The enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were rebuilding a Temple to the Lord, the God of Israel. So they approached Zerubbabel and the other leaders and said, “Let us build with you, for we worship your God just as you do. We have sacrificed to him ever since King Esarhaddon of Assyria brought us here.” But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the other leaders of Israel replied, “You may have no part in this work. We alone will build the Temple for the Lord, the God of Israel, just as King Cyrus of Persia commanded us.” Then the local residents tried to discourage and frighten the people of Judah to keep them from their work. They bribed agents to work against them and to frustrate their plans. This went on during the entire reign of King Cyrus of Persia and lasted until King Darius of Persia took the throne.

Point 1: Resistance

So they approached Zerubbabel and the other leaders and said, “Let us build with you, for we worship your God just as you do. We have sacrificed to him ever since King Esarhaddon of Assyria brought us here.” But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the other leaders of Israel replied, “You may have no part in this work. We alone will build the Temple for the LORD, the God of Israel, just as King Cyrus of Persia commanded us.”
Even though the people were afraid of the local residents, they rebuilt the altar at its old site. Then they began to sacrifice burnt offerings on the altar to the LORD each morning and evening.
A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.
He came to his own people, and even they rejected him.

Point 2: Hostility

Then the local residents tried to discourage and frighten the people of Judah to keep them from their work.
Even though the people were afraid of the local residents, they rebuilt the altar at its old site.
The king’s fury is like a lion’s roar; to rouse his anger is to risk your life.
When they heard this, the people in the synagogue were furious. Jumping up, they mobbed him and forced him to the edge of the hill on which the town was built. They intended to push him over the cliff…

Point 3: Sabotage

They bribed agents to work against them and to frustrate their plans. This went on during the entire reign of King Cyrus of Persia and lasted until King Darius of Persia took the throne.
“Any of you who are his people may go to Jerusalem in Judah to rebuild this Temple of the LORD, the God of Israel, who lives in Jerusalem. And may your God be with you!”
The Temple was completed on March 12, during the sixth year of King Darius’s reign.
Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.
Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests and asked, “How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?” And they gave him thirty pieces of silver.
But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!

In what ways have my actions or responses to opposition made things harder on myself?

Has the opposition I faced tempted me to compromise the standard I feel is right in any way?

How have I been trying to defend God or myself, rather than responding with appropriate grace and truth?

The Challenge of Opposition