Ezra, Haggai, and the Decree
By Editor
Our readings for the week cover all that is given in the schedule, to the 8th chapter of Nehemiah, inclusive, and the first two chapters of Haggai. The lessons in Ezra bring out the renewal of the decree of Cyrus by Darius Hystaspes, and the addition to that decree by Artaxerxes Longimanus, which took in not only the building of the temple, but the complete restoration of the government to the Jews. This decree went forth in the 7th year of Artaxerxes, or 457 years before Christ, and is the commandment to restore and build Jerusalem referred to in Dan. 9:25. This commandment involved the decree of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes (see Ezra 6:14). Inasmuch as Haggai was one of the prophets who encouraged Zerubbabel and Ezra in building, we have thrown his prophecy in in connection with these circumstances. Note how God's blessing was pronounced upon them if they would build, and how blessing was withheld from them when God's work was made secondary, and their own work first. Portions are omitted from Ezra, because of the genealogies. They may be read with profit for those who desire, but are not particularly essential.