The Preaching that Produces Repentance
Ezra 5:1-2, Haggai 1:1 to 2:9
and Zechariah 7:1 to 8:23
Ezra 5:1-2 begins with a summary statement of the contribution of Haggai and Zechariah to the construction of the Temple. It is an example of how preaching the word of God produces acts of repentance among the people of ADONAI. The work of rebuilding would last another four years; no sooner will the zeal to rebuild be seen than the Persians will have nervousness of their own, which the rest of Ezra 5 will recount and resolve. For now, the motivation to restart the work that is the focus, to which Haggai and Zechariah contributed substantially. It would be difficult to imagine two more contrasting prophets than Haggai and Zechariah; the one a straight-talker, and the other a visionary. It will be helpful for us to now take some time to reflect on the ministries of these two prophets in the year 520 BC.84
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