1. prophetaverunt autem Aggeus propheta et Zaccharias filius Addo prophetantes ad Judæos qui erant in Judæa et Hierusalem in nomine Dei Israël
2. tunc surrexerunt Zorobabel filius Salathihel et Josue filius Josedech et cœperunt ædificare templum Dei in Hierusalem et cum eis prophetæ Dei adiuvantes eos
3. in ipso tempore venit ad eos Tatannai qui erat dux trans Flumen et Starbuzannai et consiliarii eorum sicque dixerunt eis quis dedit vobis consilium ut domum hanc ædificaretis et muros hos instauraretis
4. ad quod respondimus eis quæ essent nomina hominum auctorum illius ædificationis
5. oculus autem Dei eorum factus est super senes Judæorum et non potuerunt inhibere eos placuitque ut res ad Darium referretur et tunc satisfacerent adversus accusationem illam
6. exemplar epistulæ quam misit Tatannai dux regionis trans Flumen et Starbuzannai et consiliatores ejus Apharsacei qui erant trans Flumen ad Darium regem
7. sermo quem miserant ei sic scriptus erat Dario regi pax omnis
8. notum sit regi isse nos ad Judæam provinciam ad domum Dei magni quæ ædificatur lapide inpolito et ligna ponuntur in parietibus opusque illud diligenter extruitur et crescit in manibus eorum
9. interrogavimus ergo senes illos et ita diximus eis quis dedit vobis potestatem ut domum hanc ædificaretis et muros instauraretis
10. sed et nomina eorum quæsivimus ab eis ut nuntiaremus tibi quæ scripsimus nomina virorum qui sunt principes in eis
11. hujuscemodi autem sermonem responderunt nobis dicentes nos sumus servi Dei cæli et terræ et ædificamus templum quod erat extructum ante hos annos multos quodque rex Israël magnus ædificaverat et extruxerat
12. postquam autem ad iracundiam provocaverunt patres nostri Deum cæli et tradidit eos in manu Nabuchodonosor regis Babylonis Chaldei domum quoque hanc destruxit et populum ejus transtulit in Babylonem
13. anno autem primo Cyri regis Babylonis Cyrus rex proposuit edictum ut domus Dei ædificaretur
14. nam et vasa templi Dei aurea et argentea quæ Nabuchodonosor tulerat de templo quod erat in Hierusalem et asportaverat ea in templum Babylonis protulit Cyrus rex de templo Babylonis et data sunt Sasabassar vocabulo quem et principem constituit
15. dixitque ei hæc vasa tolle et vade et pone ea in templo quod est in Hierusalem et domus Dei ædificetur in loco suo
16. tunc itaque Sasabassar ille venit et posuit fundamenta templi Dei in Hierusalem et ex eo tempore usque nunc ædificatur et necdum conpletum est
17. nunc ergo si videtur regi bonum recenseat in bibliotheca regis quæ est in Babylone utrumnam a Cyro rege jussum sit ut ædificaretur domus Dei in Hierusalem et voluntatem regis super hac re mittat ad nos
Footnotes:
5:1-2 - Under the inspiration of the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, the leaders Zerubbabel and Jeshua resume rebuilding the temple. The work had been interrupted, but prophecy encourages them to persevere in their God-given mission (see also Haggai 1:12-14 and Zechariah 4:6-7).
5:3-5 - Local governors question the resumption of construction, but God's providence ensures that the work continues uninterrupted. God's hand protects those who follow His will, even in the face of opposition (see also Psalm 121:7-8 and Nehemiah 2:20).
5:6-7 - A letter is sent to King Darius, reporting on the rebuilding of the temple. This episode demonstrates that God's works often attract the attention of rulers and authorities, requiring discernment and courage from the faithful (see also Ezra 4:11-12 and Daniel 6:4-5).
5:8-10 - The Persian officials' letter reveals concern about the legitimacy of the reconstruction. Even in the face of doubts and questions, God's people must remain steadfast in obedience to God's commands (see also Acts 5:29 and 1 Peter 3:15-16).
5:11-17 - The Jewish leaders explain to the king that the rebuilding work was ordered by God and authorized by King Cyrus. Faithfulness to God's Word and the royal decree reveals how divine and human authority can coexist (see also 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 and Romans 13:1-2).
Verses related to Liber Esdrae, 5:
Ezra chapter 5 marks the resumption of the rebuilding of the temple. What motivates people to resume work? This inspiring text describes the prophetic ministry of Haggai and Zechariah, who encourage the people to begin construction again. The chapter reports on the official investigation into the legality of the project and the people's loyalty in continuing the work despite the uncertainty. Ezra 5 demonstrates the power of the prophetic word and the importance of obedience to God's will. Reflect with us on five biblical passages that illuminate the themes of encouragement and faithfulness present in this crucial chapter.
Haggai 1:14-15: "So the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, the spirit of the high priest Joshua son of Jehozadak, and the spirit of all the rest of the people. They came and began to work in the temple of the Lord of hosts, their God, on the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month of the second year of the reign of Darius." - This passage from Haggai directly relates to the resumption of temple construction described in Ezra 5.
Zechariah 4:6-7: "Then he said to me, 'This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. Who do you think you are, oh great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain. Then he will lay the main stone with shouts of 'God bless! God blesses!''" - This prophecy of Zechariah encourages Zerubbabel in rebuilding the temple, which is described in Ezra 5.
Daniel 6:8-9: "Now, O king, issue the decree and have it written so that it can be changed, according to the laws of the Medes and the Persians, which cannot be repealed. So King Darius ordered the decree to be written." - This passage from Daniel illustrates the irrevocable nature of Persian laws, which is relevant to the letter sent to King Darius in Ezra 5.
Nehemiah 2:20: "I answered them, 'The God of heaven will grant us success. We, your servants, will begin the reconstruction, but as for you, you have no part, no right, no memorial in Jerusalem.'" - This response by Nehemiah to his opposers echoes the attitude of the Jewish leaders in Ezra 5 when faced with questioning from the Persian authorities.
Isaiah 44:26: "who fulfills the words of his servants and fulfills the predictions of his messengers, who says of Jerusalem, 'It will be inhabited,' and of the cities of Judah, 'They will be built,' and of its ruins, 'I will restore them,'" - This prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled in the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple, as described in Ezra 5.
FAQ:
Who encouraged the continued construction of the Temple?
The prophets Haggai and Zechariah encouraged the people to resume building the Temple, reminding them of the importance of completing the work. (Ezra 5:1)
What was King Darius's response to rebuilding the Temple?
King Darius confirmed that the Temple should be rebuilt and ordered that the costs be paid from the royal treasury, as Cyrus had decreed. (Ezra 5:6-17)
How did King Darius help build the Temple?
Darius provided the necessary resources to complete the work, including the return of the offerings and utensils that Cyrus had donated. (Ezra 5:6-17)
What happened after construction of the Temple resumed?
After the work was restarted, it was successfully completed, and the dedication of the Temple was celebrated with great feasting and sacrifices. (Ezra 6:15-17)
What was the role of Jewish leaders during the resumption of construction?
Leaders, such as Zerubbabel and Joshua, continued to lead the rebuilding effort, with the help of all members of the community. (Ezra 5:2)
