1. We will build alone (1-5)

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). Joshua and the leaders did not bend to political pressure, but did what pleased God. When God’s people refused to compromise, the native people actively sought to hinder them.

2. Discouragement and political pressure (6-24)

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 a letter inciting distrust, and 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