Ezra 5 2

Ezra 5:2 kjv

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.

Ezra 5:2 nkjv

So Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak rose up and began to build the house of God which is in Jerusalem; and the prophets of God were with them, helping them.

Ezra 5:2 niv

Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Joshua son of Jozadak set to work to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. And the prophets of God were with them, supporting them.

Ezra 5:2 esv

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.

Ezra 5:2 nlt

Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Jeshua son of Jehozadak responded by starting again to rebuild the Temple of God in Jerusalem. And the prophets of God were with them and helped them.

Ezra 5 verses

Ezra 5 2 Meaning

Ezra 5:2 records the immediate and obedient response of Zerubbabel, the civil governor, and Jeshua, the High Priest, to the prophetic encouragement of Haggai and Zechariah. After years of idleness, they boldly recommenced the crucial work of rebuilding the house of God, the Temple, in Jerusalem. The verse highlights the vital partnership between spiritual revelation and practical leadership, affirming that God's prophets were present, actively empowering and aiding their efforts. This marked a turning point, moving from stagnation to Spirit-led action in the post-exilic community.

Ezra 5 2 Context

Ezra chapter 5 marks a crucial turning point in the post-exilic rebuilding of the Second Temple. The previous chapter (Ezra 4) recounts years of opposition from the "adversaries of Judah and Benjamin," leading to the cessation of the Temple work under King Artaxerxes. This halt lasted for approximately 16 years. Ezra 5:1 sets the stage by introducing the prophetic ministries of Haggai and Zechariah. These prophets directly addressed the returned exiles, challenging their apathy and urging them to prioritize God's house over their own homes, revealing divine displeasure with their inactivity (Hag 1:2-11). Verse 2 then describes the immediate and faithful response of the community's civil and spiritual leaders to this divine impetus. Historically, this occurred during the reign of King Darius Hystaspes (c. 520 BC), as the prophets delivered their messages and Zerubbabel and Jeshua began to act upon them, trusting in God's support despite continued opposition. This act of resumption was a significant step in the restoration of Jewish identity and worship after the Babylonian exile.

Ezra 5 2 Word analysis

• Then (בֵּאדַיִן, bêʼdayin): An Aramaic temporal conjunction, signaling an immediate consequence or response to what preceded it (Ezra 5:1). It highlights the prompt obedience following the prophets' messages.
• Zerubbabel (זְרֻבָּבֶל, Zĕrubbāvel): The civil governor of Judah, a descendant of David (1 Chr 3:19, Matt 1:12), signifying the royal line. He embodies God's faithfulness to His covenant with David. His name potentially means "seed of Babel" or "offspring of Babylon," reflecting his birth/upbringing in exile.
• the son of Shealtiel (בַר־שְׁאַלְתִּיאֵל, bar Šeʼalttîʼēl): Identifies Zerubbabel genealogically. Shealtiel was recognized as the legal father, though chronologies (1 Chr 3:17-19) suggest Zerubbabel might have been the son of Pedaiah, Shealtiel's brother. This points to his legitimate claim as the Davidic representative.
• and Jeshua (וְיֵשׁוּעַ, wĕyêšûaʿ): The High Priest, son of Jozadak (Ezra 3:2), representing the priestly line of Aaron. His name is a form of "Joshua" or "Jesus," meaning "The Lord is salvation," a name of profound spiritual significance.
• the son of Jozadak (בַר־יְהוֹצָדָק, bar Yĕhôṣādāq): Identifies Jeshua genealogically. His lineage connects him to the pre-exilic High Priestly line.
• rose up (קָמוּ, qāmu): From the verb קוּם (qūm), meaning to stand, rise, or arise. It signifies a decisive, active initiation after a period of cessation (Ezra 4:24). It's a forceful word, conveying purpose and determination.
• and began (וְהֵלּוּ, wĕhēllû): From the verb הַלָה (halah), to begin. Emphasizes the start or recommencement of the work, indicating the initial steps of action were taken by these leaders.
• to rebuild (לְמִבְנֵא, lĕmivnê): Aramaic infinitive "to build," or "rebuild." Clearly states the purpose of their rising and beginning – to construct, specifically to restore something that was broken or incomplete.
• the house of God (בֵּית־אֱלָהָא, bêṯ ʼĔlāhāʼ): Refers specifically to the Second Temple in Jerusalem, the designated place of Yahweh's dwelling among His people and the center of Israelite worship. Its reconstruction was essential for national and religious restoration.
• which is in Jerusalem (דִּי בִירוּשְׁלֶם, dî bîrûšlem): Specifies the location of the Temple. Jerusalem was divinely chosen as the holy city and the seat of God's presence and kingdom on earth (Deut 12:5; Ps 132:13-14).
• and the prophets of God (וּנְבִיאֵי אֱלָהָא, ûnĕvîʼê ʼĔlāhāʼ): Specifically Haggai and Zechariah (Ezra 5:1). They were divine spokespersons, delivering God's message and stirring the people to action. Their presence highlights the divine authorization and backing of the work.
• were with them (עִמְּהוֹן, ʻimmehô): Emphasizes their physical and active presence, not just as distant preachers. They were alongside Zerubbabel and Jeshua, offering immediate guidance and encouragement.
• supporting them (מְסָעֲדִין לְהוֹן, mĕsāʻadîn lĕhôn): From the root סְעַד (sāʻad), meaning to help, assist, or uphold. This word describes the active, encouraging role of the prophets. Their support was crucial, perhaps including practical guidance, moral strengthening, and consistent affirmation of God's will. This highlights the synergy between spiritual leadership and administrative/priestly leadership.

• "Zerubbabel... and Jeshua... rose up and began to rebuild": This phrase highlights the critical importance of leadership taking the initiative. It was not enough for the people to hear the prophets; the designated leaders had to act. This exemplifies obedience to the divine call and stepping out in faith despite previous failures and ongoing opposition. The joining of civil (Zerubbabel) and spiritual (Jeshua) authority underscores the comprehensive nature of the restoration.
• "the house of God which is in Jerusalem": Emphasizes the centrality of worship and God's dwelling place to the identity and future of Israel. The physical reconstruction of the Temple symbolized the spiritual rebuilding of the community's relationship with God. Its location in Jerusalem was key to prophecy and national identity.
• "and the prophets of God were with them, supporting them": This demonstrates the essential role of God's Word and Spirit (through His prophets) in empowering and guiding human efforts in divine undertakings. The prophets were not merely bystanders but active participants, ensuring that the work proceeded under divine sanction and encouragement. This also highlights God's continued involvement and care for His people's endeavors. The prophetic support would have countered discouragement and provided direction when difficulties arose.

Ezra 5 2 Bonus section

This verse embodies the "divine push" after the "divine rebuke" seen in Haggai's message. It represents the pivot from human reluctance and focus on personal comforts to active obedience and prioritization of God's kingdom. The synergy between the royal lineage (Zerubbabel) and the priestly lineage (Jeshua) prefigures the ultimate unification of King and Priest in the person of Jesus Christ, who perfectly builds God's spiritual temple (Zech 6:13; Heb 4:14, 7:1-3). This recommencement of Temple building was critical not just for Jewish worship but for the preservation of the messianic line and the spiritual heritage necessary for the eventual coming of the Messiah. It illustrates God's sovereignty over kings and kingdoms, orchestrating even mundane administrative periods to serve His overarching redemptive plan. The "support" of the prophets was likely not just verbal but perhaps involved constant intercession and a spiritual presence that strengthened the leaders' resolve and faith. The verse serves as a powerful reminder that when God speaks, and His leaders respond, even long-stalled divine projects can be revitalized.

Ezra 5 2 Commentary

Ezra 5:2 showcases a powerful demonstration of spiritual revival and effective leadership. After nearly two decades of stalled progress on the Temple due to apathy and opposition, the Spirit-inspired words of Haggai and Zechariah acted as a divine catalyst. This verse reveals the immediate and obedient response of Zerubbabel and Jeshua, signifying the importance of both the civil governor and the High Priest uniting to lead God's people in His work. Their act of "rising up" signifies renewed determination and action after a period of dormancy. The emphasis on "rebuilding the house of God in Jerusalem" underscores that the physical restoration of the Temple was paramount, not just for worship, but as a tangible sign of God's restored presence and covenant with His people. Crucially, the verse highlights the synergy between prophetic guidance and human endeavor: the prophets were "with them, supporting them." This depicts not just remote instruction but active partnership, demonstrating that God provides both the direction and the empowerment for His work, working through His servants to bring His purposes to fruition. The recommencement of this sacred task was not merely a physical construction project but an act of corporate repentance and renewed faith in the midst of adversity.

Examples:

• Leaders taking immediate, Spirit-led action in response to clear divine guidance, rather than procrastinating or yielding to fear.
• The essential collaboration between different spheres of leadership (e.g., spiritual and practical, like a pastor and church board) in achieving God's purposes for His people.
• How God's direct encouragement through His Word empowers His servants to overcome long-standing obstacles and recommence vital tasks.