Table of Contents
The Prophetic Encouragement and the Resumption of Work (Ezra 5:1-5)
Ezra 5:1-2 Now Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the prophet, a descendant of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem. They prophesied in the name of the God of Israel. Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Jeshua son of Jozadak responded. They began to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. The prophets of God were with them, giving them their support.
This is a critical turning point. The work on the temple had been halted for years. The people were discouraged. The prophets Haggai and Zechariah were sent by God to motivate them. Their message was simple: get back to work. The text emphasizes that the prophets were “with them, giving them their support.” This shows the importance of prophetic ministry. It was a word of encouragement and a reminder of God’s presence. Zerubbabel and Jeshua were the leaders. They listened to the prophets. They took the lead in the rebuilding. The people were inspired to follow their leaders.
Ezra 5:3-5 At that time Tattenai, the governor of Trans-Euphrates, and Shethar-Bozenai and their associates came to them. They asked, “Who authorized you to rebuild this temple and to finish this work?” They also asked, “What are the names of the men who are building this structure?” But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews. The officials did not stop them until a report could be sent to Darius. A letter could be sent back. The resumption of work did not go unnoticed.
The local Persian officials, led by Governor Tattenai, came to investigate. They questioned the authority of the builders. They asked for the names of the men in charge. This was a direct challenge to the rebuilding effort. It was a test of the Jews’ faith. But the text adds a crucial detail: “the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews.” This shows that God was protecting them. He did not allow the officials to stop the work immediately. He gave the Jews time to respond. This was a moment of divine favor. It was a sign that God’s hand was in this project. The officials had to wait for a royal decree.
The Letter to King Darius (Ezra 5:6-17)
Ezra 5:6-10 A copy of the letter that Tattenai, governor of Trans-Euphrates, and Shethar-Bozenai and his associates sent to King Darius. The letter they sent him stated: “To King Darius: All greetings. We want the king to know that we went to the province of Judah. We went to the temple of the great God. It is being rebuilt with large stones. Timber is being placed in the walls. The work is being done diligently. It is prospering under their hands. We asked the elders, ‘Who authorized you to rebuild this temple and to finish this work?’ We also asked them for their names.
We did so to report to you the names of the men at their head.” These verses are the official report from the Persian officials to King Darius. It is a formal, respectful letter. The officials reported on their findings. They described the work as diligent and successful. They repeated the questions they had asked the Jewish leaders. They wanted to know who was in charge and who gave them the authority. This shows they were following proper legal procedure.
Ezra 5:11-17 This is the answer they gave us: “We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth. We are rebuilding the temple that was built many years ago. A great king of Israel built it and finished it. But because our ancestors angered the God of heaven, he gave them into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar the Chaldean, king of Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar destroyed this temple and exiled the people to Babylon. However, in the first year of Cyrus king of Babylon, he issued a decree to rebuild the house of God.
King Cyrus also brought out the gold and silver articles of the temple of God. Nebuchadnezzar had taken them from the temple in Jerusalem and carried them to the temple in Babylon. King Cyrus gave them to a man named Sheshbazzar. He had appointed him governor. He said to him, ‘Take these articles. Go and put them in the temple in Jerusalem. Let the house of God be rebuilt on its former site.’ Then Sheshbazzar went. He laid the foundation of the house of God in Jerusalem. From that time until now it has been under construction but is not yet finished.” “Now, if it pleases the king, let a search be made in the royal archives of the king in Babylon to see if a decree was issued by King Cyrus to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem.
Let the king send us his decision concerning this matter.” This section contains the Jewish elders’ answer. It is a brilliant response. They identified themselves as “servants of the God of heaven and earth.” They explained their history. They stated that the temple was destroyed because of their ancestors’ sins. They then appealed to the decree of Cyrus. They mentioned the return of the temple vessels. They asked the king to check his own archives. This was a strategic move. It showed they were not rebels. They were simply following a royal command. They put the burden of proof on the king himself.
A Verse by Verse Commentary
Ezra 5:1-2: A New Beginning The prophets Haggai and Zechariah stirred up the people. The people had become complacent. They focused on their own homes. The prophets’ message was the catalyst. It moved the people to restart the work on the temple.
Ezra 5:3-5: Investigation Begins The Persian officials came to question the builders. This was a test of faith. The Jewish leaders were not intimidated. The text says God was watching over them. This shows God’s protection. The officials could not stop them.
Ezra 5:6-10: Formal Report The officials sent a letter to King Darius. The letter was objective. It reported what they saw. It also reported what they were told by the Jewish leaders. This letter would become a key part of the narrative.
Ezra 5:11-17: The Defense The Jewish leaders gave a bold and humble answer. They identified with God. They confessed their past sins. They appealed to the previous decree of Cyrus. They asked Darius to confirm it. Their response was wise and respectful.
Cross references
Ezra 5:1 with Haggai 1:1, Zechariah 1:1 These verses are a direct link to the prophetic books of Haggai and Zechariah. These books record the prophecies that encouraged the people. Haggai’s message was a call to action. Zechariah’s was a message of hope.
Ezra 5:3 with Ezra 4:5 Ezra 4:5 states that the opposition lasted until the reign of Darius. Ezra 5:3 shows the opposition continued. This shows the timing and persistence of the enemies.
Ezra 5:13 with Ezra 1:1-4 The Jewish elders’ claim about Cyrus’s decree is confirmed in Ezra 1:1-4. The two passages match perfectly. This adds credibility to the elders’ story. It also shows God’s faithfulness.
Ezra 5:14 with Ezra 1:7-11 The elders also mention the temple articles that were returned. This is confirmed in Ezra 1:7-11. The articles were a physical symbol of the restoration. Their mention was a powerful part of the elders’ defense.