Ezra 6:5

Furthermore, the gold and silver articles of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple in Jerusalem and carried to Babylon, must also be returned to the temple in Jerusalem and deposited in the house of God.

Study Bible

Furthermore, the gold and silver articles of the house of God
The gold and silver articles refer to the sacred vessels used in the worship and rituals of the temple in Jerusalem. These items were consecrated for use in the service of God and held significant religious importance. Their return symbolizes the restoration of proper worship and the reestablishment of the temple's sanctity.

which Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple in Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, captured Jerusalem in 586 BC and took these sacred articles as spoils of war. This act was not only a physical plundering but also a symbolic gesture of dominance over the God of Israel. The removal of these items marked the beginning of the Babylonian Exile, a period of significant hardship and reflection for the Jewish people.

and carried to Babylon
Babylon was the center of the Babylonian Empire, known for its wealth and grandeur. The transportation of the temple articles to Babylon signified the subjugation of Israel and the perceived superiority of Babylonian gods. This event is a pivotal moment in Jewish history, emphasizing the theme of exile and the hope for eventual restoration.

must also be returned to the temple in Jerusalem
The decree for the return of these articles is a fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people and their worship. It reflects the sovereignty of God over earthly kingdoms and His faithfulness to His covenant. The return of the articles is a physical manifestation of spiritual renewal and the reestablishment of the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

and deposited in the house of God
The house of God refers to the temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship for the Israelites. The depositing of the articles back into the temple signifies the restoration of proper worship and the re-dedication of the temple to its original purpose. This act is a precursor to the rebuilding of the temple, which is a type of Christ, foreshadowing the ultimate restoration and redemption through Jesus.

in Jerusalem
Jerusalem is the spiritual and political center of Israel, often referred to as the City of David. It holds deep historical and theological significance as the location of the temple, the symbol of God's presence among His people. The return of the temple articles to Jerusalem marks a new chapter in the history of Israel, emphasizing themes of redemption, restoration, and hope for the future.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezra
A scribe and priest who played a crucial role in the restoration of the Jewish community and the temple in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile.

2. Nebuchadnezzar
The Babylonian king who conquered Jerusalem, destroyed the temple, and took the sacred articles to Babylon.

3. Temple in Jerusalem
The holy place of worship for the Israelites, originally built by Solomon, destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar, and later rebuilt.

4. Babylon
The city where the Israelites were exiled and where the temple articles were taken.

5. Darius
The Persian king who issued the decree allowing the Jews to return the temple articles and rebuild the temple.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Restoration
God's plan for restoration is evident as He moves the hearts of kings to fulfill His purposes, demonstrating His control over history.

The Sacredness of Worship
The return of the temple articles underscores the importance of reverence and proper worship, reminding us to honor God with our resources.

Faithfulness to God's Commands
The meticulous return and placement of the articles in the temple highlight the need for obedience to God's instructions in our lives.

Hope in God's Promises
The restoration of the temple articles serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises, encouraging us to trust in His word.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the return of the temple articles reflect God's faithfulness to His people, and how can we see this faithfulness in our own lives today?

2. In what ways does the account of the temple articles' return challenge us to consider the sacredness of our own worship practices?

3. How can we apply the principle of obedience seen in the return of the temple articles to our daily walk with God?

4. What does the involvement of foreign kings in the restoration of the temple teach us about God's sovereignty over world events?

5. How can the hope of restoration seen in Ezra 6:5 inspire us to trust in God's promises during times of personal or communal rebuilding?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 25:13-17
Describes the original taking of the temple articles by Nebuchadnezzar, providing historical context for their return.

Daniel 5:2-3
Illustrates the misuse of the temple articles by Belshazzar, highlighting their sacredness and the importance of their return.

Ezra 1:7-11
Details the initial decree by Cyrus for the return of the temple articles, showing continuity in God's plan for restoration.

Haggai 2:7-9
Speaks of the glory of the latter temple, connecting the return of the articles to the fulfillment of God's promises.