Ezra 5
Meaning of Ezra 5
Ezra 5 is a chapter in the biblical Book of Ezra in the Old Testament. It recounts the story of the Israelites re-initiating construction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. The story begins with the prophetic interventions of the prophets Haggai and Zechariah. They prophesy to the people of Israel in the name of the God of Israel, which prompts the people to resume the work they had previously suspended because of opposition and fear.
Tattenai, who was the governor of the region Beyond the River, and Shethar-Bozenai, and their colleagues come to Jerusalem and question the Israelites about who gave them permission to rebuild the temple. Despite this opposition, God’s favour protects the Israelites and they are able to continue their work.
Tattenai sends a letter to King Darius, describing the situation and the claim of the Israelites that Cyrus, King Darius’s predecessor, gave them the order to rebuild the temple, and even gave them the gold and silver vessels taken from the First Temple which was destroyed by the Babylonians. Thus, the Israelites appeal to the ruling power for validation of their historical-prophetic mission. The letter urges King Darius to search the archives for the decree of Cyrus represented by the Israelites. The fate of the mission to rebuild the Temple thus depends on Darius’s response.
In essence, Ezra 5 is about the continuation of the rebuilding of the Second Temple in the face of opposition, as it presents the theme of persistence in faith and commitment in the face of adversity. It portrays the important role of prophecy in stirring up the people to their duty, and the significance of appealing to righteous Gentile authority to sanction the rebuilding of the Temple.
Ezra 5 kjv
Ezra 5 is a chapter in the book of Ezra from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible. This chapter essentially carries forward the historical narrative of the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem.
1. Verses 1-2: The chapter begins by introducing the prophets Haggai and Zechariah who prophesied to the Jews. Encouraged by their words, Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, and Jeshua, the high priest, begin the rebuilding of the house of God in Jerusalem.
2. Verses 3-5: The regional governor Tattenai and his associates question the Jewish leaders about their authority to rebuild the temple. However, God protected the Jews, the officials do not force them to stop their work, and they ask the King Darius to check the historical records for King Cyrus’ decree allowing the rebuilding.
3. Verses 6-10: Here we see the actual letter Tattenai sends to Darius. He describes the situation, listing the Jewish leaders, and asks the king to verify the existence of Cyrus’ decree.
4. Verses 11-16: The Jewish leaders responded to Tattenai’s query and confirmed that they were rebuilding the destroyed temple, originally built by Solomon. They further recounted that because their ancestors had provoked the God of Heaven, He gave them into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar, who destroyed the temple and deported the people to Babylon. However, Cyrus the King of Persia issued a decree for the rebuilding of this house of God.
5. Verse 17: The chapter closes with Tattenai asking King Darius to investigate if these matters are true. He requests the king to search the royal archives to verify whether King Cyrus indeed issued such a decree.
In summary, Ezra 5 shows the continuation of the temple rebuilding despite opposition, the faith of the Jewish leaders in going forward with it, and their reliance on past royal decrees for their validation. It reflects how they were guided and protected by God during their endeavors. As we’ll see in the following chapters, King Darius not only confirms Cyrus’s decree but actually aids in the rebuilding.
Ezra 5 nkjv
Ezra 5 is a chapter in the book of Ezra, found in the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible. This chapter illustrates the continuation of the restoration of Jerusalem’s temple under the prophetic ministry of Haggai and Zechariah.
As you may know, the Israelites had returned to Jerusalem after 70 years in Babylonian captivity, and they started rebuilding the temple, but due to opposition from surrounding enemies, the work was halted.
In Ezra 5, prophets Haggai and Zechariah motivate the Israelites to resume the work, despite the fear of repercussions from the Persian authorities. As the work on the temple starts again, Tattenai, governor of the province Beyond the River, and Shethar-bozenai, question the authority of the Jews to rebuild the temple. They write to King Darius of Persia to inquire about the matter.
Tattenai’s and Shether-bozenai’s letter asked King Darius to verify if King Cyrus had in fact issued a decree to rebuild the temple. This letter would foreshadow the rest of the story, as King Darius’s search of the archives in the next chapter will lead him to the original decree and thus further aid the Israelites in rebuilding God’s house.
Overall, Ezra 5 illustrates the faith and determination of the Israelites and God’s guidance through His prophets to lead His people against opposition and discouragement.
Ezra 5 niv
Ezra 5 refers to a chapter from the Book of Ezra in the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible. The Book of Ezra is a historical book in the Old Testament, focused on the return of the Jews from Babylonian Exile to Jerusalem.
In Ezra 5, under the guidance of the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, the Jews in Jerusalem continue the work on the temple, which had been stalled by the surrounding enemies.
When the local governor, Tattenai, and his colleagues question their authorization to do so, the Jews explain they are serving the God of Israel and rebuilding the temple originally built by King Solomon. They explain that their ancestors had angered God, leading to them being handed over to the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, who destroyed it and exiled them. But now God had directed King Cyrus of Persia to rebuild the temple, and they were carrying out that decree.
Tattenai and his officers do not stop the Jews from the ongoing construction. Instead, they send a letter to the Persian King Darius to confirm the truth of the Jews’ claims. They ask Darius to search the royal archives for any decree made by Cyrus concerning the temple.
The key message is about faithfulness, obedience, and trust from the Jews in performing God’s will, even amidst opposition. This chapter also highlights the critical role of God-fearing leaders who inspire God’s people to persist in their missions.
This verse forms an important part in the story of the Babylonian exile, a significant event in Jewish history. It’s a story of persistence, faith, and the fulfillment of God’s promises.
What is Ezra 5 all about?
Ezra chapter 5 describes the continuation of the rebuilding of the Jerusalem Temple, which had been halted due to the opposition from adversaries. Prophets Haggai and Zechariah were instrumental in encouraging the Jews to start the reconstruction again. Tattenai, the governor of the province Beyond the River, questions their authority to rebuild the temple and sends a letter to Darius, the king, to verify their claims. The Jews assert that their right to build comes from Cyrus, the previous Persian King, who had issued a decree allowing them to rebuild the temple.
The chapter engages with themes of obedience to God, persistence in the face of opposition and faith in God’s protection. It represents an important stage in the rebuilding process and sets up the narrative for the chapters that follow.
What does Ezra 5 teaches?
Ezra chapter 5 is a continuation of the story of the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. This chapter teaches several key themes:
1. Persistence in the face of opposition: Despite previous orders to halt construction, the Jewish leaders, Zerubbabel and Jeshua, decide to continue rebuilding the temple under the prophetic encouragement of Haggai and Zechariah. This persistence shows the commitment these leaders had to obeying God’s commands, even in the face of potential repercussions from the Persian king.
2. God’s providence and protection: Although questioned and investigated by the region’s governor, Tattenai, no harm comes to the Jewish leaders or the construction of the temple. They explain their actions by attributing their work to a decree from Cyrus, King of Persia. The text implies that God’s hand was protecting the people, allowing the work to continue unimpeded until Darius, the current king, could be consulted.
3. The Power of Testimony: The Jews were not afraid to give a testimony of their faith. They explain why they are rebuilding the temple – because they believe in one true living God who has commanded them through his servant Cyrus to build him a house in Jerusalem.
4. The importance of prophetic voices: The prophets Haggai and Zechariah are instrumental in encouraging the Jews to continue their work. This highlights the importance of following God’s command, even through human vessels like prophets.
5. Obedience to God: Despite the initial decree to stop construction, Zerubbabel, Jeshua and the rest of the people who returned from exile obey God’s command (delivered through the prophets) to continue building, despite the potential human consequences.
In summary, Ezra 5 teaches about obedience to God, His providential care, the power of testimony, persistent faithfulness even in the face of opposition, and the important role of prophetic voices in encouraging and directing God’s people.
A Sermon on Ezra 5
Ezra 5 is part of the Old Testament in the Bible and presents a remarkable change in the circumstances of the people of Israel who had returned from Babylonian captivity. A sermon may draw from the themes and messages found within this chapter.
1. **Re-commitment to God’s Work:** The Israelites had initially started rebuilding the temple of God after they returned from exile, but opposition from their enemies led to them stopping the work. The chapter begins with the prophets Haggai and Zechariah prophesying to the Israelites in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel. They motivate the Israelites to resume the work of rebuilding the temple. The theme of obedience and re-commitment to God’s work can be focused on in a sermon based on this part of Ezra 5.
2. **Divine Intervention and Overcoming Opposition:** The governor Tattenai and his associates question by whose authority the Israelites are rebuilding the temple. The governor had the power to halt the reconstruction, yet he did not stop it. Instead, he wrote a letter to King Darius seeking clarification. This can be interpreted as divine intervention, protecting the Israelites from further opposition. A sermon could focus on God’s providence and His power to direct the hearts and minds of even those who do not understand or believe in Him.
3. **Standing Up in Faith:** The people of Israel provide a plain answer to the questioning authorities. They attest to their status as servants of the God of heaven and earth and claim their intention to rebuild the temple originally destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar. They also testify to the decree of Cyrus allowing them to rebuild. In a sermon, this could be a call to stand strong and affirm your faith openly, even amongst opposition.
4. **Dependence on God’s Sovereignty:** The Israelites acknowledged that their exile and hardships were due to their disobedience against the words of the prophets and God’s commandments. This part can be used in a sermon to emphasize the importance of dependence, trust, and obedience in God’s words.
Ezra 5 is a powerful chapter that assures believers that when they are dedicated to achieving God’s purposes, even amid opposition and challenges, God’s favor will surround and protect them.
Key people in Ezra 5
There are several key people mentioned in the Book of Ezra, Chapter 5. Here are a few of them:
1. Haggai the Prophet: An important prophet in the Old Testament who was also influential in the construction of the second temple in Jerusalem by courageously prophesying and encouraging the Jewish people to complete the rebuilding work.
2. Zechariah the son of Iddo: He was a prophet during the same time as Haggai. He also encouraged the people of Judah and Jerusalem to continue rebuilding the temple despite opposition.
3. Zerubbabel: He was the governor of Judah at that period. Following the orders from prophets Haggai and Zechariah, Zerubbabel continued the construction of the temple in Jerusalem.
4. Jeshua: The high priest, together with Zerubbabel, led the process of rebuilding the temple, following the directions of prophets Haggai and Zechariah.
5. Tattenai, governor of Trans-Euphrates: He made a formal enquiry to Darius, the king of Persia, regarding the construction of the temple. He sought to confirm if Cyrus indeed issued a decree allowing the Jews to rebuild their temple.
6. King Darius: The king of Persia, he responded to Tattenai’s enquiry with a decree that not only confirmed the Jews had the right to rebuild their temple but also ordered support for their efforts.
7. Cyrus the Great: The founder of the Achaemenid Empire and the first Persian king, Cyrus had previously issued a decree allowing Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. His decree was again mentioned as a way of legal backing for the Jews against the local opposition.
8. Shethar-Bozenai: This official, along with Tattenai, opposed the rebuilding of the Temple, questioned the authority under which the builders were operating, and ultimately, took the issue to King Darius.
In summary, these key figures in Ezra 5 are primarily comprised of leaders who either saw through the rebuilding of the temple or actively opposed it, and two prophets who encouraged the continuation of the work.
Real world examples on Ezra 5
Ezra Chapter 5 describes the period when the Jewish exiles in Babylon, led by Zerubbabel and Jeshua, recommenced the construction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, after it had been halted by opposition from the Samaritans.
Real world examples of the themes in Ezra 5 can be seen in the events of rebuilding, resistance and support.
1. Rebuilding after Devastation: This can be seen in cases of communities recovering from disasters. An example is the rebuilding of cities and towns after natural calamities such as earthquakes, hurricanes or human-induced destruction like war. These situations demand strong leadership, perseverance and collaboration – qualities demonstrated by Zerubbabel and Jeshua in rebuilding the temple.
2. Resistance to Work: The Israelites encountered resistance to their rebuilding efforts from the local Samaritans, arousing official inquiries. This can be likened to present-day scenarios where new projects, whether infrastructure projects, new laws, or societal changes, often face opposition. This could be due to different reasons – fear of change, misunderstandings, or a perceived threat to vested interests.
3. Support from Authorities: Darius, King of Persia, not only allowed the rebuilding of the temple to continue, but provided materials and provisions. This is akin to situations where governments or authorities lend their support to certain projects or ideas. For instance, government grants or subsidies are often given to promote certain industries or initiatives like renewable energy, technology start-ups or the arts, just as Darius supported the construction of the temple.
To summarize, Ezra Chapter 5 provides real-life lessons on leadership, perseverance in the face of adversity, and the importance of lawful authority in arbitrating conflicts and facilitating progress.
Brief Explanation of Ezra 5
Ezra Chapter 5 is a part of the Old Testament in the Bible. It continues the narrative about the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem after the Babylonian Exile. Two prophets, Haggai and Zechariah, encourage Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, and Jeshua, the high priest, to resume the work which had been stopped because of opposition.
The officials of the province Beyond the River, Tattenai and Shethar-bozenai, question the Jews’ authority to rebuild the Temple, but they do not forcibly halt the construction. In response to the questioning, Zerubbabel, Jeshua and the other Jewish leaders assert their legal right, explaining that their work is authorized by a decree from King Cyrus of Persia.
Tattenai and Shethar-bozenai then send a letter to King Darius, requesting him to search the royal archives to confirm the initial decree made by Cyrus. Meanwhile, the Jews are able to continue rebuilding the temple while waiting for Darius’s response. This chapter ends without the king’s reply, leaving it for the next chapter.
Frequently asked questions for Ezra 5
“Frequently Asked Questions for Ezra 5” could refer to many different questions depending on the context and the individual’s perspective or focus. However, here are a few commonly asked questions:
1. Who are the two prophets that are mentioned in Ezra 5:1?
– The two prophets mentioned are Haggai and Zechariah. They prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel who was over them.
2. What is the main event in Chapter 5 of the Book of Ezra?
– The main event is the resumption of the temple’s rebuilding in Jerusalem. This happens once the prophets Haggai and Zechariah urge the returning exiles to re-start the building work that had been stopped due to opposition.
3. Who questioned the rebuilding effort and why?
– Tattenai, the governor of the province Beyond the River, and Shethar-bozenai, his associate, questioned the Jews about who had authorized them to rebuild the temple and restore its walls.
4. What change in the official response from the Persian government is seen in Ezra 5?
– The Persian government officials, upon querying the Jews about their authority to rebuild the temple, took an unbiased and fair approach by writing a letter to Darius the king, asking him to search the royal archives to check if Cyrus indeed had given this decree. This marked a departure from their earlier antagonistic stance.
5. How does this chapter show the relationship between prophecy and action in the Bible?
– In this chapter, it’s seen that the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah spurred the Jews to restart the work of rebuilding the temple. It demonstrates how the words of the prophets are not just foretellings, but catalysts of actions in accordance to God’s will.
Remember, depending on one’s denomination, religious beliefs, or study purpose, the interpretation or understanding of certain elements in this chapter might differ. The provided answers are based on a common interpretation of the text.
Possible References for Ezra 5
“Ezra 5” is a chapter in the Bible from the book of Ezra. Here are some possible references:
1. Rebuilding of the Temple: In Ezra 5, the Jewish people under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua, restart the construction of the second Temple in Jerusalem which had been halted due to opposition from the locals.
2. Tattenai’s Letter to Darius: Tattenai, the Persian governor of the province beyond the river, questions the authority under which the Jews are rebuilding the temple. He writes a letter to King Darius to verify their claims.
3. Prophets Haggai and Zechariah: In this chapter, prophets Haggai and Zechariah are noted for inspiring and endorsing the Jews to continue with the building of the Temple.
4. Driven by Prophecy: The Jews continued to build and made progress under the prophesying of Haggai and Zechariah.
5. Interference of the Persian King: The letter from Tattenai provokes a search into the historical archives to verify the decree given by King Cyrus allowing the Jews to rebuild the temple.
Remember that the specific references may vary depending on the version or translation of the Bible used. For a more in-depth understanding of Ezra 5, you might wish to consult a Bible commentary or a study guide which can provide historical context and theological insights.
Conclusion on Ezra 5
Ezra Chapter 5 showcases the resumption of work on the temple under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua following the directives of the prophets Haggai and Zechariah. The officials of that time questioned their authority to rebuild the temple, but they let the work continue while they wrote a letter to Darius, the current king of Persia, seeking his confirmation.
Darius’ response and his orders are not given in this chapter—that happens in chapter 6—but the chapter concludes with the idea that the work goes on without hindrance because God’s eye was watching over the elders of the Jews. Those who initially challenged the authority of the Jews to rebuild the temple allowed them to continue in their tasks without intervening. This shows God’s providence over His plans, letting His work proceed amidst opposition.
In summary, the conclusion of Ezra 5 demonstrates the faithfulness of Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the rest of the people working on the temple, despite questioning from local authorities. It underscores God’s protection and guidance during this process, indicating that a divine mandate allows the work to proceed. However, the conclusion is yet to be completely unfolded, which is seen in the subsequent chapter.