The Call to Rebuild: Shaking for a Divine Purpose

For 16 years after their return from Babylonian captivity, the Jewish people struggled to fulfill their divine mission to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. Although they began the work in 538 B.C., opposition and discouragement led them to abandon the project, leaving the temple foundation unfinished. During this time, God sent the prophets Haggai and Zechariah to urge them back to the task, declaring that God would shake everything until His people obeyed and resumed the work. In 520 B.C., the people finally responded, and as they committed to rebuilding, God continued to shake the world—but now to support and prosper their efforts. This story is a powerful reminder that God’s shaking can both awaken us to action and strengthen us as we carry out His plans.