Zerubbabel and his associates were familiar with these and many like scriptures; and in the recent captivity they had many evidences of their fulfillment. And now, having turned with all the heart to God and renewed their covenant relationship with Him, they had been permitted to return to Judea, that they might restore that which had been destroyed. Should they at the beginning of their undertaking enter into a covenant with idolaters? Those who had rededicated themselves to the Lord at the altar set up before the ruins of His temple refused to enter into alliance with those who, though familiar with God's law, would not yield to its claims. Never can God's people afford to compromise principle by entering into alliance with those who do not fear Him. SS 293.2