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Prophets and Kings
of the king’s goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith
expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered. And that
which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs,
for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil,
according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let
it be given them day by day without fail: that they may offer sacrifices
of sweet savors unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the
king, and of his sons.”
Ezra 6:7-10
.
The king further decreed that severe penalties be meted out to
those who should in any wise alter the decree; and he closed with the
remarkable statement: “The God that hath caused His name to dwell
there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter
and to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have
made a decree; let it be done with the speed.”
Verse 12
. Thus the Lord
prepared the way for the completion of the temple.
For months before this decree was made, the Israelites had kept on
working by faith, the prophets of God still helping them by means of
timely messages, through which the divine purpose for Israel was kept
[580]
before the workers. Two months after Haggai’s last recorded message
was delivered, Zechariah had a series of visions regarding the work of
God in the earth. These messages, given in the form of parables and
symbols, came at a time of great uncertainty and anxiety, and were of
peculiar significance to the men who were advancing in the name of
the God of Israel. It seemed to the leaders as if the permission granted
the Jews to rebuild was about to be withdrawn; the future appeared
very dark. God saw that His people were in need of being sustained
and cheered by a revelation of His infinite compassion and love.
In vision Zechariah heard the angel of the Lord inquiring, “O Lord
of hosts, how long wilt Thou not have mercy on Jerusalem and on
the cities of Judah, against which Thou hast had indignation these
threescore and ten years? And the Lord answered the angel that talked
with me,” Zechariah declared, “with good words and comfortable
words.
“So the angel that communed with me said unto me, Cry thou,
saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; I am jealous for Jerusalem and
for Zion with a great jealousy. And I am very sore displeased with
the heathen that are at ease: for I was but a little displeased, and they
helped forward the affliction. Therefore thus saith the Lord; I am