Ezra - Chapter 5

Ezra 5.1 Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, even unto them. Ezra 5.2 Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God helping them. Ezra 5.3 At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall? Ezra 5.4 Then said we unto them after this manner, What are the names of the men that make this building? Ezra 5.5 But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, that they could not cause them to cease, till the matter came to Darius: and then they returned answer by letter concerning this matter. Ezra 5.6 The copy of the letter that Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai and his companions the Apharsachites, which were on this side the river, sent unto Darius the king: Ezra 5.7 They sent a letter unto him, wherein was written thus; Unto Darius the king, all peace. Ezra 5.8 Be it known unto the king, that we went into the province of Judea, to the house of the great God, which is builded with great stones, and timber is laid in the walls, and this work goeth fast on, and prospereth in their hands. Ezra 5.9 Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus, Who commanded you to build this house, and to make up these walls? Ezra 5.10 We asked their names also, to certify thee, that we might write the names of the men that were the chief of them. Ezra 5.11 And thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded these many years ago, which a great king of Israel builded and set up. Ezra 5.12 But after that our fathers had provoked the God of heaven unto wrath, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this house, and carried the people away into Babylon. Ezra 5.13 But in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon the same king Cyrus made a decree to build this house of God. Ezra 5.14 And the vessels also of gold and silver of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem, and brought them into the temple of Babylon, those did Cyrus the king take out of the temple of Babylon, and they were delivered unto one, whose name was Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor; Ezra 5.15 And said unto him, Take these vessels, go, carry them into the temple that is in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be builded in his place. Ezra 5.16 Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundation of the house of God which is in Jerusalem: and since that time even until now hath it been in building, and yet it is not finished. Ezra 5.17 Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search made in the king’s treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be 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.

Ezra : Chapter 5

The Resumption of Temple Rebuilding in Ezra 5

Chapter 5 of the book of Ezra represents a key moment in the history of God's people, marking the resumption of the rebuilding of the temple. What motivates the people to return to work? This inspiring passage highlights the prophetic ministry of Haggai and Zechariah, who encourage the people to resume construction despite the challenges they face.

The Prophetic Ministry

Ezra 5 also records an official investigation into the legality of the project and the loyalty of the people to continue work despite the prevailing uncertainty. This chapter illustrates the power of the prophetic word and underscores the importance of obedience to God's will. Let's reflect together on five biblical passages that shed light on the themes of encouragement and faithfulness present in this crucial chapter.

Illuminating Bible Passages

Haggai 1:14-15: "Then the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people. They came and began to work in the temple of the Lord of hosts, their God, on the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month in the second year of the reign of Darius." This passage from Haggai relates directly to the resumption of temple construction described in Ezra 5.

Zechariah 4:6-7: "Then he said to me, 'This is what the Lord says to Zerubbabel: "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. Who do you think you are, O great mountain? You will become a plain before Zerubbabel. Then he will lay the cornerstone, crying, 'God bless you!' God bless you!"' This prophecy of Zechariah encourages Zerubbabel to rebuild the temple, just as Ezra 5 describes.

Daniel 6:8-9: "Now, O king, publish the decree and have it written so that it can be changed, according to the laws of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed. So King Darius ordered the decree to be written." This passage from Daniel illustrates the irrevocable nature of Persian laws, which is relevant to the letter sent to King Darius in Ezra 5.

Nehemiah 2:20: "I replied to them, 'The God of heaven will grant us success. We, your servants, will begin the rebuilding, but as for you, you have no portion, no right, no memorial in Jerusalem.'" Nehemiah's response to his opponents echoes the attitude of the Jewish leaders in Ezra 5 when faced with the questions of the Persian authorities.

Isaiah 44:26: "who fulfills the words of his servants and fulfills the predictions of his messengers, who says of Jerusalem, 'It shall be inhabited,' and of the cities of Judah, 'They shall be rebuilt,' and of its ruins, 'I will restore them.'" This prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled in the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple, as described in Ezra 5.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ezra chapter 5 reminds us of the power of faith and the importance of listening to divine messages. May these passages inspire us to remain faithful to our mission, to encourage others, and to rebuild our own lives on solid foundations in God's will.