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.
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.
At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shethar–boznai, and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall?
Then said we unto them after this manner, What are the names of the men that make this building?
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.
The copy of the letter that Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shethar–boznai, and his companions the Apharsachites, which were on this side the river, sent unto Darius the king:
They sent a letter unto him, wherein was written thus; Unto Darius the king, all peace.
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.
Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus, Who commanded you to build this house, and to make up these walls?
We asked their names also, to certify thee, that we might write the names of the men that were the chief of them.
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.
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.
But in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon the same king Cyrus made a decree to build this house of God.
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;
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.
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.
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 5 recounts a pivotal moment in the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. After years of delay, the work resumes, faces immediate opposition, and ultimately relies on divine providence and historical truth for its continuation. This chapter highlights themes of faith, perseverance, and God's sovereignty in fulfilling His purposes.
Prophetic Encouragement and Renewed Zeal (Ezra 5:1-2)
The narrative opens with renewed hope. The prophets Haggai and Zechariah step onto the scene, their ministries serving as catalysts for rekindling the Israelites' commitment to rebuilding the temple. Haggai and Zechariah called God’s people back to the work on his house (Ezra 5:1). The prophets' words were not merely encouragement; they were a call back to faithfulness, a reminder of God's covenant and the importance of restoring true worship. The people had also left the Word of God when they abandoned the temple project. Zerubbabel, the governor, and Jeshua, the high priest, respond positively, demonstrating the crucial role of leadership in fostering spiritual revival. The prophets of God were with them to help (Ezra 5:2). Once again, the spiritual and civil leaders were renewed in their desire to finish the work God had given. This renewed zeal signifies a turning point, a collective decision to prioritize God's will despite past setbacks.
Facing External Opposition (Ezra 5:3-5)
The renewed efforts do not go unnoticed. Tattenai, the governor of the region west of the Euphrates, along with Shethar-Bozenai and their colleagues, arrive to investigate the construction. Trouble soon came again when the regional governor Tattenai and his assistants, who were accountable to the Persian king Darius, heard that the work in Jerusalem had resumed and came to investigate. Tattenai's inquiry reveals a concern that the Jews might be plotting against the Persian king. So, the governor asked who had given them the order to rebuild the temple (Ezra 5:4). This opposition underscores the reality that pursuing God's purposes often invites resistance. However, Ezra 5:5 offers a crucial insight: "But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, so that they could not stop them till a report could go to Darius and then an answer be returned by letter concerning this matter." This verse emphasizes God's providential care, ensuring the work's continuation while the matter is being investigated. God was watching over the Jewish elders. He kept them from harm so that they could continue the work until a written response arrived from the king (Ezra 5:5).
Tattenai's Letter to Darius (Ezra 5:6-10)
Tattenai's letter to King Darius provides a detailed account of the situation. He meticulously documents the Jews' claims, their progress on the temple, and his own inquiries. Tattenai began his letter by acknowledging that the Jews of the great God in the province of Judah were making significant progress on the temple, with the work being done diligently and succeeding through the people’s efforts (Ezra 5:6-8). The governor was not making any particular claims about “the great God”; he was simply noting that he was the God of that region. To acknowledge that certain gods had control over certain lands and peoples was a belief very common in the ancient world. With that done, Tattenai reported his actions and his interrogation of the Jews (Ezra 5:9-10). This letter serves as a historical record, preserving the details of the opposition and the Jews' defense of their actions.
The Jewish Leaders' Response (Ezra 5:11-17)
The Jewish leaders, in their response to Tattenai, articulate their identity and the historical basis for their actions. They start by identifying themselves: We are the servants of the God of the heavens and earth (Ezra 5:11). (They knew who they were; that’s where you have to start. What you do flows from who you are.) They are open about their past sins and the consequences they faced, acknowledging that their ancestors' disobedience led to their exile at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar. Because their ancestors had angered God, he handed them over to King Nebuchadnezzar (Ezra 5:12). In other words, the king of Babylon hadn’t defeated them because his gods were more powerful. Rather, the God of Israel and Judah had delivered them into Nebuchadnezzar’s hands because of their disobedience. They emphasize that their current work is authorized by Cyrus' decree, highlighting the continuity between past royal commands and their present efforts. He had issued a decree to rebuild the house of God (Ezra 5:13). Thus, everything they were doing was completely legal and above board and that was why they could confidently say of their building project, It has been under construction from that time (Ezra 5:16). The Jewish leaders presented their case to Darius and urged him to conduct a search of the royal archives to verify their claims (Ezra 5:17). Royal documents were carefully recorded and preserved, so the Jews were no doubt confident that they were on solid ground. This appeal to historical truth and legal precedent demonstrates their confidence in the legitimacy of their cause.
Ezra 5 is a testament to the power of prophetic ministry, the challenges of opposition, and the importance of grounding our actions in both faith and truth. The chapter reminds us that God's hand is at work, even amidst difficulties, and that perseverance in pursuing His purposes will ultimately lead to fulfillment.
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.
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.
At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shethar–boznai, and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall?
Then said we unto them after this manner, What are the names of the men that make this building?
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.
The copy of the letter that Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shethar–boznai, and his companions the Apharsachites, which were on this side the river, sent unto Darius the king:
They sent a letter unto him, wherein was written thus; Unto Darius the king, all peace.
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.
Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus, Who commanded you to build this house, and to make up these walls?
We asked their names also, to certify thee, that we might write the names of the men that were the chief of them.
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.
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.
But in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon the same king Cyrus made a decree to build this house of God.
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;
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.
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.
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 5 recounts a pivotal moment in the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. After years of delay, the work resumes, faces immediate opposition, and ultimately relies on divine providence and historical truth for its continuation. This chapter highlights themes of faith, perseverance, and God's sovereignty in fulfilling His purposes.
Prophetic Encouragement and Renewed Zeal (Ezra 5:1-2)
The narrative opens with renewed hope. The prophets Haggai and Zechariah step onto the scene, their ministries serving as catalysts for rekindling the Israelites' commitment to rebuilding the temple. Haggai and Zechariah called God’s people back to the work on his house (Ezra 5:1). The prophets' words were not merely encouragement; they were a call back to faithfulness, a reminder of God's covenant and the importance of restoring true worship. The people had also left the Word of God when they abandoned the temple project. Zerubbabel, the governor, and Jeshua, the high priest, respond positively, demonstrating the crucial role of leadership in fostering spiritual revival. The prophets of God were with them to help (Ezra 5:2). Once again, the spiritual and civil leaders were renewed in their desire to finish the work God had given. This renewed zeal signifies a turning point, a collective decision to prioritize God's will despite past setbacks.
Facing External Opposition (Ezra 5:3-5)
The renewed efforts do not go unnoticed. Tattenai, the governor of the region west of the Euphrates, along with Shethar-Bozenai and their colleagues, arrive to investigate the construction. Trouble soon came again when the regional governor Tattenai and his assistants, who were accountable to the Persian king Darius, heard that the work in Jerusalem had resumed and came to investigate. Tattenai's inquiry reveals a concern that the Jews might be plotting against the Persian king. So, the governor asked who had given them the order to rebuild the temple (Ezra 5:4). This opposition underscores the reality that pursuing God's purposes often invites resistance. However, Ezra 5:5 offers a crucial insight: "But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, so that they could not stop them till a report could go to Darius and then an answer be returned by letter concerning this matter." This verse emphasizes God's providential care, ensuring the work's continuation while the matter is being investigated. God was watching over the Jewish elders. He kept them from harm so that they could continue the work until a written response arrived from the king (Ezra 5:5).
Tattenai's Letter to Darius (Ezra 5:6-10)
Tattenai's letter to King Darius provides a detailed account of the situation. He meticulously documents the Jews' claims, their progress on the temple, and his own inquiries. Tattenai began his letter by acknowledging that the Jews of the great God in the province of Judah were making significant progress on the temple, with the work being done diligently and succeeding through the people’s efforts (Ezra 5:6-8). The governor was not making any particular claims about “the great God”; he was simply noting that he was the God of that region. To acknowledge that certain gods had control over certain lands and peoples was a belief very common in the ancient world. With that done, Tattenai reported his actions and his interrogation of the Jews (Ezra 5:9-10). This letter serves as a historical record, preserving the details of the opposition and the Jews' defense of their actions.
The Jewish Leaders' Response (Ezra 5:11-17)
The Jewish leaders, in their response to Tattenai, articulate their identity and the historical basis for their actions. They start by identifying themselves: We are the servants of the God of the heavens and earth (Ezra 5:11). (They knew who they were; that’s where you have to start. What you do flows from who you are.) They are open about their past sins and the consequences they faced, acknowledging that their ancestors' disobedience led to their exile at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar. Because their ancestors had angered God, he handed them over to King Nebuchadnezzar (Ezra 5:12). In other words, the king of Babylon hadn’t defeated them because his gods were more powerful. Rather, the God of Israel and Judah had delivered them into Nebuchadnezzar’s hands because of their disobedience. They emphasize that their current work is authorized by Cyrus' decree, highlighting the continuity between past royal commands and their present efforts. He had issued a decree to rebuild the house of God (Ezra 5:13). Thus, everything they were doing was completely legal and above board and that was why they could confidently say of their building project, It has been under construction from that time (Ezra 5:16). The Jewish leaders presented their case to Darius and urged him to conduct a search of the royal archives to verify their claims (Ezra 5:17). Royal documents were carefully recorded and preserved, so the Jews were no doubt confident that they were on solid ground. This appeal to historical truth and legal precedent demonstrates their confidence in the legitimacy of their cause.
Ezra 5 is a testament to the power of prophetic ministry, the challenges of opposition, and the importance of grounding our actions in both faith and truth. The chapter reminds us that God's hand is at work, even amidst difficulties, and that perseverance in pursuing His purposes will ultimately lead to fulfillment.