Ezra 5:1-2 - Homilies By J.a. Macdonald

The inspiration of prophecy.

Through the hostility of the Samaritans, who obtained authority from Artaxerxes, the work of building the temple was interrupted. This interruption seems to have commenced under Cyrus ( Ezra 4:5 ). It was continued under the brief reign of an upstart who feigned himself to be the brother of Ahasuerus; and it was carried on "unto the second year of Darius king of Persia." Thus the work was stopped for about sixteen years. "Then the prophets," etc. Here notice that—

I. THE INSPIRATION OF PROPHECY IS ROUSING .

1. The people now needed rousing.

2. Haggai brought home the truth to them.

3. They were satisfied with the credentials of the prophet.

II. THE INSPIRATION OF PROPHECY IS SUSTAINING . Ñ "And with them were the prophets of God helping them."

1. It sustains under the burdens of the work of God.

2. It sustains against the murmuring of God ' s people.

3. It sustains against the assaults of enemies.