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.
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.
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?
4 Then said we unto them after this manner, What are the names of the men that make this building?
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].
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:
7 They sent a letter unto him, wherein was written thus; Unto Darius the king, all peace.
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.
9 Then asked we those elders, [and] said unto them thus, Who commanded you to build this house, and to make up these walls?
10 We asked their names also, to certify thee, that we might write the names of the men that [were] the chief of them.
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.
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.
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.
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;
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.
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.
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.
Context and Background
Ezra 5 is a pivotal chapter in the Book of Ezra, which details the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem and their efforts to rebuild the temple. This chapter focuses on the renewed efforts to complete the temple after a period of discouragement and opposition.
Key Themes
- Divine Encouragement: The chapter highlights how God raises prophets to encourage the people to continue their work.
- Opposition and Authority: The challenges faced by the builders from local authorities and how they respond to these challenges.
- Faithfulness and Perseverance: The commitment of the Jewish people to fulfill God’s command despite obstacles.
Summary of Events
- Prophetic Encouragement (Ezra 5:1-2):
The chapter begins with the arrival of the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, who prophesy to the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem. Their messages inspire Zerubbabel and Jeshua to resume the work on the temple.
- Opposition from Local Authorities (Ezra 5:3-5):
As the work on the temple resumes, Tattenai, the governor of the region beyond the River, and other officials approach the builders to inquire about their authority to rebuild the temple. The builders respond by stating that they are acting on the orders of the God of Israel.
- Inquiry and Response (Ezra 5:6-17):
Tattenai sends a letter to King Darius, seeking confirmation of the decree that allowed the Jews to rebuild the temple. He includes the names of the builders and the details of the construction. The chapter ends with a call for Darius to search the royal archives to validate the decree.
Character Analysis
- Zerubbabel:
Zerubbabel is depicted as a leader who is committed to the task of rebuilding the temple, demonstrating faith and resilience in the face of opposition.
- Jeshua:
Jeshua, the high priest, plays a crucial role in the spiritual leadership of the people, working alongside Zerubbabel to ensure the temple’s reconstruction.
- Tattenai:
Tattenai represents the political opposition to the rebuilding efforts, embodying the challenges faced by the Jewish community in their quest to restore their identity and worship.
Theological Implications
- God’s Sovereignty:
The chapter illustrates God’s sovereignty over the affairs of nations, as He uses prophets and leaders to accomplish His purposes.
- The Role of Prophecy:
The presence of Haggai and Zechariah emphasizes the importance of prophetic voices in guiding and encouraging the community in their spiritual and physical endeavors.
- Community and Leadership:
The collaboration between Zerubbabel and Jeshua highlights the importance of leadership in community efforts, particularly in spiritual matters.
Conclusion
Ezra 5 serves as a significant chapter that not only recounts historical events but also conveys essential spiritual lessons about perseverance, divine encouragement, and the importance of community leadership in fulfilling God’s plans. The opposition faced by the Jewish people is met with faith and determination, showcasing their commitment to restoring their worship and identity in Jerusalem.
