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Bitter Opposition Fails
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Why the Samaritans’ Help Was Refused
Zerubbabel and his associates were familiar with these and many
similar scriptures, and the recent captivity had provided many evi-
dences of their fulfillment. And now, having turned with all the heart
to God and renewed their covenant relationship with Him, they had
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been permitted to return to Judea to restore what had been destroyed.
At the beginning of their efforts, should they enter into a covenant
with idolaters? They had rededicated themselves to the Lord at the
altar set up before the ruins of His temple. Now they refused to form
an alliance with those who were familiar with God’s law but would
not yield to its claims. Never can God’s people afford to compromise
principle by allying themselves with those who do not fear Him.
God’s People Must Guard Against Subtle Influences
God’s people must strictly guard against every subtle influence
that seeks entrance by flattering suggestions from enemies of truth.
They are pilgrims and strangers in this world. It is not the open and
declared enemies of the cause of God whom we should fear the most.
Those who come with smooth words and appealing speeches, ap-
parently seeking friendly alliance with God’s children, have greater
power to deceive. Every Christian should be on the alert, not to be
taken by surprise by some concealed and masterly snare. The Lord
requires a vigilance that never relaxes.
But none are left to struggle alone. Angels protect those who
walk humbly before God. As His children draw near to Him for
protection from evil, in love He lifts up for them a banner against
the enemy. Touch them not, He says, for they are Mine.
Never tiring in their opposition, the Samaritans “tried to discour-
age the people of Judah. They troubled them in building, and hired
counselors against them to frustrate their purpose all the days of
Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.”
Ezra 4:4, 5
. But for many years the powers of evil were restrained,
and the people in Judea had liberty to continue their work.