Theory question 103
Concern for Judah(a) Give an account of how the Jews overcame the challenges they encountered while rebuilding the temple. (b) State three ways in which patriotism is beneficial to a nation.
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(a) The adversaries' offer to help was refused, so they discouraged and frightened the builders and hired counsellors against them (Ezra 4:1-5).
Letters to Artaxerxes stopped the work until the second year of Darius (Ezra 4:7-24).
The prophets Haggai and Zechariah encouraged the people (Ezra 5:1).
Zerubbabel and Jeshua resumed the building, supported by the prophets (Ezra 5:2).
When Tattenai questioned them, the elders explained that Cyrus had decreed the rebuilding (Ezra 5:3-17).
Darius searched and found Cyrus' decree at Ecbatana (Ezra 6:1-5).
He ordered the governors not to hinder the work and to pay costs from the royal revenue, with punishment for any who altered the edict (Ezra 6:6-12).
The temple was finished in Darius' sixth year and dedicated with joy (Ezra 6:14-16).
(b) Any three: national unity; development and hard work; reduced corruption; defence of the nation; protection of public property; good image abroad.
Narrate Ezra 4–6, then three benefits.