Ezra 5:11

KJV

And thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded these many years ago, which a great king of Israel builded and set up.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thus {H3660} they returned {H8421} us answer {H6600}, saying {H560}, We {H586} are {H1994} the servants {H5649} of the God {H426} of heaven {H8065} and earth {H772}, and build {H1124} the house {H1005} that was {H1934} builded {H1124} these {H1836} many {H7690} years {H8140} ago {H6928}, which a great {H7229} king {H4430} of Israel {H3479} builded {H1124} and set up {H3635}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"They gave us this answer: 'We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth. We are rebuilding the house that was built many years ago, built and finished by a great king of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

And this is the answer they returned: “We are servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the temple that was built many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and completed.

American Standard Version

And thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and are building the house that was builded these many years ago, which a great king of Israel builded and finished.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 5:11 captures the bold and respectful declaration of the Jewish elders to Tatnai, the Persian governor, who questioned their authority to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. In this pivotal response, they assert their identity as "servants of the God of heaven and earth," thereby proclaiming the universal sovereignty of Yahweh over all earthly powers and establishing the divine mandate for their work. Furthermore, they ground their current construction efforts in a legitimate historical and divine precedent, linking the new work directly to the original Temple built "many years ago" by King Solomon, "a great king of Israel." This statement emphasizes continuity with their sacred heritage and God's enduring covenant promises, providing a robust theological and historical justification for their actions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 5:11 serves as the direct and formal response from the Jewish leaders, including Zerubbabel and Jeshua, to Governor Tatnai and his officials. The narrative leading up to this point in [Ezra 4](/ezra/4 "Ezra 4 - Opposition to Rebuilding the Temple") details significant opposition from local adversaries, which successfully halted the Temple rebuilding for many years, specifically until the second year of Darius's reign ([Ezra 4:24](/ezra/4-24 "Ezra 4:24 - Work Halted")). The resumption of work, as described in [Ezra 5:1](/ezra/5-1 "Ezra 5:1 - Haggai and Zechariah Prophesy"), was spurred by the prophetic encouragement of Haggai and Zechariah, rekindling the exiles' zeal. Tatnai, upon hearing of this renewed activity, arrived to investigate and demanded to know the authority by which they were building. This verse is central to the Jews' articulate and confident defense, framing their actions not as a challenge to Persian rule but as a divinely sanctioned undertaking.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Ezra 5 are set during the early period of the Achaemenid Persian Empire, specifically around the reign of Darius I (522-486 BC). The Jewish community had returned from Babylonian exile following Cyrus the Great's decree ([Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree Permitting Return")). The satrapy of Trans-Euphrates was a vast administrative region, and its governor, Tatnai, held legitimate authority to investigate any large-scale construction that might imply rebellion or a challenge to imperial stability. For the Jews, the Temple was far more than a mere building; it was the spiritual heart of their national and religious identity, symbolizing God's presence among them and the restoration of the Davidic covenant. Their declaration of "the God of heaven and earth" was a strategic and bold theological claim within a polytheistic empire, asserting the supremacy of Yahweh over all other deities, including those worshipped by the Persians, and implicitly appealing to the Persian policy of respecting local deities, provided it did not threaten imperial stability.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Ezra and the broader post-exilic period. First, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Mandate**, as the elders declare their ultimate allegiance to "the God of heaven and earth," implying that their work is not merely human endeavor but divinely commanded. This resonates with the prophetic messages of [Haggai](/haggai/1 "Haggai 1 - Call to Rebuild the Temple") and [Zechariah](/zechariah/4 "Zechariah 4 - Vision of the Lampstand and Olive Trees"), who emphasized God's active involvement in the rebuilding. Second, the verse highlights **Historical Continuity and Restoration**, linking the current Temple project directly to the original structure built by King Solomon. This emphasizes that their work is not an innovation but a faithful restoration of God's established order, connecting the returned exiles to their rich spiritual heritage and the promises made to their ancestors, as seen in passages like [1 Kings 6:1](/1_kings/6-1 "1 Kings 6:1 - Solomon Begins Building the Temple"). Finally, the elders' confident response in the face of imperial scrutiny demonstrates **Boldness in Faith and Obedience**, a recurring motif for God's people navigating challenging political landscapes, echoing the faithfulness of figures like Daniel in [Daniel 6](/daniel/6 "Daniel 6 - Daniel in the Lions' Den").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Aramaic, _’ĕlâhh'_):** (H426) This term, "God," refers to the supreme divine being. In this context, when addressed to a Gentile authority, it is a profound declaration of Yahweh's universal sovereignty and omnipotence. It distinguishes Him from local or national deities, asserting that the God of Israel is not merely a tribal deity but the supreme Creator and Ruler over all creation, including the Persian Empire itself. This theological claim serves as the ultimate justification for their actions, implying that their mandate comes from an authority higher than any earthly king.
* **servants (Aramaic, _ʻăbad'_):** (H5649) By identifying themselves as "servants" of this supreme God, the elders are not merely stating their religious affiliation but declaring their absolute allegiance and the source of their authority. This term implies devotion, obedience, and a divinely appointed mission. It positions them not as rebellious subjects of the Persian king, but as obedient agents of the true King of the universe, whose work they are carrying out. This identity as God's servants also implies a deep sense of responsibility and privilege in fulfilling His will.
* **build (Aramaic, _bᵉnâʼ'_):** (H1124) This verb signifies the act of construction or making. In Ezra 5:11, its repeated use emphasizes the active and deliberate nature of the Jewish community's work on the Temple. It highlights their commitment to the physical restoration of the sanctuary, which was central to their religious and national identity. The act of "building" is presented not as a mere human endeavor but as a divinely mandated task, connecting their present efforts to a long-standing historical and spiritual tradition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thus they returned us answer, saying,"**: This introductory clause sets the stage for the formal and direct response of the Jewish elders to Governor Tatnai's inquiry. It emphasizes that this was not a casual remark but a deliberate, considered, and official declaration intended to address the imperial challenge directly and respectfully, demonstrating their willingness to engage with the authorities while maintaining their conviction.
* **"We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth,"**: This is the core theological assertion of the verse. The elders boldly declare their primary identity and allegiance. They are not merely a group of people rebuilding a structure; they are divinely commissioned agents. The title "God of heaven and earth" is a universal claim, asserting Yahweh's absolute dominion over all creation, thereby elevating their work to a cosmic significance beyond mere regional politics and establishing the ultimate source of their authority.
* **"and build the house that was builded these many years ago,"**: This clause connects their current activity to their ancient heritage and divine command. The "house" refers to the Temple in Jerusalem. By stating it was "builded these many years ago," they establish historical continuity, indicating that their work is a restoration, not a new or unauthorized construction. This implicitly appeals to the Persian policy of respecting ancient customs and religious practices of conquered peoples, framing their project as a legitimate act of restoring what was lost.
* **"which a great king of Israel builded and set up."**: This final clause identifies the original builder of the Temple as King Solomon. Referring to him as "a great king of Israel" lends further historical weight and legitimacy to their claim. Solomon's Temple was a renowned structure, a symbol of Israel's past glory and divine favor. By linking their current efforts to this foundational act, they emphasize that their work is rooted in a long-standing, divinely sanctioned tradition, further strengthening their defense against accusations of rebellion or unauthorized activity and underscoring the divine precedent for their current task.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 5:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message effectively. The entire verse functions as a **Declaration** or **Confession**, a formal and bold statement of identity and purpose delivered in the face of external challenge. The phrase "God of heaven and earth" serves as a profound **Theological Assertion**, immediately establishing the ultimate authority behind their actions and implicitly contrasting Yahweh's universal dominion with any lesser, regional deities or earthly rulers. There is a strong element of **Historical Allusion** in referencing the original Temple built by "a great king of Israel," clearly King Solomon. This allusion grounds their contemporary actions in a revered past, lending legitimacy and divine precedent to their work. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of the verb "builded" (or variations thereof) emphasizes the continuous nature of the divine mandate across generations and highlights the restoration aspect of their current project. The verse also exhibits a subtle **Contrast** between the temporal authority of Tatnai and the eternal, universal authority of the God they serve, subtly asserting the supremacy of divine will over imperial decree.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 5:11 is a powerful testament to the unwavering faith and theological conviction of the post-exilic community. Their declaration of being "servants of the God of heaven and earth" is not merely an identification but a profound theological statement about God's universal sovereignty. In a world dominated by imperial powers and polytheistic beliefs, this confession asserts that Yahweh, the God of Israel, is the supreme Creator and Sustainer of all things, whose authority transcends all earthly boundaries and rulers. This understanding of God's ultimate authority provides the foundation for their perseverance in rebuilding the Temple, despite opposition, because they know their work is divinely mandated and ultimately guaranteed by God's faithfulness. This verse reminds believers that our identity in Christ and our commitment to His work are rooted in the unshakeable sovereignty of God, empowering us to stand firm even when facing scrutiny or adversity.

* [Deuteronomy 10:14](/deuteronomy/10-14 "God Owns Heaven and Earth")
* [Psalm 127:1](/psalms/127-1 "Unless the Lord Builds the House")
* [Isaiah 66:1](/isaiah/66-1 "Heaven is My Throne")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 5:11 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Just as the Jewish elders boldly declared their identity as "servants of the God of heaven and earth," we too are called to live with an unwavering conviction in God's supreme sovereignty, allowing this truth to shape our worldview and inform our actions. In a world that often challenges faith or demands allegiance to lesser authorities, our primary identity as servants of the Most High God provides courage, clarity, and purpose. This verse encourages us to persevere in God's work, whether it be personal spiritual growth, ministry, or acts of justice, even when faced with opposition, delays, or skepticism. Understanding our spiritual heritage, connecting our present efforts to the timeless truths of God's Word and the faithfulness of those who came before us, strengthens our resolve and reminds us that we are part of a grand, divine narrative. Our work, like the Temple rebuilding, is not merely human effort but a participation in God's ongoing redemptive plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to more boldly declare your identity as a "servant of the God of heaven and earth"?**
* **How does understanding God's universal sovereignty empower you to face opposition or challenges in your faith or ministry?**
* **What "house" (spiritual work, calling, or community) has God called you to build or restore, and how can you persevere in it despite obstacles?**
* **How does knowing your spiritual heritage and the faithfulness of God's people throughout history strengthen your conviction today?**

### FAQ

**Why did the elders emphasize "God of heaven and earth" to Tatnai?**

Answer: The emphasis on "God of heaven and earth" was a strategic and profound theological statement. To Tatnai, a Persian governor in a polytheistic empire, this title asserted the universal dominion and supremacy of Yahweh over all other deities and earthly rulers. It implied that the authority for their rebuilding project came from the highest possible source, a God whose power transcended the Persian Empire itself. This declaration was intended to legitimize their work, not as an act of rebellion against the king, but as an act of obedience to the ultimate King of the universe, who also held sway over Darius and Tatnai. It subtly appealed to the Persian policy of respecting local deities, but elevated their God to a unique, unparalleled status.

**Who was the "great king of Israel" mentioned in the verse?**

Answer: The "great king of Israel" refers to King Solomon, who built the first Temple in Jerusalem. The construction of Solomon's Temple is extensively documented in [1 Kings 6-8](/1_kings/6-8 "1 Kings 6-8 - Solomon Builds and Dedicates the Temple") and [2 Chronicles 3-7](/2_chronicles/3-7 "2 Chronicles 3-7 - Solomon Builds and Dedicates the Temple"). By referencing Solomon, the elders established a direct historical and spiritual link between their current rebuilding efforts and the glorious past of Israel, emphasizing that they were not initiating a new, unauthorized project but restoring a divinely sanctioned structure that had existed for centuries. This historical continuity was crucial for their defense before the Persian authorities.

**What was the significance of mentioning the original temple and its long history?**

Answer: Mentioning the original temple and its construction "many years ago" by a "great king of Israel" served several critical purposes. First, it established the legitimacy and antiquity of their project, demonstrating that it was not a new or rebellious undertaking but a restoration of a long-standing, divinely ordained structure. Second, it appealed to the Persian policy of respecting the ancient customs and religious practices of conquered peoples, framing their work as a legitimate act of religious devotion rather than a political threat. Third, it underscored the divine mandate behind the Temple, reminding Tatnai that this was a sacred site with a history rooted in God's covenant with Israel, thereby elevating the importance of their work beyond mere human construction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 5:11, with its emphasis on rebuilding the "house" of God under divine mandate, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the physical Temple in Jerusalem was a dwelling place for God's presence among His people, it was always a foreshadowing of a greater reality. Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking of the temple of His body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). He is the true and ultimate Temple, the perfect dwelling place of God, in whom all the fullness of the deity dwells bodily ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")). Furthermore, Christ is the "great King" who builds not a physical structure, but His Church, a spiritual house composed of living stones ([1 Peter 2:4-5](/1_peter/2-4-5 "1 Peter 2:4-5 - Living Stones and a Holy Priesthood")). The "God of heaven and earth" who mandated the rebuilding in Ezra is the Father who sent His Son to establish a new covenant and build a spiritual temple not made with human hands ([Hebrews 9:11](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11 - Christ, the High Priest of the Greater Tabernacle")). Through Christ, believers are now part of this new, glorious temple, reconciled to God and built together as a dwelling place for God by the Spirit ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Apostles and Prophets")). Thus, the perseverance and divine mandate seen in Ezra 5:11 point forward to the ultimate, eternal work of Christ in establishing His kingdom and building His Church, a work that no earthly authority can ultimately thwart.

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

Daniel 3:26

Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, [and] spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come [hither]. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire.

Psalms 119:46

I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.

1 Kings 6:1

¶ And it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the month Zif, which [is] the second month, that he began to build the house of the LORD.

1 Kings 6:7

And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe [nor] any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.

Galatians 6:14

But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

Acts 27:23

For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,

Romans 1:16

¶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.