. Here are two themes, distinct and yet united-first, the rebuilding of the temple ; and secondly, its dedication. I. THE REDUILDING. The accession of Darius appeared to Haggai and Zechariah the sign that the Lord had again visited his people. The last monarch had been a Magian, 11 opposed to belief in a personal God," and II not approving of temples." Darius was in sympathy with the work of Cyrus, having faith in the God of heaven, and regarding the Jewish nation with special favour (vers. 10, 12). Darius was the great organiser of the Persian kingdom. He made each province feel itself under the protection of the central authority, and by his system of "posts" brought each province into immediate communication with himself. A strong central authority is the best protection against the tyranny of provincial governments, ,vith their petty jealousies and miserable intrigues. Modem as well as ancient Oriental history illustrates how heavily anarchy may press on a people like the J ewe, too stead- fast in religious convictions to join in prevailing heathenism and immorality, too feeble to enforce their claims. The change in the method of administration of which general history informs us is indicated in the sacred history ( cf. the title "governor" given to Tatnai, eh. v. 3, with the titles II chancellor" and "scribe" given to Rehum and Shimshai, eh. iv. 9). Tatnai's personal character, moreover, appears in favourable contrast with the characters of the II adversaries of Judah and Benjamin" whose letter is recorded eh. iv. 7-16. He writes no II accusation against the in- habitants of Judah and Jerusalem;" he simply reports the case for the decision of Darius ( eh. v. 6--17). Nor is his a one-sided report; fairly enough be states the pleading of the elders, referring definitely to the decree of Cyrus under which they acted, and asks that search may be made for it. And when the answer of Dariu~ comes to him, he loyally endeavours to fulfil it. Tatnai's doing, and doing speedily, 11 according to that which Darius the king ho.d sent," is mentioned in connection with the II prospering" of the elders of the Jews. The wisdom of the leaders of the Jews is seen in their hurrying forward the work. The zeal of the people might flag ; changes might occur in the monarchy ; they must take advantage of the favouring circumstances. The work was a great one ; not all was accomplished when the temple walls were built; the mention of Artaxerxes in conjunction with Cyrus and Darius shows that they were in the middle, not at the end, of their labours. But this at least they could do-make sure their steps as they proceeded ; the temple once erected was not destroyed ; it stood a point of vantage for the carrying out of further projects. Their wisdom appears again in their refusal to relax their efforts while the appeal to Darius was being made (eh. v. 5). They knew the character of Tatnni; they acted in confidence either thnt he would not desire or would not venture on hie own authority to disallow their appeal to the decree of Cyrus. Their boldness was the truest prudence ; it would keep up the hearts of their own people ; it would overawe the " adversaries." The basis of their wisdom was piety ; they knew tho.t "the eye of their God was upon them." They not only confided in the general providence of God; the prophets Haggai and Zechariah urged the Jews to remember his special commission to them : he had brought them back from captivity to do this work ; his blessing would crown their lidelity with success ; his curse would fall on their negligence. Haggai spoke to the people, pledging the fidelity of the Lord to them (Haggai ii.10-19). Zechariah appealed to the sense of Divine inspiration in Zerubbabel (Zech. iv, 6--10), and strengthened Jeshua the high priest by lofty assertions that be and his purpose and bis trials were near the heart of God (Zech. iii.). Special tokens of the Divine favour encouraged the people in their labour. The closing Psalms of the Psalter are assigned to this penod of Jewish history ; Pa. cxlvi.-cxlviii. are entitled in the Septuagint version II of Haggai and Zechoriah ; " and they speak of deliverance out  THE BOOK OF EZRA. [ea. vt. 13-22.