Ezra 5:14

He also removed from the temple of Babylon the gold and silver articles belonging to the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar had taken and carried there from the temple in Jerusalem. King Cyrus gave these articles to a man named Sheshbazzar, whom he appointed governor

Study Bible

He also removed from the temple of Babylon
This phrase refers to the actions taken by King Cyrus of Persia after his conquest of Babylon in 539 BC. The temple of Babylon was a significant religious center, and the removal of items from it signifies a transfer of power and religious authority. This act fulfilled the prophecy of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 29:10) regarding the return of the exiles and the restoration of the temple articles.

the gold and silver articles belonging to the house of God
These articles were sacred items used in the worship and rituals of the temple in Jerusalem. They included utensils, bowls, and other objects made of precious metals, which were originally crafted for the service of Yahweh. Their return symbolizes the restoration of proper worship and the reestablishment of the covenant relationship between God and His people.

which Nebuchadnezzar had taken and carried there from the temple in Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king, had seized these articles during his conquest of Jerusalem in 586 BC (2 Kings 24:13). This act was a fulfillment of the warnings given by prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah about the consequences of Israel's disobedience. The removal of these items to Babylon was a sign of God's judgment, and their return marks the beginning of restoration.

King Cyrus gave these articles to a man named Sheshbazzar
King Cyrus, known for his policy of religious tolerance, issued a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple (Ezra 1:1-4). Sheshbazzar, identified as a leader among the returning exiles, was entrusted with these sacred articles. This act demonstrates Cyrus's role as an instrument in God's plan, as prophesied by Isaiah (Isaiah 44:28).

whom he appointed governor
Sheshbazzar's appointment as governor indicates his leadership role in the initial phase of the return and rebuilding efforts. This position of authority was crucial for organizing the returnees and overseeing the reconstruction of the temple. The role of governor also highlights the political and administrative structures in place during the Persian period, which allowed for a degree of autonomy under imperial oversight.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Nebuchadnezzar
The Babylonian king who conquered Jerusalem and took the sacred articles from the temple to Babylon.

2. Cyrus
The Persian king who conquered Babylon and allowed the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem, restoring the temple articles.

3. Sheshbazzar
Appointed by Cyrus as governor, he was responsible for returning the temple articles to Jerusalem.

4. Temple of Jerusalem
The sacred place of worship for the Israelites, originally built by Solomon, and the focal point of Jewish religious life.

5. Babylon
The city where the temple articles were taken after the conquest of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in History
God uses even foreign rulers to accomplish His divine purposes, as seen in Cyrus's decree to return the temple articles.

Restoration and Redemption
The return of the temple articles symbolizes God's commitment to restoring His people and their worship, pointing to His redemptive work in our lives.

Faithfulness in Leadership
Sheshbazzar's role as governor highlights the importance of faithful leadership in carrying out God's plans.

The Importance of Worship
The restoration of the temple articles underscores the centrality of worship in the life of God's people, reminding us to prioritize our relationship with God.

Fulfillment of Prophecy
The events in Ezra 5:14 fulfill earlier prophecies, reinforcing our trust in God's Word and His promises.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the return of the temple articles by Cyrus demonstrate God's sovereignty over nations and rulers?

2. In what ways can we see God's hand in the restoration of our own lives, similar to the restoration of the temple articles?

3. What qualities of leadership can we learn from Sheshbazzar's role in this passage, and how can we apply them in our own contexts?

4. How does the fulfillment of prophecy in this passage encourage us to trust in God's promises today?

5. What steps can we take to ensure that worship remains central in our lives, as it was for the Israelites with the return of the temple articles?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Chronicles 36:18-23
This passage provides a historical account of the temple articles being taken to Babylon and later returned by Cyrus, highlighting God's sovereignty in using foreign rulers to fulfill His purposes.

Daniel 1:2
This verse mentions the articles being taken to Babylon, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's judgment on Judah.

Isaiah 44:28-45:1
These verses prophesy Cyrus's role in the restoration of Jerusalem, demonstrating God's control over history and His plans for His people.