The Prophets of God Helping Them
Audio:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/JKQevFHZ7Dc?list=PL4ByrircmXL4AIWLkRrpeoEq_A6VmA54y
There is constant danger that professing Christians will come to think that in order to have influence with worldlings, they must to a certain extent conform to the world. But though such a course may appear to afford great advantages, it always ends in spiritual loss. Against every subtle influence that seeks entrance by means of
Close by the Israelites who had set themselves to the task of rebuilding the temple, dwelt the Samaritans, a mixed race that had sprung up through the intermarriage of heathen colonists from the provinces of Assyria with the remnant of the ten tribes which had been left in Samaria and Galilee. In later years the Samaritans claimed to worship the true God, but in heart and practice they were idolaters. It is true, they held that their idols were but to remind them of the living God, the Ruler of the universe; nevertheless the people were prone to reverence graven images.
The Samaritans refer to their worship of the true God, and express a desire to share the privileges and blessings connected with the temple service. We seek your God, as ye do, they declare. Let us build with you. Ezra 4:2.
But had the Jewish leaders accepted this offer of assistance, they would have opened a door for the entrance of idolatry.
Thus the builders were not left to struggle alone; with them were the prophets of God helping them; and the Lord of hosts Himself had declared, Be strong, . . . and work: for I am with you. Ezra 5:2; Haggai 2:4
Zechariah then saw the powers that had scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem, symbolized by four horns. Immediately afterward he saw four carpenters, representing the agencies used by the Lord in restoring His people and the house of His worship. See verses 18-21.