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Ezra 5

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1Now the prophets, Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem. They prophesied to them in the name of the God of Israel. 2Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak rose up and began to build God’s house which is at Jerusalem; and with them were the prophets of God, helping them. 3At the same time Tattenai, the governor beyond the River came to them, with Shetharbozenai, and their companions, and asked them, “Who gave you a decree to build this house, and to finish this wall?” 4They also asked for the names of the men were who were making this building. 5But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, and they did not make them cease, until the matter should come to Darius, and an answer should be returned by letter concerning it. 6The copy of the letter that Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and Shetharbozenai, and his companions the Apharsachites, who were beyond the River, sent to Darius the king follows. 7They sent a letter to him, in which was written: To Darius the king, all peace. 8Be it known to the king that we went into the province of Judah, to the house of the great God, which is built with great stones, and timber is laid in the walls. This work goes on with diligence and prospers in their hands. 9Then we asked those elders, and said to them thus, “Who gave you a decree to build this house, and to finish this wall?” 10We asked them their names also, to inform you that we might write the names of the men who were at their head. 11Thus they returned us answer, saying, “We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and are building the house that was built these many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and finished. 12But after that our fathers had provoked the God of heaven to wrath, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this house, and carried the people away into Babylon. 13But in the first year of Cyrus king of Babylon, Cyrus the king made a decree to build this house of God. 14The gold and silver vessels of God’s house, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem, and brought into the temple of Babylon, those Cyrus the king also took out of the temple of Babylon, and they were delivered to one whose name was Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor. 15He said to him, ‘Take these vessels, go, put them in the temple that is in Jerusalem, and let God’s house be built in its place.’ 16Then the same Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundations of God’s house which is in Jerusalem. Since that time even until now has it been in building, and yet it is not completed. 17Now therefore, if it seems good to the king, let a search be made in the king’s treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it is so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem; and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.”

World English Bible (public domain)

“But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, and they did not stop them until the matter should come to Darius and then an answer be returned by letter concerning it.”

Ezra 5:5

Summary

In Ezra chapter 5, the narrative picks up with the resumption of the construction of the temple in Jerusalem after a period of interruption. The prophets Haggai and Zechariah encourage the Jewish people, reigniting their passion for rebuilding what had been laid to waste. This divine inspiration leads the exiles to recommence their work with renewed fervor. However, their efforts attract the attention of the local officials, who confront the builders and demand to know by what authority they are restoring the temple. The elders of the Jews respond by asserting that their work is sanctioned by the God of heaven and earth, alluding to the decree of King Cyrus, which had previously permitted them to rebuild the temple. This chapter emphasizes the importance of divine approval in fulfilling God’s purposes and highlights how God’s sovereignty operates even through political leaders. The chapter concludes with a plea for records to be searched concerning Cyrus’s decree, illustrating the significance of remembering and honoring God's promises throughout history. The act of rebuilding becomes a testament to faithfulness amid opposition and the reaffirmation of God’s covenant with His people.

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Chapter outline

How Ezra 5 unfolds

  1. Ezra 5:1–2 Prophets Encourage Rebuilding

    Haggai and Zechariah prophesy to the Jews in Judah, motivating Zerubbabel and Jeshua to resume construction of the temple.

  2. Ezra 5:3–5 Authority Questioned

    Tattenai, the governor, questions the builders about their authority to construct the temple, but God's watchful eye protects the elders.

  3. Ezra 5:6–10 Letter to Darius

    Tattenai sends a letter to King Darius, detailing the construction and asking for confirmation of the decree that allowed it.

  4. Ezra 5:11–12 Response from Elders

    The elders assert they are rebuilding the temple of the God of heaven, recounting the history of its destruction due to their ancestors' sins.

  5. Ezra 5:13–16 Cyrus's Decree Recalled

    They explain that King Cyrus had previously decreed the rebuilding of the temple and returned the sacred vessels for this purpose.

  6. Ezra 5:17 Request for Confirmation

    The elders ask Darius to search for Cyrus's decree regarding the temple's reconstruction, underscoring the importance of authoritative backing.

Key verses

  • Ezra 5:5Verse 5 encapsulates God's protective presence over His people, emphasizing divine oversight in their rebuilding efforts.

Main themes in Ezra 5

Divine Encouragement

The theme of Divine Encouragement surfaces as Haggai and Zechariah prophesy to the Jews in verse 1. Their messages serve as a divine catalyst, prompting the leaders to recommence the temple construction, which illustrates how God communicates hope and direction through His prophets. This encouragement is essential for the community, fostering renewed zeal and commitment to fulfilling God's purposes amidst adversity.

Authority and Opposition

Authority and Opposition are highlighted when Tattenai questions the builders in verses 3-4. In their confident response, the elders assert their divine mandate, which illustrates the ongoing tension between human authority and God's commands. This theme emphasizes the challenges faith communities face as they navigate the complexities of political power while remaining faithful to their divine mission.

Covenant Faithfulness

Covenant Faithfulness is evident as the elders recount the temple's history in verses 11-12. They stress their enduring relationship with the God of Israel and reflect on the consequences of past disobedience, which serves to remind the community of the importance of returning to God’s promises. This theme highlights how remembering God's covenant can strengthen resolve and guide actions during times of rebuilding and renewal.

God's Sovereignty

God's Sovereignty is depicted through His oversight in verse 5, where His eye is on the elders and their efforts. Despite opposition from external forces, their temple rebuilding continues under divine protection, showcasing God's ultimate authority over historical events. This theme emphasizes how the community's actions are sustained by an awareness of divine sovereignty, providing assurance amid the challenges they face.

Cross-references

Passages that echo Ezra 5

Study questions

Questions for studying Ezra 5

  1. Who are the prophets mentioned in this chapter?
  2. What authority do the Jewish elders claim for rebuilding the temple?
  3. How does Tattenai respond to the rebuilding efforts?
  4. What historical event do the elders reference when explaining their actions?
  5. Why do the elders request a search for Cyrus's decree?
  6. What significance does verse 5 hold in the context of the chapter?
  7. What does the chapter reveal about God's role in the rebuilding process?

Ezra 5: frequently asked questions

What is Ezra 5 about?+
In Ezra chapter 5, the narrative picks up with the resumption of the construction of the temple in Jerusalem after a period of interruption. The prophets Haggai and Zechariah encourage the Jewish people, reigniting their passion for rebuilding what had been laid to waste. This divine inspiration leads the exiles to recommence their work with renewed fervor. However, their efforts attract the attention of the local officials, who confront the builders and demand to know by what authority they are restoring the temple. The elders of the Jews respond by asserting that their work is sanctioned by the God of heaven and earth, alluding to the decree of King Cyrus, which had previously permitted them to rebuild the temple. This chapter emphasizes the importance of divine approval in fulfilling God’s purposes and highlights how God’s sovereignty operates even through political leaders. The chapter concludes with a plea for records to be searched concerning Cyrus’s decree, illustrating the significance of remembering and honoring God's promises throughout history. The act of rebuilding becomes a testament to faithfulness amid opposition and the reaffirmation of God’s covenant with His people.
What is the key verse in Ezra 5?+
Ezra 5:5: "But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, and they did not stop them until the matter should come to Darius and then an answer be returned by letter concerning it."
What are the main themes of Ezra 5?+
The main themes of Ezra 5 are Divine Encouragement, Authority and Opposition, Covenant Faithfulness, God's Sovereignty.

Related chapters

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Study Notes

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