Observation

This question was not popular among the candidates as only a few candidates attempted it. It is not a common topic and as such, majority of the candidates avoided it. From their narration, it was observed that candidates were not familiar with this story narrative, however, majority of those who attempted it performed poorly. The supposed points candidates were expected to have written are:

1. The Edict of Cyrus King of Persia permitted the Jews in exile to return to Jerusalem to rebuild their temple.
2. As the construction progressed, the Samaritans made an attempt to support them.
3. The Samaritans were the Jews mixed up with other foreigners located in the Northern Kingdom through Assyrian conquests. 
4. The Samaritans opted to help the Judeans because they were brothers who worshipped the same Yahweh (God).
5. Zerubbabel and the Jews refused their help because they were of mixed blood.
6. The Samaritans became offended and hired counsellors against them to disrupt the project through threats and frustrations.
7. The threats continued from the time of Cyrus to Darius.
8. Letters were written against the Judeans to Babylon.
9. The letters accused the Jews of being trouble shooters and rebellious.
10. That the construction would revive their spirit of nationalism to subdue the nations around and reduce their revenue.
11. The governors ordered the halt of the reconstruction.
12. Not long after, prophets Haggai and Zechariah stirred up the spirit of the Jews to resume work.
13. Tattenai, governor of the province, came to stop the work, questioning the authority behind the project.
14. The Jews pointed out that it was God who inspired King Cyrus to build the temple.
15. Tattenai wrote to King Darius to search the royal archives if any such order had been made.
16. Darius discovered Cyrus’ decree and ordered for the building to resume and the cost to be met by the royal treasury.
17. By 515 BC, the Jews finished the project and had it dedicated amidst pomp and pageantry.

In the B part which also was challenging to the candidates, some of the points candidates were expected to have written includes;

1. War needs to be avoided for it leads to destruction of life and property/exiling people/bitterness and enmity.
2. Need to have concern for the nation/ Patriotism/ Love for country.
3. Help build the nation through your tax and levies.
4. Avoid the pull him down (P.H.D) syndrome.
5. Record/data keeping is very vital for nation’s growth.
6. Trust/faithfulness and obedience pays a lot in Christian life.
7. Keep focused despite many challenges that may arise.
8. Ezra’s initiative shows that a leader should resist any attempt to frustrate or prevent the fulfilment of his vision.
9. A leader should never give up but remain focused and steadfast and pray for God’s guidance.
10. A leader must be bold and courageous in making decisions.
11. Hard work /dedication is rewarding.