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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