Ezra 5:1

Then the prophets, Haggai.

The great work resumed

The best commentary on these verses is the first chapter of Haggai.

I. The inciters to the west.

1. Want of interest in the work is implied.

2. Obligation to perform the work is implied.

3. Exhortations to resume the work were given.

II. The leaders in the work. “Then rose up Zerubbabel,” etc.

1. They resumed the work readily.

2. They led the work appropriately. “Those that are in places of dignity and power, ought with their dignity to put honour upon and with their power to put life into every good work.”

3. They led work influentially. The example of those who occupy high stations is--

(1) Most conspicuous.

(2) Most attractive.

III. The helpers in the work. “The prophets.” They assisted by their--

1. Exhortations to vigorous prosecution of the work.

2. Assurances of the presence of God with them.

3. Promises of future blessings from God to them.

IV. The great first cause of the work. “ The Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel,” etc. “All holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works do proceed” from Him. “I will build My Church,” said our Lord to Peter. All the inspiration, wisdom, etc., of the under-builders come from him. Learn--

1. The insidious nature of worldliness.

2. The value of faithful ministers.

3. The solemn obligation of men in eminent stations. (William Jones.)

Hebrew prophets in unfavourable times

The Hebrew prophets came when the circumstances of society were least favourable. Like painters arising to adorn a dingy city, like poets singing of summer in the winter of discontent, like flowers in the wilderness, like wells in the desert, they brought life and strength and gladness to the helpless and despondent, because they came from God. The literary form of their work reflected the civilisation of their day, but there was on it a light that never shone on sea or shore, and this they knew to be the light of God. We never find a true religious revival springing from the spirit of the age. Such a revival always begins in one or two choice souls--in a Moses, a Samuel, a John the Baptist, a St. Bernard, a Jonathan-Edwards, a Wesley, a Newman. (W. F. Adeney, M. A.)