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Ezra 5:11

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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.

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}.

"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.

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.

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

Ezra 5:11 presents the bold declaration of the Jewish elders in Jerusalem to Tatnai, the Persian governor of Trans-Euphrates. They assert their identity and the divine mandate behind their work of rebuilding the temple, which had been halted for years.

Context

Following their return from Babylonian exile, the Jewish community, led by Zerubbabel and Jeshua, began rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem under the decree of King Cyrus (Ezra 1:2). However, opposition from local adversaries caused the work to cease for many years (Ezra 4:24). In Ezra chapter 5, encouraged by the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, the people resumed construction. Governor Tatnai, upon hearing of this unauthorized activity, questioned their authority. This verse is part of their confident and respectful reply, explaining their heritage and the true nature of their God and their mission.

Key Themes

  • Divine Identity and Allegiance: The declaration "We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth" is a powerful statement. It asserts that their ultimate loyalty is not to any earthly king or empire, but to the sovereign Creator of the universe. This also serves as an implicit challenge to the pagan deities of the Persian Empire, proclaiming the supremacy of Yahweh.
  • Historical Continuity and Divine Mandate: They link their current rebuilding effort directly to the original Temple built by King Solomon, a "great king of Israel." This highlights that their work is not a new rebellion but a restoration of what was divinely established "many years ago," emphasizing their legitimate historical and spiritual claim to the project.
  • Boldness in Faith: Despite facing imperial scrutiny and potential punishment, the elders responded with unwavering conviction, rooted in their identity as God's people and the truth of His command.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "God of heaven and earth" in the Aramaic text is ’elah shemayya ve’ar‘a (אֱלָהּ שְׁמַיָּא וְאַרְעָא). This is a significant title, especially when addressing a Gentile authority. It emphasizes God's universal dominion and power, distinguishing Him from local or national deities. It implies that the God they serve is not just the God of Israel, but the supreme deity over all creation, including the Persian Empire itself. This declaration of God's sovereignty sets the tone for their defense.

Practical Application

Ezra 5:11 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Identify with God: Like the exiles, we are called to boldly declare our identity as "servants of the God of heaven and earth." This shapes our worldview and gives us confidence in facing challenges.
  • Persevere in God's Work: The Jewish community faced significant opposition, yet they resumed and defended their work. We too are called to persevere in our spiritual tasks and callings, even when met with resistance or doubt.
  • Honor Your Spiritual Heritage: Understanding the historical and biblical foundations of our faith strengthens our conviction and provides a framework for our actions, connecting us to a legacy of faithfulness.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Daniel 3:26 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • 1 Kings 6:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Romans 1:16 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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.