Ezra 4:18-21

Ezra 4:18 -21 The letter which ye sent unto us hath been plainly read before me (King Artaxerxes). And I commanded, and search hath been made, and it is found that this city of old time hath made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been made therein. There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto them. Give ye now commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this city be not builded, until another commandment shall be given from me. The outsiders who were jealous of the Jews rebuilding Jerusalem had their opportunity. As soon as the new king found out that the Jews had a reputation of rebellion, he commanded that the construction be stopped. The troublemakers finally had their way. Nothing could be done. Do you think that the Jews were disappointed? Can you imagine how they felt as they woke up every morning and looked at the piles of building materials? They couldn’t use them. They just sat there. I imagine that once again they began to pray to the God of heaven. I imagine that they told God that they were trying to rebuild His Temple. But it would be 80 years until they would get permission to start building again. They had to be patient and just wait. But God was working in the Persian throne room. When King Darius came to power, he had a trusted advisor named Daniel. And Daniel was a faithful servant of the most High God. Don’t ever forget, God is in control and God answers prayer. It may take some time, but God answers prayer.