Ezra 1:5

KJV

¶ Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all [them] whose spirit God had raised, to go up to build the house of the LORD which [is] in Jerusalem.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then rose up {H6965} the chief {H7218} of the fathers {H1} of Judah {H3063} and Benjamin {H1144}, and the priests {H3548}, and the Levites {H3881}, with all them whose spirit {H7307} God {H430} had raised {H5782}, to go up {H5927} to build {H1129} the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068} which is in Jerusalem {H3389}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The heads of fathers' clans in Y'hudah and Binyamin, along with the cohanim, the L'vi'im, and indeed all whose spirit God had stirred, set out to go up and rebuild the house of ADONAI in Yerushalayim.

Berean Standard Bible

So the family heads of Judah and Benjamin, along with the priests and Levites—everyone whose spirit God had stirred—prepared to go up and rebuild the house of the LORD in Jerusalem.

American Standard Version

Then rose up the heads of fathers’housesof Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, even all whose spirit God had stirred to go up to build the house of Jehovah which is in Jerusalem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 1:5 describes the immediate and divinely orchestrated response to King Cyrus's decree, which permitted the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. This pivotal verse highlights the specific groups—the heads of the households of Judah and Benjamin, along with the priests and Levites—who, empowered by a supernatural stirring of their spirits by God, committed themselves to the monumental task of journeying back to their homeland to re-establish the central place of worship for the LORD in Jerusalem. It underscores the essential role of divine enablement in the restoration of God's people and their sacred institutions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 1:5 immediately follows King Cyrus's decree (Ezra 1:1-4), which itself is presented as a direct fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy regarding the seventy-year Babylonian captivity, as stated in [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Seventy Years of Exile"). The preceding verses establish the divine initiative behind Cyrus's decree, explicitly stating that "the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia" (Ezra 1:1). Verse 5 then details the human response to this divinely inspired decree, shifting the focus from the pagan king's actions to the obedient actions of God's people. It sets the stage for the practical implementation of the return, listing the key individuals and groups who would lead this monumental undertaking, thereby transitioning from the decree's pronouncement to its active commencement.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for Ezra 1:5 is the early period of the Persian Empire, specifically after its conquest of Babylon in 539 BC. The Babylonian Empire had previously destroyed Jerusalem and its Temple in 586 BC, carrying many Jews into exile. King Cyrus the Great, known for his benevolent policy towards conquered peoples, issued a decree in 538 BC, allowing various exiled groups to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples. This policy, unique among ancient Near Eastern empires, facilitated the return of the Jews. The "chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin" represent the tribal and family leadership, while the "priests, and the Levites" were the spiritual and liturgical leaders, essential for the Temple's reconstruction and the re-establishment of proper worship. Their willingness to leave the relative comfort and stability of Babylon, where many had lived for generations, for a challenging journey to a desolate homeland, speaks volumes about the power of their faith and the divine impetus. This return marks a significant turning point, fulfilling ancient prophecies and initiating a new era for God's covenant people, as detailed throughout [the book of Ezra](/ezra/1 "Ezra - The Return from Exile").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Ezra and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, as God actively intervenes in history, even through a pagan king, to fulfill His promises and restore His people. The phrase "whose spirit God had raised" directly highlights God's active involvement in human hearts, demonstrating that the return was not merely a human endeavor but a divinely enabled one. This also underscores the theme of **Obedience and Faith**, as the exiles' response embodies a courageous act of faith in God's word and obedience to His call, despite the daunting challenges ahead, echoing the faith demonstrated by Abraham in [Genesis 12:1-4](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-4 - The Call of Abraham"). Finally, the ultimate goal to "build the house of the LORD" emphasizes the theme of **Restoration of Worship and Covenant**, signifying the re-establishment of the central place of communion between God and His people, essential for their spiritual identity and national renewal after generations of exile, a theme central to the entire post-exilic period, including [the book of Nehemiah](/nehemiah/1 "Nehemiah - Rebuilding the Walls").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rose up (Hebrew, _qûm'_):** This verb signifies not merely standing, but rising with purpose, taking action, or establishing something. In this context, it denotes a decisive and active response, a readiness to embark on a difficult mission. It implies a shift from a state of passive waiting or exile to active participation in God's redemptive plan, highlighting the intentionality and resolve of those who responded.
* **Raised (Hebrew, _‘ûr'_):** The Hiphil form of this verb, _hē‘îr_, means "to stir up," "to awaken," or "to arouse." It conveys the idea of a divine instigation, an internal prompting or quickening of the spirit that moves individuals to action. This is not a forced compulsion but an inner enablement and motivation, indicating God's direct work in the hearts of His people, providing the necessary courage and determination.
* **Spirit (Hebrew, _rûaḥ'_):** In this context, _rûaḥ_ refers to the inner disposition, will, or vital energy of a person. When God "raises" or "stirs" one's spirit, it implies a divine infusion of courage, determination, and spiritual readiness. It is the very essence of their being being divinely activated for a specific purpose, demonstrating God's intimate involvement in human volition and capacity for obedience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin":** This phrase identifies the primary leaders from the two dominant tribes of the southern kingdom, Judah and Benjamin. Their "rising up" signifies their active and willing acceptance of the responsibility to lead the return. As heads of households, they represented the foundational units of Israelite society, indicating a broad-based, organized response from the community's established leadership.
* **"and the priests, and the Levites":** This specifies the religious leadership, crucial for the Temple's rebuilding and the re-establishment of proper worship. The priests were responsible for sacrificial rituals and intercession, and the Levites for Temple service, music, and instruction. Their inclusion highlights the spiritual nature of the enterprise and the necessity of re-establishing the Mosaic cult and the proper order of divine service.
* **"with all [them] whose spirit God had raised":** This is the theological heart of the verse. It clarifies that the motivation for this arduous undertaking was not merely human ambition or political opportunism, but a direct, supernatural work of God in the hearts of individuals. This divine stirring provided the necessary courage, faith, and resolve to face the challenges of resettlement and reconstruction. It implies that not everyone returned, but only those divinely prompted and empowered for this specific mission.
* **"to go up to build the house of the LORD which [is] in Jerusalem":** This states the ultimate purpose of their return. "To go up" signifies the ascent to Jerusalem, a sacred pilgrimage not just geographically but spiritually. The objective was not merely to return to their land, but specifically to rebuild the Temple, the physical manifestation of God's presence among His people and the center of their national and spiritual life. This goal underscores the religious and covenantal significance of the entire endeavor, aiming to restore proper worship and communion with God.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 1:5 employs several **literary devices** to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Divine Agency**, explicitly stated through the phrase "whose spirit God had raised." This directly attributes the motivation for the return not to human will alone, but to God's active intervention, underscoring His sovereignty over historical events and human hearts. The verse also uses **Synecdoche** by naming specific groups ("chief of the fathers," "priests," "Levites") to represent the broader community of returning exiles, implying that these leaders embody the spirit and commitment of all those who were divinely stirred. Furthermore, the act of "rising up" functions as a **Metaphor** for taking decisive action and embarking on a challenging journey of faith, symbolizing a transition from passive exile to active participation in God's redemptive plan. The entire passage serves as a **Narrative Bridge**, connecting Cyrus's decree in the preceding verses to the actual commencement of the return and rebuilding efforts that follow, thereby structuring the narrative flow of Ezra.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 1:5 is a profound statement on divine initiative and human response in the outworking of God's redemptive plan. It illustrates that even when God uses secular authorities (like Cyrus) to accomplish His purposes, the ultimate success of His work depends on His direct engagement with the hearts of His people. The "raising of spirit" signifies a divine empowerment, a spiritual awakening that overcomes inertia, fear, and the comfort of the familiar to embrace a challenging call. This concept resonates throughout Scripture, demonstrating that true spiritual movement and obedience are always rooted in God's prior work within the individual. It underscores the theological truth that God not only calls but also enables, providing the will and the means for His people to fulfill His purposes, particularly in the context of restoring worship and covenant faithfulness.

* [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Seventy Years of Exile")
* [Philippians 2:13](/philippians/2-13 "Philippians 2:13 - God Works in Believers")
* [Nehemiah 2:12](/nehemiah/2-12 "Nehemiah 2:12 - Nehemiah's Spirit Stirred to Rebuild")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account in Ezra 1:5 offers timeless principles for contemporary believers. Just as God supernaturally stirred the spirits of the exiles to undertake the arduous task of rebuilding the physical Temple, so too does He continue to prompt and empower His people today for various acts of service, mission, and personal transformation. This verse challenges us to cultivate a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's leading, recognizing that genuine spiritual initiative often originates from a divine quickening within our hearts, rather than mere human effort or ambition. It calls us to courageous obedience, reminding us that God's calls frequently involve stepping out of comfort zones, embracing difficult tasks, and trusting in His enablement for what may seem impossible. Our "temples" today are not just physical buildings but our lives, our families, our communities, and the Church itself, all of which may require "rebuilding" or spiritual renewal. Ezra 1:5 assures us that when God raises our spirit for a task, He also provides the necessary resolve and strength to see it through, transforming potential into purposeful action.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or ministry do you sense God might be "stirring your spirit" to take action or initiate a new endeavor?**
* **What specific "building" projects—whether spiritual, relational, or communal—might God be calling you to engage in, and what steps of faith are required?**
* **How does recognizing God's active role in "raising spirits" encourage you when faced with daunting tasks or seemingly insurmountable challenges?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a greater sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's prompting in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**Why did only "some" of the exiles return, as implied by "all them whose spirit God had raised"?**

Answer: The text indicates that not every Jewish exile returned to Jerusalem immediately. Many had established lives in Babylon, and the journey back to a desolate homeland presented significant challenges and uncertainties. The phrase "all them whose spirit God had raised" emphasizes that the return was not a mass exodus driven by political decree alone, but a divinely inspired movement. It highlights that God specifically prompted certain individuals and families, endowing them with the faith, courage, and determination necessary to undertake this arduous task. This divine selection ensured that those who returned were genuinely committed to the spiritual restoration of Jerusalem and the Temple, rather than merely seeking economic or social advancement. This concept is consistent with God's work throughout history, where He often calls a remnant or specific individuals to fulfill His purposes, as seen in the call of Abraham in [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Call of Abraham") or the remnant in [Isaiah 10:20-22](/isaiah/10-20 "Isaiah 10:20-22 - The Remnant of Israel").

**What was the significance of rebuilding the Temple, beyond just having a physical structure?**

Answer: Rebuilding the Temple was far more than a construction project; it was central to the spiritual and national identity of the Jewish people. The Temple was the physical dwelling place of God's presence among His people, the site of atonement and worship, and the focal point of the Mosaic covenant. Its destruction by the Babylonians in 586 BC symbolized the breaking of the covenant and the withdrawal of God's manifest presence. Therefore, its reconstruction represented the restoration of the covenant relationship, the re-establishment of proper worship, and the renewal of God's promises to His people. It was a tangible sign of God's faithfulness to His word, particularly the prophecy in [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Seventy Years of Exile"), and a necessary step for the spiritual healing and re-ordering of the community, allowing for the resumption of sacrifices and festivals as prescribed in the Law, as detailed in [Exodus 25:8-9](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8-9 - Command to Build the Tabernacle").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 1:5, with its emphasis on God stirring the spirits of His people to rebuild the Temple, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament Temple, though significant, was a shadow of the true and ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity. Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" (John 2:19), referring to the temple of His body, which would be destroyed and resurrected. Through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Jesus became the true and living Temple, the ultimate meeting place between God and humanity, where perfect atonement is made (Hebrews 9:11-14). Furthermore, in the New Covenant, God no longer dwells in temples made with human hands, but His Spirit indwells believers, making them "a temple of the Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 6:19) and collectively building them into "a spiritual house" (1 Peter 2:5). Just as God stirred the spirits of the exiles to rebuild the physical structure, He now stirs the hearts of believers through the Holy Spirit, empowering them to live as living stones in the spiritual temple of the Church, participating in the ongoing work of building His kingdom and proclaiming the good news of the One who is greater than the Temple (Matthew 12:6). The ultimate "going up to build" is now the spiritual pilgrimage of faith, empowered by the Spirit, to live out the reality of Christ's presence in the world, anticipating the New Jerusalem where God's presence is fully realized (Revelation 21:22).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.