How did the preaching of Haggai and Zechariah help in the building of the temple (Ezra 6:14)?
Work on the temple had made little progress not only because of opposition but also because of the preoccupation of the returnees with their own homes (Haggai 1:29). Because they had placed their own interests first, God sent them famine as a judgment (Haggai 1:56, 1011). Spurred by the preaching of Haggai and Zechariah, and under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua, a new effort was begun (Haggai 1:1215). NIV Bible Study Notes Why did Ezra confess guilt as though he himself had sinned (Ezra 9:6)? Like a modern pastor, Ezra led a public prayer of confession. He did not personally commit the sins mentioned from the pulpit, but Ezra saw himself vitally linked to the community even in its sin. Ezra showed care and responsibility for his people rather than setting himself above them. The Quest Study Bible If God hates divorce, as Malachi 2:16 says, why commend it in Ezra 10:3? God hates the violation of a sacred covenant and sacredness was completely absent in these relationships. (1)
