Our story today opens nearly 60 years after Zerubbabel led 43,000 exiles
carrying temple treasures, gold and silver back to Judah to rebuild the
temple, and 15 years after Esther saved the Jews. As at all times in
history, some people had hearts fully set on God, and some didn’t –
including, and even, those Jews who returned to Jerusalem. So God sent
three people with very different gifts to help and strengthen those in the
Persian province of Judah who wanted to know Him. Ezra taught, Nehemiah
built, and Malachi exhorted. In all cases, God responded.