Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Ezra Ch.5 / 10 Ch.s
EZR:5
* 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.