After Darius became king, some prophets encouraged the people with the word of the Lord. The elders of the people took heart and began building the temple again. As soon as they started the governor of the region challenged them once again. He took down the names of the builders and sent a letter to the king. He informed Darius that the people were again constructing the building. This time the eye of the Lord was on his people. This time they were not stopped by the opposition they received. They continued to build with diligence. God watched over them, and they continued to make rapid progress.

The letter contained the response of the people of Israel. They described themselves as servants of the God of heaven and earth. It was this God who had destroyed the temple in his anger over their sin. But it was also this God who moved the heart of Cyrus to authorize the rebuilding project. Their answer is the testimony of the sovereign creator. This is who they worship and proclaim. He is over all, including the kings of this world.


Application: Lord, help me to see you when I meet challenges in this world. You are watching over your people. Bless me to trust you alone.
One Word: God watches over his people