What does Ezra 5:11 mean?
"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." - Ezra 5:11
Ezra 5:11 (KJV) states, "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." This verse from the book of Ezra takes place during the time of the Israelites' return from the Babylonian exile. The verse occurs in a passage that describes the opposition the Israelites faced as they sought to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. This verse, in particular, is the response of the Israelites to the local officials who questioned their motives for rebuilding the temple.
One of the main themes of this verse is the concept of servanthood. The Israelites identify themselves as "the servants of the God of heaven and earth." This is a powerful statement that acknowledges their dedication and submission to God's will. It reflects their commitment to carrying out God's plan and serving Him faithfully. This theme of servanthood is central to the message of the Bible as a whole, emphasizing the importance of humility, obedience, and selflessness in serving God and others.
Another theme present in this verse is the restoration and rebuilding of the temple. The Israelites express their intent to rebuild "the house that was builded these many years ago." This reflects their desire to renew their spiritual and communal life by restoring the central place of worship and connection with God. The rebuilding of the temple symbolizes the restoration of the Israelites' relationship with God and their commitment to worship and honor Him.
The historical context of this verse is crucial to understanding its significance. The Israelites had been exiled to Babylon due to their disobedience and idolatry. The rebuilding of the temple marked a significant turning point in their history, as they sought to reestablish their identity as God's chosen people and renew their covenant with Him. The opposition they faced from the local officials was a reminder of the challenges they encountered as they sought to reclaim their land and heritage.
The symbolism in this verse is poignant and multi-layered. The temple itself symbolizes the presence of God and the spiritual center of the Israelite community. Its restoration represents the renewal of the covenant between God and His people. The declaration of the Israelites as "servants of the God of heaven and earth" symbolizes their devotion and commitment to God's sovereignty and authority. The temple's connection to "a great king of Israel" further emphasizes the historical and spiritual significance of its reconstruction.
In conclusion, Ezra 5:11 (KJV) captures the themes of servanthood, restoration, and spiritual renewal in the context of the Israelites' return from exile and their efforts to rebuild the temple. The verse's significance lies in its portrayal of the Israelites' unwavering dedication to serve God and restore their relationship with Him. The verse serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring faith and resilience of God's people in the face of opposition and adversity. It also highlights the timeless themes of obedience, worship, and divine restoration that resonate throughout the Bible.
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Ezra 5:11 - "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 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." - Ezra 5:11
Ezra 10:5 - "Then arose Ezra, and made the chief priests, the Levites, and all Israel, to swear that they should do according to this word. And they sware."
Zerubbabel in Ezra chapter 5
Ezra 7:11 - "¶ Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the scribe, even a scribe of the words of the commandments of the LORD, and of his statutes to Israel."
Ezra 2:11 - "The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and three."
Ezra 2:5 - "The children of Arah, seven hundred seventy and five."
Song of Solomon 5:11
Zerubbabel in Ezra chapter 5 but zerubbabel is not a priest
Ezra 8:11 - "And of the sons of Bebai; Zechariah the son of Bebai, and with him twenty and eight males."
Philippians 2:5-11
Ezra 8:5 - "Of the sons of Shechaniah; the son of Jahaziel, and with him three hundred males."
Ezra 7:5 - "The son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest:"
Ezra 3:11 – "With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord: 'He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever.'"
Ezra 5:5 - "But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, that they could not cause them to cease, till the matter came to Darius: and then they returned answer by letter concerning this matter."
Ezra 5:4 - "Then said we unto them after this manner, What are the names of the men that make this building?"
Ezra 5:13 - "But in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon the same king Cyrus made a decree to build this house of God."
"Then arose Ezra, and made the chief priests, the Levites, and all Israel, to swear that they should do according to this word. And they sware." - Ezra 10:5
Ezra 5:7 - "They sent a letter unto him, wherein was written thus; Unto Darius the king, all peace."
"The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and three." - Ezra 2:11
Ezra 5:10 - "We asked their names also, to certify thee, that we might write the names of the men that were the chief of them."
Ezra 4:11 - "¶ This is the copy of the letter that they sent unto him, even unto Artaxerxes the king; Thy servants the men on this side the river, and at such a time."
"The children of Arah, seven hundred seventy and five." - Ezra 2:5
Ezra 5:9 - "Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus, Who commanded you to build this house, and to make up these walls?"
Ezra 4:5 - "And hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia."
Nehemiah 8:5 - "And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:"
Ezra 5:15 - "And said unto him, Take these vessels, go, carry them into the temple that is in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be builded in his place."
"¶ Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the scribe, even a scribe of the words of the commandments of the LORD, and of his statutes to Israel." - Ezra 7:11
Ezra 10:11 - "Now therefore make confession unto the LORD God of your fathers, and do his pleasure: and separate yourselves from the people of the land, and from the strange wives."
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."