The house was the visible symbol of the real presence of the Lord among his people. Refusing to rebuild the temple was at best saying that it did not matter whether the Lord was among them. And at worst, it was taking God’s grace for granted, that he would dwell with his people even though they refused to honour his word.1 Have you ever heard the line, No one is always busy. It just depends on what number you are on their priority list
? God knew very well what number he was on Judah’s list.
2 “Thus says the LORD of hosts: These people say the time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the LORD.”