Chapter Summary
Core Passages from Ezra 5
Ezra 5:2Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak arose and began to rebuild the house of God that is in Jerusalem, and the prophets of God were with them, supporting them.
This verse shows the direct impact of God's word, as the leaders immediately respond to the prophets' encouragement and resume the temple construction.Ezra 5:5But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, and they did not stop them until the report should reach Darius and then an answer be returned by letter concerning it.
Here we see the core reason the project wasn't shut down: God's protective presence. This divine oversight gave the elders the confidence to continue their work while the matter was investigated.Ezra 5:11And this was their reply to us: 'We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the temple that was built many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and finished.
In their official response, the elders boldly declare their identity as servants of the God of heaven and earth, setting a powerful example of giving witness even to secular authorities.
Historical & Cultural Context
A Prophetic Spark Reignites the Work
After the initial return from exile, the project to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem had ground to a halt for over a decade due to intense local opposition (Ezra 4). The people had become discouraged, focusing on their own homes instead of God's house. This chapter opens into that atmosphere of stagnation, but with a sudden shift in momentum. God sends two prophets, Haggai and Zechariah, to speak directly to the people and their leaders, reigniting the vision and calling them back to the task.
Official Scrutiny and a Formal Inquiry
As soon as the sound of hammers and chisels fills the air again, the local Persian governor, Tattenai, arrives to investigate. He and his officials confront the Jewish elders, demanding to know who gave them permission to build. This isn't a violent attack but a legal and political challenge. The conflict of the chapter is established: will the Jewish leaders be able to prove their authority, or will the work be shut down once again?
Rebuilding Under Investigation
Ezra 5 picks up after a long, discouraging pause in the temple's reconstruction. The chapter opens as the prophets Haggai and Zechariah deliver powerful messages from God, stirring the leaders Zerubbabel and Jeshua to action. Their renewed efforts, however, quickly draw the attention of regional governor Tattenai, who launches an official investigation into their activities, setting the stage for a test of faith and a reliance on God's providence.
The Prophetic Catalyst (Ezra 5:1-2)
1 Now the prophets, Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem, in the name of the God of Israel who was over them.
2 Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak arose and began to rebuild the house of God that is in Jerusalem, and the prophets of God were with them, supporting them.
Commentary:
Prophets Haggai and Zechariah inspire the leaders and people to restart building the temple.
Confrontation and Divine Protection (Ezra 5:3-5)
3 At the same time Tattenai the governor of the province Beyond the River and Shethar-bozenai and their associates came to them and spoke to them thus: “Who gave you a decree to build this house and to finish this structure?”
4 Then we said to them, "What are the names of the men who are building this building?"
5 But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, and they did not stop them until the report should reach Darius and then an answer be returned by letter concerning it.
Commentary:
A local governor questions their authority, but God's watchful eye prevents him from stopping the work.
The Governor's Formal Letter (Ezra 5:6-10)
6 This is a copy of the letter that Tattenai the governor of the province Beyond the River and Shethar-bozenai and his associates, the governors who were in the province Beyond the River, sent to Darius the king.
7 They also asked them, “What are the names of the men who are building this building?”
8 Be it known to the king that we went to the province of Judah, to the house of the great God. It is being built with huge stones, and timber is laid in the walls. This work goes on diligently and prospers in their hands.
9 Then we asked those elders and spoke to them thus: 'Who gave you a decree to build this house and to finish this structure?'
10 We also asked them their names, for your information, that we might write down the names of their leaders.
Commentary:
Governor Tattenai writes a letter to King Darius, factually reporting the construction and asking for clarification.
The Elders' Faithful Testimony (Ezra 5:11-17)
11 And this was their reply to us: 'We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the temple that was built many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and finished.
12 But because our fathers had angered the God of heaven, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this house and carried away the people to Babylonia.
13 However, in the first year of Cyrus king of Babylon, Cyrus the king made a decree that this house of God should be rebuilt.
14 And the vessels that have been given you for the service of the house of your God, you shall deliver before the God of Jerusalem.
15 They delivered it into the hands of the workmen, the officials, and the elders of the Jews, who built for us the house of our God as we rebuilt the house that was destroyed many years ago.
16 Then this Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundations of the house of God that is in Jerusalem, and from that time until now it has been in building, and it is not yet finished.
17 Therefore, if it seems good to the king, let search be made in the royal archives there in Babylon, to see whether a decree was issued by Cyrus the king for the rebuilding of this house of God in Jerusalem. And let the king send us his pleasure in this matter."
Commentary:
The Jewish elders reply, explaining they serve God and are building under a decree from the former King Cyrus.
God's Providence in Politics and Prophecy
The Power of God's Word
The rebuilding project doesn't restart because of a new political strategy, but because God speaks through His prophets. This chapter emphasizes that God's spoken word is the true catalyst for motivating His people, cutting through fear and apathy to inspire faithful action.
God's Sovereignty Over Opposition
The Jews face a serious challenge from a powerful governor, but God is in complete control. He works through the situation, ensuring the opposition remains a legal inquiry rather than a violent shutdown. This demonstrates that no earthly authority can ultimately thwart God's sovereign plans.
Faithful Witness Under Pressure
When questioned by Tattenai, the Jewish elders give a bold and clear testimony. They honor God, acknowledge their nation's past sins, and confidently point to the legal authority they were given. They provide a model for how to be respectful to authorities while remaining firm in one's identity and calling as a servant of God.
Lessons in Faithfulness and Opposition
Ezra 5 shows that opposition is a normal part of doing God's work. The key encouragement comes from verse 5: 'the eye of their God was on the elders.' This reminds you that God is watching over you in your efforts, and you can proceed with quiet confidence, trusting Him to work through challenges and even use them to confirm His will.
The elders responded with both wisdom and faith (Ezra 5:11-16). They were respectful to the authorities but completely clear about their identity as servants of God. By calmly presenting historical facts and legal precedent, they teach you that you can be both bold in your faith and wise in your interactions with the world.
The temple project had been stalled for years, and the people were understandably discouraged. The prophets' words in Ezra 5:1-2 were the divine spark that reignited their passion. This reminds you that when you feel stuck, it's vital to listen for God's voice - through Scripture, wise counsel, or prayer - to find the encouragement and renewed vision to persevere.
God's Work Prevails Through His Word
Ezra 5 shows that God's plans are not stopped by human opposition or apathy. When His people grow discouraged, He sends His word through prophets to reignite their purpose and courage. The message is clear: God's watchful eye is always on His people, and He can even use the scrutiny of outsiders to confirm His will and provide for His work.
What This Means for Us Today
This chapter is an invitation to resume the work God has called us to, even after a long and discouraging pause. The prophets' call to build was a call to renewed faith and action, trusting that God's gaze is upon us as we step out in obedience.
- What 'rebuilding' project has God put on your heart that has been stalled by discouragement or opposition?
- Who are the 'prophets' in your life - the people who speak God's truth and encourage you to act?
- How can you respond with both truth and wisdom when your faith is questioned?
Further Reading
Immediate Context
This chapter details the initial opposition that successfully halted the temple rebuilding for many years, setting the stage for the events of chapter 5.
The story continues as King Darius finds Cyrus's original decree and issues a new one, commanding the work to proceed with full imperial support and funding.
Connections Across Scripture
This book contains the actual prophecy mentioned in Ezra 5:1, where Haggai directly challenges the people for neglecting God's house.
This is the other prophecy referenced, where Zechariah calls the people to return to the Lord and promises God's renewed favor and presence.
This chapter describes a similar situation where Nehemiah faced intense opposition while rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, showing a recurring theme of resistance to God's work.
Discussion Questions
- The work on the temple only restarted after the prophets spoke. How important is it for us to listen for God's specific word or prompting before acting, especially when we feel stuck?
- Tattenai's opposition turned into an investigation that ultimately helped the Jews. Can you think of a time when a challenge or obstacle in your life turned out to be a blessing in disguise?
- The Jewish elders gave a full faith history in their response (Ezra 5:11-16). When you have an opportunity to explain your faith, how can you point to God's work in history and in your own life?
Glossary
places
figures
Haggai
A prophet of God who, along with Zechariah, encouraged the returned exiles to restart the work of rebuilding the temple.
Zechariah
A prophet who worked alongside Haggai, delivering God's message of encouragement and hope to the temple builders.
Zerubbabel
The governor of Judah and a descendant of King David who led the rebuilding of the second temple.
Jeshua
The high priest who worked closely with Zerubbabel to restore the temple and its worship practices.
Tattenai
The Persian governor of the region that included Judah, who investigated the rebuilding of the temple.
Darius
The king of Persia to whom Tattenai sent his letter of inquiry about the temple construction.
Cyrus
The former king of Persia who had issued the original decree allowing the Jews to return and rebuild their temple.