Ezra 5:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Ezra 5:1 marks a pivotal moment in the post-exilic history of Judah, detailing God's direct intervention to reignite the stalled rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. After approximately sixteen years of cessation due to opposition and apathy, the Lord raises up two key prophets, Haggai and Zechariah, who, speaking with divine authority "in the name of the God of Israel," powerfully exhort the disheartened Jewish community in Judah and Jerusalem to resume the sacred work. This verse highlights God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises and His people's spiritual restoration, demonstrating His use of prophetic word to overcome human discouragement and re-establish His dwelling place among them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 5:1 immediately follows a significant period of stagnation described in [Ezra 4](/ezra/4 "Ezra 4 - Opposition to Rebuilding"). After the initial enthusiasm and the laying of the Temple's foundation in [Ezra 3:10](/ezra/3-10 "Ezra 3:10 - Laying the Temple Foundation"), the work was met with fierce and sustained opposition from the "adversaries of Judah and Benjamin" ([Ezra 4:1](/ezra/4-1 "Ezra 4:1 - Adversaries Oppose Rebuilding")). This opposition, involving intimidation, bribery, and official letters to Persian kings, ultimately led to a royal decree from Artaxerxes I (though chronologically placed earlier in Ezra 4, it refers to a later period of rebuilding the city walls, but illustrates the persistent opposition) that halted the work entirely ([Ezra 4:21-24](/ezra/4-21 "Ezra 4:21 - Royal Decree Halts Work")). Ezra 5:1 signals a new phase, where divine initiative through prophecy breaks this long period of inactivity, directly leading to the resumption of the Temple construction, as detailed in the subsequent verses of [Ezra 5](/ezra/5 "Ezra 5 - Rebuilding Resumes").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Ezra 5:1 occur in the second year of King Darius I (Hystaspes), approximately 520 BC. This is roughly sixteen years after the foundation of the Temple was laid in 536 BC, following the first return of exiles under Zerubbabel and Jeshua, prompted by Cyrus's decree ([Ezra 1](/ezra/1 "Ezra 1 - Cyrus's Decree")). The Jews had returned to a devastated land, facing not only the immense task of rebuilding but also a hostile local population. The initial fervor had given way to discouragement, economic hardship, and misplaced priorities, as evidenced by Haggai's rebukes (e.g., [Haggai 1:4](/haggai/1-4 "Haggai 1:4 - You Live in Paneled Houses")). The Persian Empire was the dominant world power, and the Jews in Judah were a small, vulnerable province. The Temple was not merely a place of worship but the spiritual and national center of their identity, crucial for the restoration of their covenant relationship with God and their distinctiveness among the nations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces several key themes that resonate throughout Ezra and the prophetic books of Haggai and Zechariah. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Initiative and Faithfulness**: Despite human failure and discouragement, God does not abandon His plans for His people or His promises concerning His dwelling place. He actively intervenes to stir them to action. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Authority and Power of the Prophetic Word**: Haggai and Zechariah are not merely human motivators but divine messengers, whose words carry the weight and power of "the God of Israel," capable of overcoming fear and apathy ([Haggai 1:12](/haggai/1-12 "Haggai 1:12 - People Obey Haggai's Voice")). Thirdly, it emphasizes **Obedience and Perseverance in the Face of Obstacles**: The long cessation of work demonstrates the impact of opposition, but the resumption through prophetic encouragement illustrates the necessity of persistent obedience to God's commands, even when circumstances are challenging ([Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might Nor by Power")). Finally, the verse contributes to the overarching theme of **Restoration of Worship and God's Presence**, as the rebuilding of the Temple was central to re-establishing proper worship and the visible manifestation of God's presence among His people in Jerusalem.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prophets (Hebrew, _nevi'im_):** This term refers to individuals called by God to convey His message to His people. In the Old Testament, prophets often served as God's spokespersons, revealing His will, calling for repentance, and providing guidance and encouragement. The mention of Haggai and Zechariah as "prophets" immediately establishes the divine origin and authority of their message, distinguishing it from mere human opinion or political maneuvering. Their role was to re-align the people's priorities with God's.
* **Prophesied (Aramaic, _mitnabbe'in_):** The Aramaic verb, used here due to the shift in language in Ezra from Hebrew to Aramaic for official documents and certain narratives, signifies the act of speaking under divine inspiration. It implies a direct communication from God through His chosen vessels. The ongoing nature implied by the participle form suggests a sustained period of prophetic ministry rather than a single utterance, emphasizing the continuous divine encouragement needed to overcome years of inertia.
* **In the name of the God of Israel (Aramaic, _bishem 'elah Yisrael_):** This crucial phrase underscores the divine authority and backing of the prophets' message. To speak "in the name of" someone means to speak on their behalf, with their full authority and power. It signifies that Haggai and Zechariah were not expressing their own thoughts or desires, but were faithfully delivering God's direct command and will. This lent immense weight and urgency to their call, making their words an undeniable divine mandate to resume the Temple building.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo":** This clause identifies the specific divine agents God used to intervene. It highlights the direct and personal involvement of these two key figures in the spiritual revival of the community. The repetition "Haggai the prophet" emphasizes his prophetic office and authority. Zechariah is further identified by his lineage, adding to his credibility within the community.
* **"prophesied unto the Jews that [were] in Judah and Jerusalem":** This specifies the audience and geographical scope of their ministry. Their message was directed specifically to the returned exiles who had settled in the province of Judah, with Jerusalem as its spiritual and administrative center. This indicates a targeted, localized message aimed at the very heart of the community responsible for the Temple's rebuilding.
* **"in the name of the God of Israel, [even] unto them":** This concluding phrase is paramount, establishing the ultimate source and authority of the prophecy. It asserts that the message was not of human origin but a direct communication from the covenant God of Israel. The repetition of "unto them" (implied in the KJV, but clearer in the Hebrew/Aramaic structure) reinforces the direct and personal nature of God's address to His people through His prophets, leaving no doubt about the divine mandate for the work to resume.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 5:1 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Divine Intervention**, where God directly enters the narrative through His chosen messengers, breaking the long silence and inactivity. This highlights God's sovereignty and His active role in the affairs of His people, even when they are discouraged. The use of **Specific Naming** ("Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo") lends historical authenticity and emphasizes the concrete nature of God's action through identifiable individuals. The phrase "in the name of the God of Israel" serves as a powerful **Statement of Authority**, establishing the divine mandate behind the prophetic message and elevating it above mere human counsel. This also functions as a form of **Emphasis**, drawing the reader's attention to the ultimate source of the command and the weight it carries. The verse acts as a **Turning Point** in the narrative, signaling the end of the period of cessation and the beginning of renewed activity, demonstrating the transformative power of God's word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 5:1 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises and His active involvement in the lives of His people, even when they falter. It underscores the principle that God often uses human agents, specifically prophets, to deliver His timely word, reignite faith, and call His people back to obedience. This divine initiative, breaking through years of apathy and opposition, demonstrates God's sovereignty over circumstances and His determination to see His purposes fulfilled. The emphasis on speaking "in the name of the God of Israel" highlights the authority and power inherent in God's revealed word, which is never without effect and always capable of accomplishing His will. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's plans are not thwarted by human weakness or external opposition, but are advanced through His Spirit-empowered word.

* [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals His Plan to Prophets"): "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets."
* [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Spoke Through Prophets, Now Through His Son"): "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son..."
* [2 Peter 1:20-21](/2_peter/1-20 "2 Peter 1:20-21 - Prophecy Not of Private Interpretation"): "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 5:1 offers profound lessons for believers today, reminding us that spiritual apathy and stalled work are not uncommon, but God's faithfulness and empowering word are always available to re-energize us. Just as the post-exilic Jews allowed opposition and discouragement to halt their divine assignment, we too can become complacent or abandon God-given tasks in our lives, families, or communities. This verse calls us to recognize that God often speaks through His chosen messengers—pastors, teachers, mentors, or even the direct reading of His Word—to stir us from our spiritual slumber. When we hear a clear word from God, especially one that addresses our procrastination, fear, or misaligned priorities, our response should be one of immediate obedience and renewed commitment. No matter how long a "spiritual project" has been stalled, or how formidable the obstacles appear, God's word, delivered with divine authority, provides the necessary impetus, strength, and motivation to complete it for His glory and the establishment of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "stalled projects" or areas of spiritual apathy might God be calling you to revisit or re-engage with in your life?**
* **How have you experienced God using His "prophets" (pastors, teachers, the Bible itself) to speak a timely word into your discouragement or complacency?**
* **What obstacles, internal or external, might be hindering your obedience to a clear divine call, and how can you rely on God's authority to overcome them?**
* **In what ways does the concept of God speaking "in the name of the God of Israel" affirm the power and trustworthiness of His Word for your life today?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Temple rebuilding cease for so long, and what changed in Ezra 5:1?**

Answer: The Temple rebuilding ceased for approximately sixteen years primarily due to intense opposition from neighboring peoples, who used intimidation, bribery, and political maneuvering to discourage and ultimately halt the work. This opposition, detailed in [Ezra 4](/ezra/4 "Ezra 4 - Opposition to Rebuilding"), led to a royal decree from the Persian king Artaxerxes (though chronologically later, it illustrates the type of opposition) that officially stopped construction. Beyond external pressure, the people themselves became discouraged and apathetic, prioritizing their own homes and affairs over God's house, as rebuked by Haggai ([Haggai 1:4](/haggai/1-4 "Haggai 1:4 - You Live in Paneled Houses")). What changed in Ezra 5:1 was God's direct intervention. He raised up the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, who, speaking with divine authority, reignited the people's faith and commitment, reminding them of God's will and promises, thus providing the spiritual impetus needed to overcome their fear and resume the work.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 5:1, with its emphasis on God raising up prophets to re-establish His dwelling place among His people, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate prophetic voice and the true Temple in Jesus Christ. Just as Haggai and Zechariah were God's messengers to a discouraged people, Christ is the **Prophet par excellence**, the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), through whom God has spoken His final and most complete revelation ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Spoke Through Prophets, Now Through His Son")). The physical Temple, whose rebuilding was the focus of Ezra 5:1, was a temporary dwelling place for God's presence, pointing forward to Christ Himself, who declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" ([John 2:19](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). He is the true and living Temple, the ultimate meeting place between God and humanity. Furthermore, through Christ's atoning work, believers are now indwelt by the Holy Spirit, becoming a spiritual temple, the body of Christ ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple"); [Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21 "Ephesians 2:21 - Growing into a Holy Temple")). The prophetic call to rebuild a physical structure for God's glory finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ building His Church, a spiritual house of living stones, empowered by the Spirit to continue His mission in the world ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones, Spiritual House")).

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.

Cross-References

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.