The Work on The Temple Progresses
March 31, 2022
Commentary
Governor Tattenai, Shethar-Bozenai, and their advisers sent a report to King Darius, wishing him peace and success (vv. 6–7). They explained that they went to the province of Judah and saw the temple of the great God being rebuilt with large stones and wooden beams set into the walls (v. 8). The work was progressing steadily, and the people were working diligently with unity and purpose. The officials reported that they asked who had given permission to rebuild the temple and who was supervising the work (v. 9). They also asked for the names of the leaders so they could include them in their report (v. 10).
The Jewish leaders replied that they were servants of the God of heaven and earth. They explained that they were rebuilding the temple first built long ago by one of Israel’s great kings (v. 11). They admitted that their ancestors had angered God. Because of this, He allowed Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, to take them into captivity (v. 12). Their response shows humility and honesty. Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the temple and carried away its gold and silver articles to Babylon (vv. 13–15). However, in the first year of King Cyrus, a de-cree was issued to rebuild God’s temple in Jerusalem, and the sacred articles were returned, revealing God’s sovereignty even through foreign rulers.
Sheshbazzar came to Jerusalem and laid the foundation of the temple, and the work has continued from that time until now, though it is not finished (v. 16). Despite challenges, the officials respectfully asked King Darius to search the royal records to confirm whether Cyrus had given this order. They promised to accept whatever decision the king made, trusting that truth would be found and justice upheld (v. 17).
Application
God’s work moves forward as I stay faithful and honest. I am reminded to speak truth with humility. Am I clear about why I serve God? Do my actions show trust in His plans? Where do I need courage to continue unfinished work? Will I remain faithful while waiting for God to confirm the outcome?
Ezra 5:6–17 (NET)
6 This is a copy of the letter that Tattenai governor of Trans-Euphrates, Shethar-Bozenai, and his colleagues (who were the officials of Trans-Euphrates) sent to King Darius. 7 The report they sent to him was written as follows:
8 Let it be known to the king that we have gone to the province of Judah, to the temple of the great God. It is being built with large stones, and timbers are being placed in the walls. This work is being done with all diligence and is prospering in their hands. 9 We inquired of those elders, asking them, ‘Who gave you the authority to rebuild this temple and to complete this structure?’ 10 We also inquired of their names in order to inform you, so that we might write the names of the men who were their leaders. 11 They responded to us in the following way: ‘We are servants of the God of heaven and earth. We are rebuilding the temple which was previously built many years ago. A great king of Israel built it and completed it. 12 But after our ancestors angered the God of heaven, he delivered them into the hands of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this temple and exiled the people to Babylon. 13 But in the first year of King Cyrus of Babylon, King Cyrus enacted a decree to rebuild this temple of God. 14 Even the gold and silver vessels of the temple of God that Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple in Jerusalem and had brought to the palace of Babylon—even those things King Cyrus brought from the palace of Babylon and presented to a man by the name of Sheshbazzar whom he had appointed as governor. 15 He said to him, “Take these vessels and go deposit them in the temple in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be rebuilt in its proper location.” 16 Then this Sheshbazzar went and laid the foundations of the temple of God in Jerusalem. From that time to the present moment it has been in the process of being rebuilt, although it is not yet finished.’
17 “Now if the king is so inclined, let a search be conducted in the royal archives there in Babylon in order to determine whether King Cyrus did in fact issue orders for this temple of God to be rebuilt in Jerusalem. Then let the king send us a decision concerning this matter.”
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