Ezra 5:11

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.

Study Bible

And this is the answer they returned:
This phrase introduces the response given by the Jewish leaders to the Persian officials questioning their authority to rebuild the temple. It reflects the Jews' confidence and clarity in their mission, rooted in divine authority rather than merely human permission.

We are servants of the God of heaven and earth:
This declaration emphasizes their allegiance to the one true God, who is sovereign over all creation. It contrasts with the polytheistic beliefs of surrounding nations and underscores the monotheistic faith of Israel. This phrase also highlights their identity and purpose, serving as a reminder of their covenant relationship with God, as seen in passages like Deuteronomy 6:4-5.

and we are rebuilding the temple:
The rebuilding of the temple signifies the restoration of worship and the centrality of God's presence among His people. This effort follows the decree of Cyrus, king of Persia, as recorded in Ezra 1:1-4, fulfilling the prophecy of Jeremiah regarding the return from exile. The temple's reconstruction is a physical manifestation of spiritual renewal and obedience to God's commands.

that was built many years ago:
This refers to the original temple constructed by Solomon, which was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC. The mention of its historical roots connects the current efforts to a rich heritage of faith and worship, reminding the people of God's past faithfulness and the glory of the former temple.

which a great king of Israel built and completed:
This alludes to King Solomon, who built the first temple as described in 1 Kings 6-8. Solomon's temple was renowned for its grandeur and served as the focal point of Israel's religious life. The reference to Solomon as a "great king" acknowledges his wisdom and the prosperity of Israel during his reign, while also pointing to the fulfillment of God's promises to David regarding his descendants and the establishment of a house for God's name.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Servants of the God of Heaven and Earth
Refers to the Jewish exiles who returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. They identify themselves as servants of the one true God, emphasizing their divine mission and allegiance.

2. The House
This is the temple in Jerusalem, originally built by King Solomon. It was a central place of worship and symbolized God's presence among His people.

3. A Great King of Israel
This refers to King Solomon, who constructed the first temple, a monumental task that signified Israel's dedication to God.

4. Rebuilding
The act of reconstructing the temple after its destruction by the Babylonians. This event marks a significant moment of restoration and renewal for the Jewish people.

5. The Persian Empire
The ruling empire at the time, under which the Jews were allowed to return and rebuild the temple. This context highlights the political and divine orchestration in the rebuilding process.

Teaching Points

Identity in God
The exiles identify themselves as "servants of the God of heaven and earth," reminding us of our identity and purpose in serving God above all else.

Faithfulness in Adversity
Despite opposition, the Jews remained committed to their task, teaching us the importance of perseverance in fulfilling God's calling.

Divine Providence
The rebuilding of the temple under foreign rule illustrates God's sovereignty and ability to work through unexpected means to accomplish His purposes.

Historical Continuity
The reference to Solomon's temple connects the past with the present, encouraging us to see our lives as part of God's ongoing account.

Community and Worship
The rebuilding of the temple underscores the importance of communal worship and the centrality of God in the life of His people.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does identifying as "servants of the God of heaven and earth" shape our understanding of our own identity and mission today?

2. In what ways can we remain faithful to God's calling in the face of opposition or adversity, as the Jewish exiles did?

3. How does the account of the temple's rebuilding demonstrate God's sovereignty and providence in our lives?

4. What lessons can we learn from the historical continuity between Solomon's temple and the rebuilt temple in Ezra about God's faithfulness?

5. How can we prioritize communal worship and the presence of God in our lives, similar to the emphasis on rebuilding the temple?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 6
Describes the original construction of Solomon's temple, providing historical context to the rebuilding efforts in Ezra.

Haggai 1
Encourages the people to prioritize the rebuilding of the temple, emphasizing the importance of God's house in their community and spiritual life.

Nehemiah 2
Chronicles Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild Jerusalem's walls, paralleling the theme of restoration and divine mission.