EGW WritingsEzra 5

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 97, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 97, 1897, par. 1

The Lord has moved upon us here in Cooranbong to arise and build a house of worship for the Lord. When the matter was first considered, we could not see how the building could be erected. I was referred to Ezra 1:2-6; 3:8-13; 5:1. We have had none of this hindrance. When the matter was laid before our people in Cooranbong, who assemble to worship God, they unanimously, with one or two exceptions decided to follow the counsel of the Lord. We had only £100 in our hands; and some thought we ought not to rush the matter until we were sure that we could accomplish the work. The proposition was made that we could enclose the building, and finish it at some convenient time. I conceded in this decision.

Ye Shall Receive Power

Zerubbabel and Zechariah, September 20

YRP 272.1

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. 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. Ezra 5:1, 2.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 194, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 194, 1902, par. 6

I never remember feeling more pained than I did after speaking as I did in the interview with you. I had nothing to say in favor of Nashville. The Lord reproved me for this, and pointed me to those who by His appointment were laboring in Nashville. I was cited to the experience of the Lord’s people as recorded in the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth chapters of Ezra, when those who were not in harmony with God tried to hinder the work that He had said should be done.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 98, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 98, 1907, par. 2

I have been writing on the subjects of Old Testament history. I have now nearly completed the book of Ezra. It has been a very interesting task to sketch the history of this remarkable man. The Lord raised up Ezra to be His servant. He moved upon the heart of the king, so that Ezra found favor with him. The king placed in his hands abundant means for the rebuilding of the temple and made it possible for the Jews to return, who for seventy years had been in captivity in Babylon. In thus giving to His people another opportunity to serve God in their own country, the Lord shows His forbearance with His wayward children.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 100, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 100, 1907, par. 2

For some time I have been writing on the subjects of Old Testament history. I have now nearly completed the book of Ezra. I have been encouraged as I have studied the experiences of this remarkable man. I am now writing on the seventh chapter, which deals with the time when the king’s decree went forth, that permitted Ezra to go up from Babylon and take with him the help he needed for the work to be accomplished in Jerusalem. Please read this chapter.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Teacher and Saviour of Humanity, September 13

JNN 271.5

Thus the builders were not left to struggle alone; “with them were the prophets of God helping them;” and the Lord of hosts Himself had declared, “Be strong ... and work: for I am with you” (Ezra 5:2; Haggai 2:4).—Prophets and Kings, 576, 577.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 46—“The Prophets of God Helping Them”

PK 577.2

Thus the builders were not left to struggle alone; “with them were the prophets of God helping them;” and the Lord of hosts Himself had declared, “Be strong, ... and work: for I am with you.” Ezra 5:2; Haggai 2:4.

PK 578.2

The messages delivered by Haggai and Zechariah roused the people to put forth every possible effort for the rebuilding of the temple; but, as they worked, they were sadly harassed by the Samaritans and others who devised many hindrances. On one occasion the provincial officers of the Medo-Persian realm visited Jerusalem and requested the name of the one who had authorized the restoration of the building. If at that time the Jews had not been trusting in the Lord for guidance, this inquiry might have resulted disastrously to them. “But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, that they could not cause them to cease, till the matter came to Darius.” Ezra 5:5. The officers were answered so wisely that they decided to write a letter to Darius Hystaspes, then the ruler of Medo-Persia, directing his attention to the original decree made by Cyrus, which commanded that the house of God at Jerusalem be rebuilt, and that the expenses for the same be paid from the king’s treasury.