Ezra Chapter 5

At a Glance

  • Ezra 5 resumes the narrative after a pause, with the prophets Haggai and Zechariah exhorting the people in the name of the God of Israel.
  • Historical & Literary Context.
  • Ezra 5 sits in the early post-exilic period, where prophetic voices (Haggai and Zechariah) catalyze renewed commitment to temple restoration.
  • - Prophetic encouragement as fuel for renewal.
  • - Divine sovereignty in secular governance.

EZRA CHAPTER 5

Chapter Overview

Ezra 5 resumes the narrative after a pause, with the prophets Haggai and Zechariah exhorting the people in the name of the God of Israel. The chapter foregrounds two key leaders, Zerubbabel and Jeshua, as they take up the task again to build the house of God at Jerusalem. The prophets’ encouragement fortifies the workers, underscoring that the project is not merely a civic enterprise but a divine mandate. Opposition resurfaces in the form of Tatnai, governor on the river, and his associates, who question who authorized the rebuilding and demand the names of those leading the effort. This inquiry triggers a formal process: the elders appeal to the king, and a letter is sent to Darius seeking confirmation and protection. The chapter emphasizes that the people are “servants of the God of heaven and earth” who seek to restore a sanctuary for divine presence, invoking the history of Israel’s great kings and past foundations laid by the “great king of Israel.” The story highlights divine sovereignty in human history—the king’s heart and the bureaucratic apparatus simultaneously become instruments in God’s plan. The outcome of the inquiry is not fully contained within Ezra 5, but the chapter clearly depicts a community buoyed by prophetic encouragement and backed by imperial support.

Historical & Literary Context

Ezra 5 sits in the early post-exilic period, where prophetic voices (Haggai and Zechariah) catalyze renewed commitment to temple restoration. The form blends prophetic exhortation with epistolary narration (the letters to Darius). This reflects the Persian world’s bureaucratic channels through which imperial authorization could advance or impede religious projects. The chapter’s interplay of human agency and divine action—prophecy energizing the people, and royal decrees safeguarding the labor—illustrates the book’s broader theme: restoration involves both spiritual renewal and practical governance. The inclusion of a formal inquiry about leadership emphasizes that fidelity to God’s mandate must be evidenced in leadership, accountability, and the legitimacy of the revived community.

Key Themes

- Prophetic encouragement as fuel for renewal

- Divine sovereignty in secular governance

- Legitimacy of leadership under exile and return

- The integrity of the community’s confession: “servants of the God of heaven”

- Perseverance through bureaucratic obstacles

Modern Application

Ezra 5 speaks to modern readers about the role of prophetic encouragement—how timely exhortation from faithful voices can rekindle purpose and perseverance. It also underscores the importance of legitimate leadership and accountability—ensuring that rebuilding projects align with the core mission and receive proper authorization. The chapter invites believers to trust God in the overlap between church and state, recognizing that political structures can either hinder or help God’s work, depending on human fidelity. Additionally, it reinforces the value of persistent, communal prayer and communal witness in face of administrative challenges. Finally, Ezra 5 reminds communities that restoration is a shared enterprise across generations, with transparency, courage, and collaborative effort.

- Haggai 1-2 (prophetic urging to rebuild)

- Ezra 4 (opposition and bureaucratic hindrances)

- Daniel 6 (king’s decree and protection of faithful workers)

- Nehemiah 2 (authorization and readiness in rebuilding)

Recommended Personas

- Haggai (prophetic zeal and practical vision)

- Zerubbabel (governorLeadership in renewal)

- Nehemiah (planning and governance under pressure)

- David (kingly leadership and covenant faithfulness)

Chapter Text

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.

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