Conditions were now changed. In tender mercy the Lord had again visited His people and allowed them to return to their own land. Sadness because of the mistakes of the past should have given way to feelings of great joy. God had moved upon the heart of Cyrus to aid them in rebuilding the temple, and this should have called forth expressions of profound gratitude. But some failed of discerning God's opening providences. Instead of rejoicing, they cherished thoughts of discontent and discouragement. They had seen the glory of Solomon's temple, and they lamented because of the inferiority of the building now to be erected.

Nu havde forholdene ændret sig. Herren havde atter i nåde besøgt sit folk og givet dem tilladelse til at vende hjem til deres land. I stedet for at sørge over fortidens fejltagelser burde de have været jublende glade. De burde have været yderst taknemmelige over, at Gud havde tilskyndet Kyros til at hjælpe dem med at genopbygge templet. Men der var nogle, der ikke havde blikket åbent for Guds forsyns styrelse. I stedet for at glæde sig var de misfornøjede og modløse. De havde set Salomos herlige tempel og var bedrøvede, fordi denne bygning ikke var nær så prægtig.