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Ezra 5

17 verses

TL;DR

Ezra 5 describes the opposition of regional governors, the appeals to King Darius, and the subsequent decree of Cyrus to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem.

Summary

In Ezra 5 the prophets Haggai and Zechariah urge the people of Judah to rebuild the house of God. Zerubbabel and Jeshua begin the work, but the governors Tanna and Shetharboznai oppose them and demand a justification for the construction. A delegation writes to Darius, asking for his judgment and reporting the progress. Darius receives the letter, and the governors’ appeals are recorded. Cyrus, the king of Babylon, later issues a decree allowing the temple to be rebuilt, appoints Sheshbazzar as governor, and returns the temple vessels to Jerusalem. Sheshbazzar lays the foundation, and the building continues, though unfinished.

Outline
  1. Prophetic exhortation and initiation of rebuilding
  2. Political opposition and appeal to King Darius
  3. Cyrus’s decree and re‑establishment of temple construction
Themes
Rebuilding and restorationDivine intervention in human affairsPerseverance amid opposition
Keywords
prophetZerubbabelJeshuaTannaShetharboznaiDariusCyrusSheshbazzarhouse of GodTempleJerusalemBabylonvesselsdecree
People
HaggaiZechariahZerubbabelJeshuaTannaShetharboznaiDariusCyrusSheshbazzar
Places
JerusalemBabylonprovince of Judeariver (east side)
Things
house of God (Temple)wallsvessels of gold and silverking’s decreefoundation
Key Verses
  • Ezra 5:1: introduces the prophetic exhortation and sets the tone for the rebuilding effort
  • Ezra 5:9: details the governors’ letter to Darius, highlighting political dynamics
  • Ezra 5:13: records Cyrus’s decree, a pivotal moment for restoration
Questions
  • Why did the governors oppose the rebuilding of the Temple?
  • What role did the letter to Darius play in the restoration process?
  • How does Cyrus’s decree reflect his policy toward conquered peoples?
  • What does the unfinished state of the Temple signify for the community?
  • How do the prophets influence the people’s perseverance?
Sentiment

positive
the chapter emphasizes hopeful restoration and divine support despite opposition