1. We will build alone (1-5)

When men accept God's mission and begin to do his work, the devil always sends enemies to harass them. The people of the land said that they also worshiped God and they offered to help build the temple. But their religion was mixed with idol worship (2Ki 17). The Jews refused their offer of help. Their refusal seems narrow-minded, but according to 4:1, they were enemies. When God's people refused to compromise, the people of the land actively sought to hinder them.

2. Discouragement and political pressure (6-24)

Discouragement is the devil's most useful tool. The enemies of God's people worked hard to discourage the returnees. They planted fear; they tried to frustrate the work. When this failed, they seized an opportunity when Artaxerxes became Emperor. They wrote him and lodged a complaint. Though their charge was groundless, the work was stopped for nearly 15 years. God's people could only pray and wait.

Application: Lord, help me to overcome fear and discouragement, and to wait on your time and pray.
One Word: Don't compromise; wait and pray