The Book Of Ezra Prophetic Messages – Arise And Build

The book of Ezra prophetic messages focused passage text: Ezra 6:14

“And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.”

Key Message: The prophetic messages delivered to the Jews during their time of rebuilding serve as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and the importance of prioritizing His will in our lives.

Introduction: Encouragement of Prophetic Messages from The Book Of ezra

In our previous discussion, we explored how God, through His prophets, encouraged the Jews to defy the king’s decree and complete their building project in just four years, five months, and ten days. This remarkable achievement came after sixteen years of stagnation, conspiracies, and intimidation.

The prophetic messages instilled boldness and urgency, restoring what had been lost. 

But what exactly was the content of these prophetic messages, and how did the people respond? Let’s examine these questions closely.

what is the main message in the book of ezra

he main message of the book of Ezra is about restoration and faithfulness to God. It tells the story of the Jewish people returning from Babylonian exile to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem, emphasizing how God’s promises are fulfilled through the obedience of His people.

Ezra highlights the importance of spiritual renewal, the power of God’s Word, and the need for purity and dedication in worship. Through leaders like Zerubbabel and Ezra, the book shows that God’s hand is at work to restore His people when they turn back to Him with sincere hearts.

Highlights Of The Role of Prophets in Encouragement

The Prophetic Influence

Ezra 6:14 states:

• KJV: “Through the prophesying of…”
• NIV: “Through the preaching of…”
• TEV: “Encouraged by the prophets…”
• LB & NLT: “Greatly encouraged by the prophets…”

These translations highlight the significant role that prophets played in motivating the people. Their messages were not merely words; they were divine encouragement that spurred the Jews into action.

Key Scriptural References

To further understand the impact of prophetic messages, we can reference:

• 2 Chronicles 20:20: Trust in the Lord and His prophets.
• 2 Chronicles 26:5: Seek God and prosper.
• Hosea 12:13: The role of prophets in guiding the people.

Content of the Prophecy Message Of Haggai

The Message of Haggai

The content of the prophecy, particularly from Haggai 1, reveals several critical points:

1. Haggai 1:4: “Is it time for you to dwell in your paneled houses while this house lies in ruins?”
2. Haggai 1:5: “Consider your ways.”
3. Haggai 1:6: “You have sown much, but harvested little.”
4. Haggai 1:7-8: “The temple should be built.”
5. Haggai 1:9: “You are not as prosperous as you should be.”
6. Haggai 1:10-11: “A drought was called in judgment on them.”

These verses illustrate the urgency of the message and the need for the people to prioritize God’s house over their own comforts.

The Prompting Behind the Prophetic Message

Reasons for the Prophetic Call

The prophetic messages were prompted by several factors:

• Attitude and Excuses: The people had become complacent (Haggai 1:2, 9b).
• Reasoning: They rationalized their inaction (Haggai 1:3-4).
• Living Below Divine Desires: Their lives did not reflect God’s intentions for them.

Implications of Spiritual Drought

When we experience stagnation in our lives, despite our prayers and fastings, it may indicate a spiritual drought. Consider the following:

• Amos 3:3-8: Is the Lord saying something to us?
• Matthew 6:31-33: Shouldn’t we prioritize the Lord and His house?
• 2 Corinthians 9:6-11: God promises to multiply our seed sown.
• Haggai 1:9-11; 1 Corinthians 11:31-32; Hebrews 12:5-11: Avoiding His loving discipline.

The Challenge and the Promise Of Prophetic messages

God’s Call to Action

The prophetic message included a clear challenge:

• Haggai 1:8: “Go up to the mountain, bring wood, and build the temple.”
• 2 Chronicles 15:7: God promises to take pleasure in your labor.
• Psalm 67:1: From you, He will receive glory.

Overcoming enemies

Despite facing opposition, the people began their work and build:

• Haggai 1:15: They started despite challenges.
• Ezra 6:14: They completed the temple in the face of silenced opposition.

Obeying Prophetic Messages

The Book of Ezra shows how obeying prophetic messages – like those from Haggai and Zechariah – can lead to restoration, strength, and blessing.

Transformation starts when God's people listen and respond to His voice through His messengers. Here are four key ways to apply this principle:

1. Recognize the Voice of God

• Spend time in Scripture to understand how God speaks.
• Test every message against the truth of the Bible.
• Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s prompting and conviction.
• Observe how God confirms His Word through circumstances and wise counsel.

2. Respond with Faith and Action

• Obedience often begins with a small step—take it, even if you feel unsure.
• Trust that God equips those He calls to act.
• Don’t delay—timely obedience can open the door to greater blessings.
• Prioritize God’s direction over comfort or popular opinion.

3. Persevere Through Opposition

• Expect resistance when following God’s Word—Ezra’s builders faced it too.
• Strengthen your resolve through prayer and fellowship.
• Remember that spiritual progress often invites spiritual resistance.
• Keep your focus on the bigger picture of God’s plan, not the obstacles.

4. Stay Aligned with God’s Purpose

• Continually check your motives—are you building for God or for self?
• Stay accountable to God’s Word and community.
• Be open to correction from godly leaders and prophets.
• Celebrate progress but remain humble and dependent on God.

Conclusion: The Importance of Prophetic Messages

The messages delivered by the prophets during the rebuilding of the temple serve as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness. They encourage us to prioritize His will in our lives, especially when faced with challenges.

Thus, by responding to God’s call and embracing His promises, we can experience restoration and fulfillment in our spiritual journeys.