Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
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Ezra
Book: Ezra
Chapter: 5
Overview:
The leaders forward the
Building of the
Temple.
(1,2) Letter
against the Jews.
(3-17)
1,2 The
Building of the
Temple was stopped about fifteen years.
Then they had two good ministers, who urged them to go
On with
the work. It is a sign that
God has
Mercy in store for a people,
when he raises up prophets to be helpers in the way and work of
God, as guides, overseers, and rulers. In
Haggai, we see what
great things
God does
By his
Word, which he magnifies above all
his name, and
By his
Spirit working with it.
3-17 While employed in
God's work, we are under his special
protection; his
Eye is upon us for good. This should keep us to
our duty, and encourage us therein, when difficulties are ever
So discouraging. The elders of the Jews gave the
Samaritans an
account of their proceedings. Let us learn hence, with
Meekness
and fear, to give a reason of the
Hope that is in us; let us
rightly understand, and then readily declare, what we do in
God's service, and why we do it. And while in this world, we
always shall have to confess, that our sins have provoked the
wrath of
God. All our sufferings
Spring from thence, and all our
comforts from his unmerited
Mercy. However the work may seem to
be hindered, yet the
Lord Jesus Christ is carrying it
On, his
people are growing unto a holy
Temple in the
Lord, for a
Habitation of
God through the
Spirit.