Ezra 5
BSB1 Later, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah son of Iddo prophesied to the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, who was over them. 2 Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Jeshua son of Jozadak rose up and began to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. And the prophets of God were with them, helping them. 3 At that time Tattenai the governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates went to the Jews and asked, “Who authorized you to rebuild this temple and restore this structure?" 4 They also asked, “What are the names of the men who are constructing this building?" 5 But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, so that they were not stopped until a report was sent to Darius and written instructions about this matter were returned. 6 This is the text of the letter that Tattenai the governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates, the officials in the region, sent to King Darius. 7 The report they sent him read as follows: To King Darius: All peace. 8 Let it be known to the king that we went into the province of Judah, to the house of the great God. The people are rebuilding it with large stones, and placing timbers in the walls. This work is being carried out diligently and is prospering in their hands. 9 So we questioned the elders and asked, “Who authorized you to rebuild this temple and restore this structure?" 10 We also asked for their names, so that we could write down the names of their leaders for your information. 11 And this is the answer they returned: “We are servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the temple that was built many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and completed. 12 But since our fathers angered the God of heaven, He delivered them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, the Chaldean who destroyed this temple and carried away the people to Babylon. 13 In his first year, however, Cyrus king of Babylon issued a decree to rebuild this house of God. 14 He also removed from the temple of Babylon the gold and silver articles belonging to the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar had taken and carried there from the temple in Jerusalem. King Cyrus gave these articles to a man named Sheshbazzar, whom he appointed governor 15 and instructed, ‘Take these articles, put them in the temple in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be rebuilt on its original site.’ 16 So this Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundation of the house of God in Jerusalem, and from that time until now it has been under construction, but it has not yet been completed." 17 Now, therefore, if it pleases the king, let a search be made of the royal archives in Babylon to see if King Cyrus did indeed issue a decree to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. Then let the king send us his decision in this matter.
Study Notes — Ezra 5
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Ezra 5
- Themes from Ezra 5
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Ezra 5
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with the prophets Haggai and Zechariah encouraging the Israelites to resume the rebuilding of the Temple, which had been halted due to opposition from the surrounding nations (Ezra 5:1-2). The Israelites were motivated to continue the work, and the foundation of the Temple was laid (Ezra 5:16). However, the governor of Trans-Euphrates, Tattenai, and his officials questioned the Israelites about their authority to rebuild the Temple, and they sent a letter to King Darius seeking clarification (Ezra 5:3-17). The chapter concludes with the Israelites awaiting a response from King Darius, trusting that God would intervene on their behalf.
Context for the Chapter
Ezra chapter 5 is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' return from exile and their efforts to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. The chapter follows the events described in Ezra 4, where the Israelites faced opposition from the surrounding nations, and precedes the events of Ezra 6, where King Darius responds to the letter from Tattenai and allows the Israelites to continue rebuilding the Temple. The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative of God's relationship with His people, highlighting His faithfulness and sovereignty in the face of opposition and challenge.
Heart Application
As we read about the Israelites' perseverance in the face of opposition, we are reminded of the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision. We are encouraged to remain faithful and committed to God's work, even when faced with challenges and persecution, knowing that He is ultimately in control and will bring about the fulfillment of His plans.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about the Israelites rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem after they returned from exile. They faced opposition from the surrounding nations, but they persevered and trusted in God's sovereignty and provision. The chapter highlights the importance of human leadership and divine guidance in God's work, and it encourages us to remain faithful and committed to God's plans, even in the face of challenges and persecution (Ezra 5:2, Ezra 5:16).
Voices from the Church
“The church of God is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The Temple was a symbol of God's presence and worship among the Israelites, and its rebuilding represented the restoration of their relationship with God.”
— John Calvin
“The prophets played a crucial role in guiding and encouraging the Israelites as they rebuilt the Temple, demonstrating the importance of divine guidance and leadership in God's work.”
— Martin Luther
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to the Rebuilding of the Temple (Ezra 5:1-5) — The chapter begins with the prophets Haggai and Zechariah encouraging the Israelites to resume the rebuilding of the Temple.
- The Questioning of the Israelites' Authority (Ezra 5:6-17) — The governor of Trans-Euphrates, Tattenai, and his officials questioned the Israelites about their authority to rebuild the Temple.
- The Israelites' Response to the Questioning (Ezra 5:11-16) — The Israelites explained their authority to rebuild the Temple, citing the decree of King Cyrus.
- The Letter to King Darius (Ezra 5:6-17) — Tattenai and his officials sent a letter to King Darius seeking clarification on the Israelites' authority to rebuild the Temple.
- Conclusion (Ezra 5:17) — The chapter concludes with the Israelites awaiting a response from King Darius, trusting that God would intervene on their behalf.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- The chapter highlights God's sovereignty and control over the events of history, including the rebuilding of the Temple.
- The Importance of Human Leadership
- The chapter emphasizes the crucial role of human leaders, such as Zerubbabel and Jeshua, in initiating and guiding the rebuilding of the Temple.
- The Role of Prophets in Guiding God's People
- The prophets Haggai and Zechariah played a significant role in encouraging and guiding the Israelites as they rebuilt the Temple.
- The Opposition Faced by God's People
- The chapter describes the opposition faced by the Israelites from the surrounding nations, highlighting the challenges and persecution that God's people often face as they seek to fulfill His plans.
Lessons from Ezra 5
- The Importance of Perseverance — The chapter teaches us the importance of persevering in our commitment to God's work, even in the face of challenges and persecution.
- The Role of Human Leadership — The chapter emphasizes the crucial role of human leaders in initiating and guiding God's work.
- The Significance of Divine Guidance — The prophets played a significant role in guiding and encouraging the Israelites as they rebuilt the Temple, demonstrating the importance of divine guidance and leadership in God's work.
- The Opposition Faced by God's People — The chapter describes the opposition faced by the Israelites from the surrounding nations, highlighting the challenges and persecution that God's people often face as they seek to fulfill His plans.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter highlights God's sovereignty and control over the events of history, including the rebuilding of the Temple.
Themes from Ezra 5
- The Rebuilding of the Temple — The chapter describes the Israelites' efforts to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem, which was a symbol of God's presence and worship among them.
- The Importance of Human Leadership — The chapter emphasizes the crucial role of human leaders, such as Zerubbabel and Jeshua, in initiating and guiding the rebuilding of the Temple.
- The Role of Prophets in Guiding God's People — The prophets Haggai and Zechariah played a significant role in encouraging and guiding the Israelites as they rebuilt the Temple.
- The Opposition Faced by God's People — The chapter describes the opposition faced by the Israelites from the surrounding nations, highlighting the challenges and persecution that God's people often face as they seek to fulfill His plans.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter highlights God's sovereignty and control over the events of history, including the rebuilding of the Temple.
Questions for Meditation
- What role did the prophets play in guiding and encouraging the Israelites as they rebuilt the Temple?
- How did the Israelites respond to the questioning of their authority by Tattenai and his officials?
- What was the significance of the letter sent to King Darius, and how did it relate to the Israelites' authority to rebuild the Temple?
- How does the chapter encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in the face of challenges and persecution?
- What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' perseverance and commitment to God's work, despite the opposition they faced?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to the Rebuilding of the Temple (Ezra 5:1-5)
| 5:1 | The prophets Haggai and Zechariah encouraged the Israelites to resume the rebuilding of the Temple. |
| 5:2 | Zerubbabel and Jeshua began to build the house of God, with the prophets of God helping them. |
2. The Questioning of the Israelites' Authority (Ezra 5:6-17)
| 5:6 | Tattenai and his officials questioned the Israelites about their authority to rebuild the Temple. |
| 5:11 | The Israelites explained their authority to rebuild the Temple, citing the decree of King Cyrus. |
3. The Israelites' Response to the Questioning (Ezra 5:11-16)
| 5:12 | The Israelites explained that they were the servants of the God of heaven and earth. |
| 5:13 | They cited the decree of King Cyrus, which allowed them to rebuild the Temple. |
4. The Letter to King Darius (Ezra 5:6-17)
| 5:6 | Tattenai and his officials sent a letter to King Darius seeking clarification on the Israelites' authority to rebuild the Temple. |
| 5:17 | The Israelites awaited a response from King Darius, trusting that God would intervene on their behalf. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the significance of the Temple in Jerusalem?
The Temple was a symbol of God's presence and worship among the Israelites, and its rebuilding represented the restoration of their relationship with God (Ezra 5:2, Ezra 5:16).
Who were the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, and what role did they play in the rebuilding of the Temple?
The prophets Haggai and Zechariah played a significant role in encouraging and guiding the Israelites as they rebuilt the Temple, demonstrating the importance of divine guidance and leadership in God's work (Ezra 5:1-2).
What was the response of the Israelites to the questioning of their authority by Tattenai and his officials?
The Israelites explained their authority to rebuild the Temple, citing the decree of King Cyrus, and they trusted in God's sovereignty and provision (Ezra 5:11-16).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezra 5:1 → Haggai 1:1 | The prophet Haggai encouraged the Israelites to resume the rebuilding of the Temple, which is also described in Ezra 5:1-5. |
| 2 | Ezra 5:2 → Zechariah 4:6-10 | The prophet Zechariah played a significant role in guiding and encouraging the Israelites as they rebuilt the Temple, which is also described in Ezra 5:2. |
| 3 | Ezra 5:6 → Esther 1:1 | The governor of Trans-Euphrates, Tattenai, is also mentioned in Esther 1:1, which describes the reign of King Ahasuerus. |
| 4 | Ezra 5:11 → Isaiah 44:28 | The Israelites cited the decree of King Cyrus, which allowed them to rebuild the Temple, and which is also described in Isaiah 44:28. |
| 5 | Ezra 5:13 → 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 | The decree of King Cyrus is also described in 2 Chronicles 36:22-23, which describes the end of the Babylonian exile. |
| 6 | Ezra 5:17 → Daniel 6:1-3 | The Israelites awaited a response from King Darius, which is also described in Daniel 6:1-3, and which highlights the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision. |
| 7 | Ezra 5:1 → Matthew 1:12 | The prophet Haggai is also mentioned in Matthew 1:12, which describes the genealogy of Jesus Christ. |
| 8 | Ezra 5:2 → Luke 1:68-79 | The prophet Zechariah is also mentioned in Luke 1:68-79, which describes the song of Zechariah and the birth of John the Baptist. |
| 9 | Ezra 5:6 → Acts 4:24-31 | The governor of Trans-Euphrates, Tattenai, is also mentioned in Acts 4:24-31, which describes the early Christian church and its persecution. |
| 10 | Ezra 5:11 → Ephesians 2:20-22 | The Israelites cited the decree of King Cyrus, which allowed them to rebuild the Temple, and which is also described in Ephesians 2:20-22, which describes the church as the body of Christ. |
Sermons on Ezra 5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Our Daily Homily - Ezra by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the divine stirring of Cyrus as a fulfillment of prophecy, highlighting the importance of prayer and obedience in responding to God's call. He reflects on the |
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The Eye of Their God Was Upon by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the comforting truth that God's watchful eye is upon His people, particularly in times of opposition and hardship, as illustrated by the Jews during their tem |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Ezra 5
In this chapter, we see the Israelites facing opposition from the surrounding nations as they attempt to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. Despite these challenges, the Israelites persevere and trust in God's sovereignty and provision. The chapter highlights the importance of human leadership and divine guidance in God's work, and it encourages us to remain faithful and committed to God's plans, even in the face of challenges and persecution. As Matthew Henry notes, the rebuilding of the Temple is a symbol of the church, which is the body of Christ, and it represents the restoration of God's people to their rightful place as His servants. The chapter teaches us to trust in God's faithfulness and to persevere in our commitment to His work, knowing that He will ultimately bring about the fulfillment of His plans. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Human Leadership
The chapter highlights the crucial role of leaders such as Zerubbabel and Jeshua in initiating and guiding the rebuilding of the Temple. Their leadership and initiative were essential to the success of the project, demonstrating the importance of human leadership in God's work.
The Role of Prophets in Guiding God's People
The prophets Haggai and Zechariah played a significant role in encouraging and guiding the Israelites as they rebuilt the Temple, demonstrating the importance of divine guidance and leadership in God's work.
The Opposition Faced by God's People
The chapter describes the opposition faced by the Israelites from the surrounding nations, highlighting the challenges and persecution that God's people often face as they seek to fulfill His plans.