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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {H116} rose up {H6966} Zerubbabel {H2217} the son {H1247} of Shealtiel {H7598}, and Jeshua {H3443} the son {H1247} of Jozadak {H3136}, and began {H8271} to build {H1124} the house {H1005} of God {H426} which is at Jerusalem {H3390}: and with them {H5974} were the prophets {H5029} of God {H426} helping {H5583} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Z'rubavel the son of Sh'alti'el and Yeshua the son of Yotzadak began rebuilding the house of God in Yerushalayim; with them were the prophets of God, helping them.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Jeshua son of Jozadak rose up and began to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. And the prophets of God were with them, helping them.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 5:2 marks a pivotal moment in the post-exilic history of Israel, detailing the decisive resumption of the Second Temple's construction in Jerusalem after a significant sixteen-year halt. This verse highlights the unified leadership of Zerubbabel, the civil governor, and Jeshua, the high priest, who, inspired and actively supported by the prophets of God, courageously initiated the rebuilding effort despite persistent opposition. It underscores the divine impetus behind the work and the essential role of both spiritual and civil authority in fulfilling God's purposes for His people, demonstrating God's faithfulness in stirring His people to action.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 5:2 immediately follows a sixteen-year period of inactivity in the Temple's reconstruction, a time of discouragement and opposition detailed in [Ezra 4](/ezra/4 "Ezra 4 - Opposition to Temple Rebuilding"). Chapter 4 recounts how the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin successfully petitioned King Artaxerxes to issue a decree that halted the work, specifically noted in [Ezra 4:24](/ezra/4-24 "Ezra 4:24 - Halt of Temple Work"). Prior to this cessation, the foundation of the Temple had been laid with great joy and sorrow, as described in [Ezra 3:8-13](/ezra/3-8 "Ezra 3:8-13 - Laying the Temple Foundation"), but the subsequent opposition stifled the initial enthusiasm. This verse, therefore, represents a dramatic and divinely orchestrated shift, marking the renewed commitment to God's work. It is directly prompted by the prophetic ministries of Haggai and Zechariah, whose messages are explicitly referenced in [Ezra 5:1](/ezra/5-1 "Ezra 5:1 - Prophets Stir Up the Work") and recorded in their respective books, thereby moving the narrative flow from stagnation and despair to dynamic action and renewed hope, setting the stage for the successful completion of the Temple.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Ezra 5:2 unfold during the second year of the reign of Darius I Hystaspes (520 BC), a period of relative stability within the vast Persian Empire following a time of political unrest. The Jewish exiles had returned to Judah under Cyrus's decree in 538 BC, but their initial zeal for rebuilding Jerusalem and its Temple was met with significant local hostility from surrounding peoples, particularly the Samaritans. These adversaries actively sought to undermine their efforts, even sending false and misleading reports to the Persian court, which led to the royal decree halting the work. Culturally, the Temple was far more than just a religious building; it was the spiritual, cultural, and national center for the Jewish people, symbolizing God's presence among them and their identity as His covenant people. Its reconstruction was essential for the restoration of their religious life, the resumption of sacrificial worship, and the reaffirmation of their distinctiveness after the devastation of the Babylonian exile. The cultural expectation was that a people's God resided in their central sanctuary, and a desolate temple implied a defeated or absent deity, making its rebuilding a matter of profound theological and national significance.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prominent in the book of Ezra and the broader post-exilic literature. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating that even amidst human opposition, political decrees, and prolonged delay, God's purposes for His people and His house will ultimately prevail. The resumption of work is not merely human initiative but a divinely inspired response to prophetic encouragement, showing God's active hand in history. Secondly, the verse underscores the importance of **Unified and God-Empowered Leadership**. The collaboration between Zerubbabel (the civil governor, a descendant of David and thus representing the Davidic covenant) and Jeshua (the high priest, a descendant of Aaron and representing the Aaronic priesthood) symbolizes the essential partnership between spiritual and governmental authority in leading God's people. Their joint action, empowered by God's Spirit, was crucial for overcoming inertia and opposition, as seen in [Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might, Nor by Power"). Finally, the verse emphasizes the vital role of **Prophetic Guidance and Obedience**. The prophets Haggai and Zechariah were instrumental in stirring the people and leaders to action, reminding them of God's commands and promises, and rebuking their complacency (e.g., [Haggai 1:4-8](/haggai/1-4 "Haggai 1:4-8 - Rebuild the House")). This demonstrates God's consistent method of using His messengers to call His people to repentance and renewed commitment to His will, ensuring His work continues despite human failings.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **rose up (Aramaic, _qûwm'_):** This verb signifies more than merely standing; it conveys a sense of decisive, resolute action, an active rising to the occasion after a period of dormancy. It implies a firm resolve to overcome past inertia and opposition, indicating a divinely inspired surge of determination and courage to recommence a challenging task. The root meaning suggests establishing or setting up, reinforcing the idea of a new, firm beginning.
* **began (Aramaic, _shᵉrêʼ'_):** This term indicates the initiation of a process, specifically the commencement of the building work. It implies unraveling or loosening a previous state of inactivity, moving from a standstill to active construction. The word conveys the idea of setting free from a previous constraint, highlighting the breakthrough from the sixteen-year halt.
* **helping (Aramaic, _çᵉʻad'_):** This term, used to describe the prophets' role, suggests active support, strengthening, and providing assistance. It's not merely passive observation or verbal encouragement but implies a vital, hands-on role in motivating, assisting, and perhaps even providing resources or spiritual fortification to the builders. It highlights the practical and empowering nature of prophetic ministry, underscoring their active participation in the work.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak":** This clause identifies the two divinely appointed leaders who spearheaded the renewed effort. Zerubbabel, the civil governor and a descendant of David, represented the royal line, while Jeshua, the high priest, represented the priestly line. Their "rising up" signifies a courageous and decisive initiative, an act of faith and obedience to God's prophetic word after a long period of inactivity and discouragement. It underscores their divinely appointed roles and their readiness to lead God's people.
* **"and began to build the house of God which [is] at Jerusalem":** This phrase states the central action: the resumption of the Temple's construction. The designation "the house of God" emphasizes its sacred purpose, its divine ownership, and its centrality to Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh. The specific location, "at Jerusalem," highlights the enduring significance of the holy city as the place of God's dwelling and the symbolic heart of the Jewish nation, signifying the restoration of their religious and national identity.
* **"and with them [were] the prophets of God helping them":** This final clause reveals the crucial role of divine encouragement and support that empowered the leaders and the people. The "prophets of God" (primarily Haggai and Zechariah, as mentioned in [Ezra 5:1](/ezra/5-1 "Ezra 5:1 - Prophets Stir Up the Work")) were not just observers but active participants. Their ministry provided spiritual impetus, divine validation, guidance, and practical assistance, stirring the leaders and the people to action, confirming God's will, and empowering them to persevere through continued challenges.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 5:2 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message of renewed divine activity and human obedience. **Synergy** is prominently evident in the joint action of Zerubbabel and Jeshua, symbolizing the essential partnership between civil and spiritual authority, both working in concert for a divine purpose. This collaboration highlights the unified front necessary for overcoming significant obstacles and demonstrates the comprehensive nature of God's leadership. The phrase "began to build the house of God" functions as a **Divine Mandate**, emphasizing that the construction is not merely a human project but a sacred task commanded and empowered by God, underscoring its ultimate significance. The Temple itself serves as a profound **Symbolism**, representing God's enduring presence among His people, the restored covenant relationship, and the hope for Judah's future. The active "helping" of the prophets underscores the theme of **Divine Enablement**, illustrating how God provides the necessary encouragement, guidance, and support through His messengers to accomplish His sovereign will, transforming human inertia into obedient zeal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 5:2 stands as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even when their own zeal wanes or external opposition mounts. It highlights the profound theological principle that divine purposes, though sometimes delayed by human sin or external adversity, are never ultimately thwarted. The verse underscores the necessity of courageous, unified leadership in the face of adversity, demonstrating that when spiritual and civil authorities align under God's inspiration and obey His prophetic word, significant breakthroughs can occur. It also emphasizes the indispensable role of prophetic ministry in stirring God's people to action, reminding them of His presence, promises, and commands, thereby transforming inertia into obedient zeal. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that God often uses human agents, empowered by His Spirit and Word, to accomplish His redemptive plans, always bringing His will to fruition in His perfect timing.

* [Haggai 1:13-14](/haggai/1-13 "Haggai 1:13-14 - God Is With You")
* [Zechariah 4:6-7](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6-7 - Not by Might, Nor by Power")
* [Nehemiah 2:18](/nehemiah/2-18 "Nehemiah 2:18 - God's Good Hand")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 5:2 offers profound encouragement and practical guidance for believers today, particularly when facing spiritual apathy, prolonged delays, or overwhelming opposition in God's work. It reminds us that even when God's purposes seem to stall, or we face discouragement, His plans are not abandoned. The sixteen-year delay in Temple construction teaches us that perseverance, renewed commitment, and faith in God's perfect timing are often prerequisites for seeing His will accomplished. We are called to "rise up" with decisive action, just as Zerubbabel and Jeshua did, trusting that God will provide the necessary leadership and prophetic guidance. This verse challenges us to consider our own "temples"—our lives, our families, our churches, our communities—and ask where we might have allowed discouragement or opposition to halt God's work. It calls us to listen attentively to God's voice, whether through His written Word, the counsel of godly leaders, or the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and to respond with courageous obedience, knowing that our strength and success come from Him alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life or in our community has God's work seemingly stalled due to opposition, discouragement, or complacency?**
* **How can I, like Zerubbabel and Jeshua, "rise up" with renewed determination to pursue God's calling despite past setbacks or current challenges?**
* **In what ways am I actively "helping" or being "helped" by spiritual guidance and community support in fulfilling God's purposes for His kingdom?**
* **What specific prophetic word or biblical truth is God using to stir me to action and renewed commitment today?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the 16-year delay in the Temple's construction mentioned in the context of Ezra 5:2?**

Answer: The 16-year delay (from the laying of the foundation in 536 BC to the resumption in 520 BC) was highly significant, serving as a stark illustration of the severe impact of human opposition and spiritual discouragement on God's work, as detailed in [Ezra 4](/ezra/4 "Ezra 4 - Opposition to Temple Rebuilding"). During this period, the people prioritized their own comfortable homes over God's house, leading to spiritual apathy, economic hardship, and a lack of divine blessing, as rebuked by the prophet Haggai in [Haggai 1:2-11](/haggai/1-2 "Haggai 1:2-11 - Consider Your Ways"). The delay highlighted the critical need for divine intervention and prophetic stirring to re-ignite the people's zeal and reorient their priorities. Its end, marked by the decisive action in Ezra 5:2, signifies God's faithfulness in prompting His people to resume the work, demonstrating that His purposes will ultimately prevail despite human failings, external obstacles, or prolonged periods of inactivity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 5:2, while describing the rebuilding of a physical temple, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate Temple, Jesus Christ, and His spiritual body, the Church. Just as Zerubbabel and Jeshua "rose up" with divine impetus to build the dwelling place of God in Jerusalem, so too did Christ "rise up" from the grave, inaugurating a new spiritual temple not made with human hands. Jesus Himself declared, "[Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus on the Temple")," speaking of His own body ([John 2:21](/john/2-21 "John 2:21 - Jesus Speaks of His Body")). The unified leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua, representing both kingly and priestly authority, points to Christ as the ultimate King and High Priest, who perfectly embodies both roles, building His Church upon the confession of His identity ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - I Will Build My Church")). The prophets who "helped" the builders prefigure the Holy Spirit and the apostles and prophets of the New Covenant, who continue to equip and build up the spiritual house of God, which is the Church ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Foundation")). Believers are now living stones, being built into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")). Thus, the physical restoration in Ezra serves as a tangible illustration of God's greater redemptive plan to dwell among His people, fully realized in Christ and His ongoing work through the Church, which is His glorious dwelling place on earth.

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

Ezra 3:2

Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as [it is] written in the law of Moses the man of God.

Ezra 6:14

And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished [it], according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.

Zechariah 3:1

¶ And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.

Zechariah 3:4

And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.

Zechariah 6:11

Then take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set [them] upon the head of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest;

Haggai 1:12

¶ Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the LORD their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the LORD their God had sent him, and the people did fear before the LORD.

Haggai 1:15

In the four and twentieth day of the sixth month, in the second year of Darius the king.