Before Chall 19. Or generner. See Nich. viii. 9. Read. xxviii. 20. Num. xxvii. 11. polluted, put from the priesthood. 63. And the Tirthatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim. We have here a father account of those who returned. The priests, under four chief fathers, were near a tenth part of the whole. Their zeal for the service made them more ready to improve the pretext opportunity. The Levites, ones so numerous, Chrm. xxiii. 3. were now but few. The Nethinims, stillants to the Levites, supplied to be the defendants of the Gibeonites, whom Joshua appointed for the meaner offices of the tabernacle, to hew wood and draw water; and the children of Solomon's servants, who were the old indubitants of Canaan, but being proolyed, were employed by him in building the temple, See 1 Kings ix. 20. There, in the number of three hundred and ninety-two, joined the returning coloup; besides which, many went up from some of the cities of Babylon, who, though Jews, had lost their genealogies; and many who puffed for children of the priests, but were rejected by the Tirthatha, or governor, Zerubbabel, from minifring, because they could not prove their lineal defection from Aaron. One of these, by a marriage into the family of the famed Barzilai, ambinions of having his children reckoned of that flock, neglected his priestly genealogy, and therefore now was excluded from the privileges and honour he had despised. The exclusion however was not final; they hoped some high-priest would arise with Urim and Thummim, from whose illuminations these defects might be repaired. Nio, (1.) They who count the country a disparagement, are unworthy of the officer. (2.) The great high-priest with Urim and Thummim hath appeared, not to fix Jewish genealogies, but to confiscate to himself faithful priests among all the nations of the world. Nich. vii. 20. 64. ¶ The whole congregation together, was forty and two thousand three hundred and threefence. 65. Besides their servants and their maids, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven; and there were among them two hundred singing-men and singing-women. 66. Their hordes were seven hundred thirty and six; their mules two hundred forty and five; 67. Their camels, four hundred thirty and five; their affes, six thousand seven hundred and twenty. 68. ¶ And some of the chief of the fathers, when they came to the house of the LORD which is at Jerusalem, offered freely for the house of God to set it up in his place: 69. They gave after their ability unto the treasure of the work, threefence and one thousand drams of gold, and five thousand pound of silver, and one hundred priests garments. 70. So the priests and the Levites, and some of the people, and the singers and the porters, and the Nethinims, dwelt in their cities, and all lizard in their cities. Chrm. xxvi. 20. The work of God sent not with opposition. 1. The Samaritans, because refused admission among them, seek to discourage them, viz. 1—5. 2. They present a memorial against it, butely misrepresenting the design, viz. 6—16. 3. The king of Persia by an edict slips the building, viz. 17—24. 1. NOW when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto the LORD God of Israel: 2. Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said unto them, Let us build with you, for we seek your God, as ye do, and we do sacrifice unto him, since the days of Esar-haddon king of Affur, which brought us up hither. 3. But Zerubbabel and Jethua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel, said unto them, You have nothing to do with us, to build an house unto our God, but we ourselves together will build unto the LORD God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us. 4. Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building. 5. And hired counfellers against them, to frustrate their purpose all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia. Whoever sets his heart zealously to serve God, must expect opposition. Christ's church is never built, but Satan rages. No sooner do Zerubbabel and the children of the captivity (for yet the least of this joke were not healed) begin to build, than the Samaritans put obstructions in their way: they were the people who had been settled in Israel by the king of Affuria; and by the teaching of one of Jeroboam's priests, had established a mixed religion of the service of Jehovah, together with their own dreadful duties. Note, Precedents to religion, are generally the bitter enemies to true godliness. 1. They first, under pretence of joining in the work, desired to be incorporated among them, protecting to serve the same God; but they were born, and meant only to live discord, or to mar the service by introducing their own manged worship, and then better have no temple. Note, We may not believe every spirit; the darkest designs look often under the fairest professions. 2. The chief of the fathers, with Zerubbabel and Jethua, aware of their designs, refused any connection with them, resolved to keep united among themselves; and whilst the law of God enjoined them to separate themselves from the nations, the king's commission authorised them. Note, (1.) Nothing is dangerous as had connections. (2.) It is prudent to make use of our privileges as men, when they serve as a barrier to guard our religion. 3. The failure of this plot discouraged not their restless foets; at home they sought to discourage the building, by ridiculing the attempt, or threatening to fall upon them, or preventing the necessary supplies from Tyre. Whilst by bringing the counfellers, who were about the perils of the king of Persia's governors, or the great men at his court, they sought to retard or stop the work, and this they continued till the reign of Darius. Note, (1.) The devil and his servants are restless in their attempts; the people of God may expect no truce. (2.) Many a wicked counfeller, for the sake of the fee, little cares how bad the cause is, he is engaged in. 6. And in the reign of Ahaforrus, in the beginning of his reign, wrote they unto him an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem. 7. And in the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mithridath, Tabeel, and the rest of their companions unto Artaxerxes king of Persia: and the writing of the letter was written in the Syrian tongue, and interpreted in the Syrian tongue. 8. Rehum: the chancellor, and Shimshal the scribe, wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king, in this sort: 9. Theor wrote Rehum the chancellor, and Shimshal the scribe, and the rest of their companions; the Dinaites, the Apharfathchites, the Tarpeites, the Apharfites, the Archavites, the Babylonans, the Sufarchites, the Dehavites, and the Elamites. 10. And the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Ahaforrus brought over and set in the cities of Samaria, and the rest that are on this side the river, and at such a time. 11. ¶ This is the copy of the letter that they sent unto him, even unto Artaxerxes the king, They servants the men on this side the river, and at such a time. 12. Be it known unto the king, that the Jews which came up from thee to us, are come unto Jerusalem, building the rebellious and the bad city, and have set up the walls thereof, and joined the foundations. 13. Be it known now unto the king, that if this city be built, and the walls set up again, then will they not pay toil, tribute, and custom, and so thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings. 14. Now because we have maintenance from the king's palace, and it was not meet for us to see the king's dishonour: therefore we have sent and certified the king, 15. That search may be made in the book of the records of the fathers: So shalt thou shalt in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed. 16. We certify the king, that if this city be built again, and the walls thereof set up, by this means thou shalt have no portion on this side the river. No sooner was Cyrus, the professed friend of the Jewish people, asleep in the grave, and Ahaforrus or Artaxerxes (supposed to be the Cambyles of the heathen hitherto) advanced Surrendered vanted to the throne of Persia, than the enemies of God's people determined to improve the opportunity. Happy were us, if the church's friends were as watchful to serve her interests, as her enemies to do her mischief. 1. The general design was to render them odious to the government, by representing them a turbulent, fiddifious people; and the vouchers for the accusation were the Samaritan governors, whom the king of Persia had appointed, backed and supported by all the colonies of different nations settled in Samaria. Note, (1.) Lying accusations are the lot of all God's people. (2.) When jostlins' is to be oppressed, subscriptions will not be wanting to support any charge, however malicious or unjust. (3.) The many join in the general cry, usually without knowing why or advertiser. 2. The particulars of the letter are here recited, and shew a much of the old serpent's cunning and malice, as we might expect to find. [1.] To ingratiate themselves, and obtain the easter credit, they profess a high zeal for the king's honour, and deep gratitude for the maintenance of Glarus they received from him, and therefore could not unconcerned fee his government injured. Note, Pretended fears of danger to the date, are a common plea for the oppression of God's people. [2.] They brand the Jews as a people infamously dissuade, call Jerusalem the rebellious and bad city, which had in all time puff teen dangerous to kings and provinces; and for the combination of their affliction, appeal to the records which contained Zecharia's rebellion. Note, (1.) The enemies of God's people will not spare hard names; and the most are to easily influenced, that they conclude a bad name must imply a bad thing. [2.] Dangerous designs are often imputed to God's people, when they of all others mean to be quiet in the land. (3.) If once an evil thing hath been done by professors of religion an age ago, they are lure to have it laid it at their door ever after, however much they disapprove and condemn it. (4.) When men defire occasion to disunity, the devil will not fail to supply them with it. [3.] They make a most lying report of the state of Jerusalem, and give a most malicious infatuation of the consequences: they declare the walls of the city are set up, when it does not appear that a alone had been taken from the radish, the temple alone engaged them; and that it was soon to be feared there would be a general result of all the conquested provinces on this side the Euphrates, encouraged by the example of the Jews, to the dismembering his kingdom, and the great lots of his revenue. Note, They who let their heart against God's people, he learn not a lies; gross or improbable as they are, the world is ready to swallow them; as they say, throw dirt enough, and some will flick. 17. ¶ Then sent the king an answer unto Relsum the chancellor, and to Shimshas the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and unto the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time. 18. The letter which ye sent unto us, hath been plainly read before me. 19. And I commanded, and search hath been made, and it is found, that this city of old town hath made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been made therein. 20. There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all countries beyond the river; and toil, tribute, and custom was paid unto them. 21. Give you now commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this city be not builded, untill another commandment shall be given from me. 22. Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings? 23. ¶ Now when the city of king Artaxerxes' letter was read before Relsum, and Shimshas the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power. 24. Then ceased the work of the house of God, which is at Jerusalem. So it ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia. God in wisdom sometimes permits innocence to be oppressed, and suffers the lying misrepresentations of the customs of his people to prevail. But the day is coming when the lying lips shall be put to silence, and they who have loved as well as made a lie, shall lie down together in the pit. 1. The king, without sending persons on the spot to make enquiry, credits the representations which his counsellors that had been hired probably strenuously reported (for in a court what will not gold do?) and having found in the records Zecharia's and Chosakim's struggle for liberty, and that former kings of Jerusalem had extended their dominions to the river Euphrates, he readily concludes that the danger was imminent, and fails an immediate hope be put to building the city, and appoints his governors in Samaria to see his orders executed. Note, It is a hard matter for kings, before with convicts and betterers, to know the truth. 2. With delight and expences their enemies run to rescue, yea to exceed their orders. They were only enjoined to cause the Jews to cease building the city that was never begun; however this was really construed to extend to the temple; and having power on their side, there could be no resistance: thus the work continued at a stand till the second year of Darius Hyfalepen. Note, (1.) Nothing gives greater pleasure to a eternal world, than the suppression of God's cause and truth. (2.) Patient Edomilum under unjust oppression, is a hard lesson. (3.) Though for a while God permits wicked men and oppressors to ride over our heads, their triumphing is but for a moment. Here is, 1. The building renewed, ver. 1, 2. 2. The governors treat them more mildly, and make a fairer representation of the matter to the king, ver. 3—17. 1. ¶ THEN the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem, in the name of the God of Israel, even unto them. 2. Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God helping them. v. 1, 2. About fifteen years the building seems to have continued at a stand, till God by his prophets routed the people to the work. 1. The persons sent of God were Haggai and Zechariah, whose prophecies are preferred. They prophesied unto them, or against them; reproved them for their lukewarmness, and provoked them to renew the building. Note, (1.) Manikins must be faithful reprovers, and urge the fuggists builders to live work. (2.) When God rules up zealous preachers of his word, then there is hope the wall will be built. 2. The effect of their prophecy was soon evident. Zerubbabel and Jeshua immediately set themselves to the work, and the prophets helped them; so that the people once more work vigour began to build. Note, (1.) They who are first in fashion, should be first to promote every good work. (2.) The help of the prophets is the most essential part towards the establishment of the spiritual church: though a good magistrate can do much, a good minister can do more. 3. ¶ At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shethar-boznai, and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall? 4. Then said we unto them after this manner, What are the names of the men that make this building? 5. But the eye of their God was upon the children of the Jews, that they could not cause them to cease, till the matter came to Darius: and then they returned answer by letter concerning this matter. 6. ¶ The copy of the letter that Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shethar-boznai, and his companions the Aphartarchites, which were on this side the river, sent unto Darius the king: 7. They sent a letter unto him, whereas was written thus; Unto Darius the king, all peace. 8. Be it known unto the king that we went into the province of Judea, to the house of the great God, which is built with great stones, and timber is laid in the walls, and this work goeth fast on, and prospereth in their hands. 9. Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus, Who commanded you to build this house, and to make up these walls? 10. We asked their names also, to certify thee, that we might write the names of the men that were the chief of them. 11. And thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was built there many years ago, which a great king of Israel built, and set up. 12. But after that our fathers had provoked the God of heaven unto wrath, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon the Chaldean, who destroyed this house, and carried the people away into Babylon. 13. But in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon, the same king Cyrus made a decree to build this house of God. 14. And the vessels also of gold and silver of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem, a. Kings row, 1. 2. Chord. seven. 13. 3. Child. Listed up in not. 4. Kings in 4. 5. Chord. seven. 5. 6. 1. Com. row, 6. 7. Chord. seven. 11. 8. 1. Com. row, 7. 9. 1. Ind. blithe a decom. 8. 1. Prod. 10. 3. Child. Arm. and brought them into the temple of Babylon, those did Cyrus the king take out of the temple of Babylon, and they were delivered unto one, whose name was Shethbazzar, whom he had made a governor. 15. And said unto him, Take these vessels, go carry them into the temple that is in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be built in his place. 16. Then came the same Shethbazzar, and laid the foundation of the house of God which is in Jerusalem. And since that time even until now, hath it been in building, and yet it is not built. 17. Now therefore, if it been good to the king, let there be search made in the king's treasure-house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be in that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter. No sooner began the work to revive, than the authority of their neighbours began to appear. 1. The governors of Samaria, who had succeeded the former in their office, probably at the beginning of the new reign of Darius, immediately enquired into the authority on which the Jews proceeded. They were not however afraid or ashamed to produce their charter, and to give in the name of the principal authors of this good work; God encouraging them, and strengthening them to persevere, till the matter came before Darius, to whom they appealed. N. 1. (1.) If God's eye be upon us for good, we need not fear what man can do unto us. (2.) The comfortable presence of God should quicken and enliven us to greater diligence in his service. 2. The governors Tatnai and Shethar-boznai hereupon dispatched a letter to the king, informing him of what was doing, and defining his directions; and herein they acted with much greater candor and honesty than their predecessors, representing the true state of the fact. After wishing the king prosperity and all earthly happiness, they inform him, that they had visited the province of Judea, and observed there a magnificent structure raiding to the great God whom the Jews worshipped, which was carried on with affidavit and zeal; that, on enquiring into the authority on which they preformed thus to act, they received for answers. That this house, which a great king among them had formerly erected, and for their sins God had suffered Nebuchadnezzar to destroy, Cyrus had given them a commission to rebuild, and restored to them with the vessels which had been carried to Babylon; in consequence of which, they had proceeded under the direction of Shethbazzar, their prince; and that ever since they had been at work upon it, though, by reason of the interruptions they had met, it was not yet finished. They beg therefore, if the king pleaded, search might be made in the records, respecting the truth of this decree in their favour, and that he would inform them of his pleasure in the matter. N. 1. (1.) We should ever reflect with shame on the sins which have provoked God's vibrations. (2.) If the people of God can but obtain a fair hearing, they need not fear for their cause. (3.) Many an unjust sentence hath gone forth against the faithful, not so much from malice in the magistrate, as from the misinformation of their enemies. (4.) Truth, the long suppressed, will usually at last prevail. Scarce were they settled in their several possessions, before: 1. They with one consent assembled at Jerusalem, at the appeach of the seventh month, to confide together about carrying on the work of God, and beginning the service of the Santeary. Amidst all their other cares, many and perplexing as they must have been, God's glory was their chief concern. Nio, All is likely to end well with us, when we are careful thus to begin with God. 2. The high-priest, his brethren, and the chief princes hereupon set up the altar in the same place it had stood, perhaps the old bales might remain: though they could not quickly hear the temple, they would not till then defer the service of the altar. Nio, (1.) When we cannot enjoy all the ordinances we derive, we should be the more diligent to improve those in our power. Wherever we are, at least we need not want an altar for prayer and praise. (2.) They who are distinguished in flation, should assern it by the eminence of their zeal for God. 3. The reader given for their solicitude to begin God's worship, was the fear of their enemies, who hated them, and failed not to oppose their designs. Nio, (1.) The best defence is God's favourable presence. (2.) We must not be frightened out of our religion: man's threatenings should only quicken our prayers. 4. No sooner was the altar reared, but they began to offer their sacrifices, on the first day of the seventh month, which was the feast of blowing of trumpets. From themorrowed, they continued the daily sacrifice, and kept the appointed feasts in their fashion, though the foundation of the temple was not laid. Nio, (1.) We must make the best of what we enjoy, and do what we can when we cannot do all we would. (2.) Every day we are required to offer the sacrifice of a grateful heart. 5. Besides the instituted sacrifices, they offered also free-willofferings. Tho' they could ill spare them from their little flock of cattle, yet they concluded they should be never the power for what burned on God's altar. 6. They began to make preparations for building the temple, laying out the money they had collected to the proper workmen, and engaging those of Tyre and Zidon to supply them with materials, according to the grant Cyrus had made them. Thus a second time did they assist in rearing a temple for God. Nio, Many help to build God's house, whose names, it is to be feared, are not found in his book of life. They serve his interethonly, because they thereby promote their own. 8. ¶ Now in the second year of their coming unto the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Jozadak, and the remnant of their brethren the priests and the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity unto Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites from twenty years old and upward, to set forward the work of the house of the LORD. 9. Then stood Jeflaza thua unth his sons, and his brethren, Kadmiel and his sons, the sons of Judah together, to set forward the workmen in the house of God: the sons of Henadad, with their sons, and their brethren the Levites. 10. And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Afaph, with cymbals, to praise the LORD, after the ordinance of David king of Israel. 11. And they sung together by course, in praising and giving thanks, unto the LORD, because he is good, for his mercy endoreth for ever towards Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid. 12. That many of the priests and Levites, and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had been the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, kept with a loud voice, and many shouted aloud for joy. 13. So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy, from the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off. We have here, 1. A recital of Cyrus's decree for the building of the temple, vers. 1—5. 2. That decree enforced by a new order from Darius, vers. 6—12. 3. The finishing of the temple thereupon, vers. 13—15. 4. The solemn dedication of it, vers. 16—18. 5. The celebration of the professor, vers. 19—23. 1. THEN Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the 9 rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon. 2. And there was found at 9 Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province of the Medes, a roll, and therein was a record thus written: 3. In the first year of Cyrus the king, the same Cyrus the king made a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem. Let the house be built, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid, the height thereof therefore cubits, and the breadth thereof therefore cubits. 4. With three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let the expences be given out of the king's house. 5. And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto the temple which is at Jerusalem, every one to Vol. I. his place, and place them in the house of God. 6. Now therefore Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shethar-boznai, and your companions the Apharaeches, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence. 7. Let the work of this house of God alone, let the governor of the Jews, and the elders of the Jews, build this house of God in his place. 8. Moreover, I make a decree, what ye shall do to the elders of the Jews, for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expences be given unto these men, that they be not a hindered. 9. And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and canv, and lambs, for the burnt-offennings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail. 10. That they may offer sacrifices of sweet favours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king and of his sons. 11. Also I have made a decree, that whichever shall alter this word, let the timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon, and let his house be made a dumphill for this. 12. And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there is a deftroy all kings and people that shall put to their hand, to alter and to deftroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem: I Darius have made a decree, let it be done with speed. We have here, 1. Search made, in consequence of the application, after the original record in the house of the rolls, and it was found in Achmetha, thought to be Ecbizana, the summer residence of the kings of Babylon; and it contained not only a commission for building the house, but a command to the governors to furnish out of the revenue all necessary materials; which privilege it seems the Jews either generally waxed, or the change of affairs at court prevented their receiving the benefit of this order. N. 1. (1.) Diligent enquiry after truth is necessary, in order to administer impartial justice. (2.) It is prudent often to decline making use of those offices, which the generality of our friends may put in our power. 2. Darius, hereupon perfectly satisfied, confirms the state in its full extent. As probably the interruption the work had met with from the malice of the former governors now appeared, he charges them to give the Jews no let or molestation; commands them to furnish all necessary materials for the building, and the sacrifices and offerings they needed, out of the revenues; speaks with deep respect of Israel's God, and puts a high value on the prayers of this favoured people, how as they were now reduced. He enforces the decree with the penalty of death on any man who dared counteract it; Let him be hanged on the beams of his own house, and let it be made a dungful to perpetuate the infamy: and, as highly zealous for the honour of that glorious God, whose pretence had formerly so distinguished this house, and he supposes would again, he denounces a cycle on the king or people, that should ever after attempt to alter the worship, or destroy the temple. He concludes with commanding immediate execution of his orders. N. 1. (1.) The Lord can overrule the malice of the church's enemies, and bring good out of their evil designs. (2.) They are, through God's good providence, often made instrumental in carrying on the work of God, who have themselves neither part nor lot in the matter. (3.) Whilst we are enabled to trust all our concerns with God, he hath the hearts of the greatest in his power, and will overrule them for the purposes of his own glory. (4.) If kings knew the efficacy of the prayers of God's people, they would be careful to locate an interest in them. (5.) Those whom God hath set in authority over us, we are bound to pray for, though heathens or oppressors; and how much more, when truly defenders of the faith, and really nursing fathers to the church. (6.) The curle denounced will surely fall on all the enemies of God's spiritual temple. They who fight against that, destroy their own souls. 13. Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shethar-boznai, and their companions, according to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did speedily. 14. And the elders of the Jews built, and they prospered through the prophecy of Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo; and they built, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of the Cyrus and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia. 15. And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the Though the work was great, their hearts were eager upon it, and therefore the preparations went on bodily. 1. In the second month of the second year the foundation was laid; seven months the materials were preparing; and then they without delay began to build. Note, (1.) If church work is slow, it is because they who are engaged in it, care not for the worship. (2.) What our hand fuddeh to do for God, we must do it with our might. 2. Zerubbabel and Jethua, and his brethren the priests and Levites, forwarded with zeal the service: and of the Levites officers were appointed to look over the workmen. Note, The eye which overthroes, is as necessary as the hand that builds. 3. When the foundation was laid, the priests with trumpets, and the Levites with cymbals, praised God in the Eucharistic home, the burden of which was, for his mercy endoreth for ever, see Pfal. exxxvi. Note, The never failing mercy of God is just matter of everfailing praise, and we can be in no circumstance and condition in which we are not bound to acknowledge this precious truth. 4. Very different emotions on this occasion were awakened in the bosoms of the spectators; the younger part, who had never seen the former temple, beheld with delight the glorious fabric rising to their view, whilst the more aged fathers could not but look back to the magnificence of the ancient house, and were to behold the change. It was now about fifty-four years, according to the most received computation, since Solomon's temple was destroyed, and many of those who were returned from the captivity might well remember it. The voice of weeping and shouting thus was blended together, but the shouting provided, and was heard at a distance, the mourning only was heard at home. Note, (1.) It is matter of joy to see revivals of religion, though they come not up to those in the dust of our fathers. (2.) Even in our joys, some drops of sorrow will mangle it will only be pure when we come to the better temple. (3.) The world should hear a christian's joys foolishly though we sometimes mourn through manifold temptations, their sorrows are best confined to our own bosoms, we communicated to a faithful friend, least we dishearten the feeble, or bring up an all report on the good ways of our God. When the obftacles were removed, and the encouragements to labour so many, the work went on briefly. We have here. 1. The finishing the temple. The governors dared no longer obftract the work, but, though it may be with reluctance, were immediately obliged to comply with the king's orders; whilst the prophets Haggai and Zachariah pleaded these men; they enjoyed, as an argument of God's blessing, and an obligation diligently to improve them; so that in four years the temple was completely finished. Note, (1.) Every mercy we enjoy should be improved as an argument for increasing diligence in God's service. (2.) Though the work of God in the soul meets with many obftractions, and sometimes for a while seems at a hand, or on the decline, he will not suffer it to fail, but will revive it in the midst of the years, and perfect what he hath begun, till the top-flame he laid with shouting, crying, Grace, grace was: (3.) The grand means God makes use of for the perfecting of the saints, is the ministry of the word. 2. The solemn dedication of it. The priests and Levites being set in their several courts, according to the law of Moses, they offered liberal sacrifices to God on the occasion. As there were many, not only of Benjamin and Judah, but of the other tribes joined with them, a fin-offering of twelve he-goats was offered for the congregation; and none through the blood of atonement having obtained reconciliation, though still some marks of bondage continued upon them, yet with great gladness they enjoyed to see the long discontinued temple-worship once more happily revived. Note, (1.) The great concern of the returning sinner is to obtain transition of his. (2.) When the stoning blood is sprinkled on the confluence, that fills the soul with peace and joy in believing. (3.) Revivals of God's blessing to the people and service are the heart-sick rejoicing of every faithful Israelite. 3. The next month they kept the pullover with great solemnity and exactness, a memorial of their escape from Egypt, and now of their repeated deliverance from Babylon, the second house of their bondage. The priests and Levites, unanimous to purify themselves, in a man were ready for their functions, and killed the pullover for their brethren, as well as themselves. Not only the people who had returned from Babylon, but many preselves from the heathen, who had renounced their idolatry, and were circumcised, joined with them; and seven days with universal gladness they kept the feast of unleavened bread, God comforting their hearts, and making them happy in the protection and encouragement they received from the king. Note, (1.) All true converts to Christ fail not to feed upon him in the feast he has instituted, in memory of the deliverance wrought for them by his dying love. (2.) Purity in the ministers of God's ordinances is most conducive to the comfort and profiting of them: under such ministrations a blessing may be expended. (3.) When we draw near to God, we are called to put off all filthiness, and superfluity of naughtiness; to separate ourselves from the ways of a wicked world; and to renounce our former company, and join ourselves to God's people. (4.) Those who wait upon God in his ways, he causes to rejoice. He is the well-spring of all spiritual comfort, and out of his fulness we shall receive. (5.) When God becomes our part, he can make those we feared as enemies, our fast friends.