Ezra 5:1

¶ Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that [were] in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, [even] unto them.

Then the prophets {H5029}, Haggai {H2292} the prophet {H5029}, and Zechariah {H2148} the son {H1247} of Iddo {H5714}, prophesied {H5013} unto {H5922} the Jews {H3062} that were in Judah {H3061} and Jerusalem {H3390} in the name {H8036} of the God {H426} of Israel {H3479}, even unto {H5922} them.

The prophets Hagai and Z'kharyah the son of 'Iddo prophesied to the Judeans in Yerushalayim and Y'hudah; they prophesied to them in the name of the God of Isra'el.

Later, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah son of Iddo prophesied to the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, who was over them.

Now the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem; in the name of the God of Israel prophesied they unto them.

Commentary on Ezra 5:1

Ezra 5:1 marks a crucial turning point in the post-exilic history of the Jews. After their return from Babylonian exile, the initial enthusiasm for rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem had waned due to fierce opposition from neighboring peoples (Ezra 4:4). For approximately sixteen years, the work on the Temple had ceased, despite the foundation having been laid (Ezra 3:10). This verse highlights God's intervention to reignite the project.

Key Themes

  • Divine Initiative and Prophetic Encouragement: God does not abandon His plans, even when His people are discouraged or complacent. He raises up prophets to stir His people to action and remind them of His will.
  • The Power of the Word: The prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah were not mere human opinions but messages delivered "in the name of the God of Israel," carrying divine authority and power to motivate the people to resume the stalled work.
  • Overcoming Obstacles: Despite years of opposition and delay, the prophetic word provided the necessary impetus for Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the people to overcome their fear and resume the vital task of rebuilding the Temple, which was central to their spiritual identity and worship.
  • Restoration of Worship: The ultimate goal of the rebuilding was to restore proper worship and the place of God's presence among His people in Jerusalem.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "in the name of the God of Israel" (Hebrew: בְּשֵׁם אֱלָהּ יִשְׂרָאֵל, b'shem 'elah Yisrael) is significant. It emphasizes that Haggai and Zechariah were not speaking on their own authority or offering personal opinions. Their words were a direct mandate from God, affirming the divine source and backing of their message. This lent immense weight and urgency to their call for the people to resume the building efforts.

Related Scriptures

  • To fully appreciate the impact of this verse, it is essential to read the books of the prophets mentioned:
    • Haggai 1:1: Haggai begins his powerful exhortation, challenging the people's priorities.
    • Zechariah 1:1: Zechariah's ministry, though broader in scope, also strongly encouraged the Temple rebuilding.
  • The success of their prophetic ministry is recorded later, with the eventual completion of the Temple: Ezra 6:15.

Practical Application

Ezra 5:1 offers timeless lessons for believers today. Just as the Jews had become complacent or discouraged, we too can sometimes abandon or delay God's work in our lives or communities due to opposition, fear, or distraction. This verse reminds us that:

  • God often uses His chosen messengers – pastors, teachers, mentors, or even the direct reading of His Word – to re-energize us for tasks He has called us to.
  • When we hear God's word, especially when it addresses our procrastination or misaligned priorities, we are called to respond with obedience and renewed commitment.
  • No matter the obstacles or how long a "spiritual project" has been stalled, God's encouragement can provide the strength and motivation to complete it for His glory.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Haggai 1:1

    ¶ In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet unto Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, saying,

  • Haggai 2:1

    ¶ In the seventh [month], in the one and twentieth [day] of the month, came the word of the LORD by the prophet Haggai, saying,

  • Zechariah 4:6

    Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This [is] the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

  • Zechariah 4:10

    For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel [with] those seven; they [are] the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth.

  • Micah 5:4

    And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God; and they shall abide: for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth.

  • Zechariah 1:1

    ¶ In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying,

  • Zechariah 1:21

    Then said I, What come these to do? And he spake, saying, These [are] the horns which have scattered Judah, so that no man did lift up his head: but these are come to fray them, to cast out the horns of the Gentiles, which lifted up [their] horn over the land of Judah to scatter it.

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