Ezra 5: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Ezra 5 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Haggai and Zechariah prophesied to the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem. They encouraged Zerubbabel and Jeshua as they began to build God’s house in Jerusalem (vv. 1-2). Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, approached them and asked who commanded them to build and finish the wall (vv. 3-4). Despite this, God kept watch over the elders of the Jews, and they continued their work until a letter could be sent to Darius (v. 5).

Key verse

“But 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.”
Ezra 5:5 (WEB)

Outline

Ezra 5:1–2 Prophets Encourage Rebuilding
Ezra 5:3–5 Authority Questioned
Ezra 5:6–10 Letter to Darius
Ezra 5:11–12 Response from Elders
Ezra 5:13–16 Cyrus's Decree Recalled
Ezra 5:17 Request for Confirmation

Discussion questions

In v2, who rises up to begin building God’s house in Jerusalem?
What do the elders of the Jews claim they are in v11?
Tattenai's inquiry in vv. 3-4: what is the underlying concern of the local officials?
The mention of Nebuchadnezzar in v12: how does it frame the current rebuilding effort?
When have you felt opposition while pursuing a project you believe is important?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Ezra 5: Ezra 6, Zechariah 4, Ezra 4.

Before next time: read Ezra 6.