The first group of exiles returned in from Babylon 536 B.C. and began to rebuild the temple. Apparently, the prophet Haggai was part of this group. After laying the foundation, the exiles quit when their enemies threatened them. Rebuilding the temple was an important task for the Jewish people. The temple represented their relationship with God. It was the focal point of their worship and fellowship with the God who called them to be his chosen people. But other things had gotten in the way of finishing this task, much like other things—even good things—get in the way of our doing God’s will today.