The temple was rebuilt, but the people were discouraged because the messiah referred to by earlier prophets had not come yet. The people felt God was being unjust to them. Malachi said, “See I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the LORD whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight—indeed, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts.” (NRSV, Malachi 3:1)