HOW UNCERTAINTIES AFFECTED THE RETURNING JEWS

When the returning Jews arrived in Jerusalem, they had much work to do. They quickly rebuilt Jehovah's altar and laid the foundation of the temple. (Ezra 3:1-3) But their initial enthusiasm soon waned. Why? In addition to the temple work, they had to build houses for themselves, plant fields, and feed their families. (Ezra 2:68:70) Moreover, they faced opposition from their enemies, who plotted to stop the temple rebuilding work. - EZRA 4:1-5. 

The returning exiles were also affected by unstable economic and political conditions.  Their land was now a part of the Persian Empire. After Persian King Cyrus died in 530 B.C.E., his successor Cambyses, embarked on a military campaign to conquer Egypt. While heading for Egypt, his soldiers likely demanded food, water, and shelter from the Israelites, which caused them further hardship.  The early reign of Cambyses' successor, Darius I, was marked by revolts and political instability.  These conditions no doubt caused many of the returned exiles to worry about how they would provide for their family.  Because of all the uncertainty they faced, some Jews felt that it was not the right time to build Jehovah's temple. - HAGGAI 1:2. 

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