1. Let us help you build (1-5)

Some enemies of Israel came to Judah and offered to help with the temple building, claiming that they also worshiped the God of Israel. Their words sounded good, but their motive was not right-they just wanted to assert their own influence over Israel. It took courage to say "no" to them, but the leaders of Israel stood firm. This was the beginning of opposition to the temple building. If we resist ungodly influences of this world, we can expect to receive opposition.

2. An accusatory letter (6-24)

In the next phase of opposition, Israel's enemies lodged complaints with the rulers of the Persian Empire. Rehum and Shimshai wrote a letter to Xerxes that was loaded with false accusations and half-truths. They claimed that if the temple was completed, the king would lose all his influence in the region of Judah. King Xerxes found what seemed to be evidence supporting this allegation, and he ordered the temple building to stop. Then Rehum and Shimshai compelled the Israelites by force to stop the work. There was nothing the Israelites could do.