he adversaries of the temple. (1-5) The building of the
temple is hindered. (6-24)
Verses 1-5: Every attempt to revive true religion will stir up the
opposition of Satan, and of those in whom he works. The
adversaries were the Samaritans, who had been planted in the
land of Israel, (2Ki 17). It was plain that they did not mean to
unite in the worship of the Lord, according to his word. Let
those who discourage a good work, and weaken them that are
employed in it, see whose pattern they follow.
Verses 6-24: It is an old slander, that the prosperity of the church
would be hurtful to kings and princes. Nothing can be more
false, for true godliness teaches us to honour and obey our
sovereign. But where the command of God requires one thing and
the law of the land another, we must obey God rather than man,
and patiently submit to the consequences. All who love the
gospel should avoid all appearance of evil, lest they should
encourage the adversaries of the church. The world is ever ready
to believe any accusation against the people of God, and refuses
to listen to them. The king suffered himself to be imposed upon
by these frauds and falsehoods. Princes see and hear with other
men's eyes and ears, and judge things as represented to them,
which are often done falsely. But God's judgment is just; he
sees things as they are.
he adversaries of the temple. (1-5) The building of the
temple is hindered. (6-24)