About fifteen years elapse between 4:24 and 5:1. During that time, God prepared two prophets to renew and strengthen the work. After all, God’s Word commenced the project (Ezra 1:1), so only God’s Word could continue it and complete it (Gal. 3:3). When God wants to get something done, He sends His servants with His Word, for nothing but our unbelief can hinder the power of the Word. Even the pagan king had to bow before the Word of God!
When God’s Word is with you and God’s eye is upon you (5:5), your work will prosper (6:14; see also Josh. 1:8; Ps. 1:1–3). Revival comes when God’s people heed God’s Word and do what God tells them to do. Read Haggai’s four sermons of encouragement and rebuke and see what true “revival preaching” is like. Do those messages speak to you now?
The project began with mingled joy and tears (3:8–13), but it ended with all the people rejoicing (6:16–22). The traditional feast took on new joy because of what God had done for His people.
