Ezra 5:11
And thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded these many years ago, which a great king of Israel builded and set up.
Original Language Analysis
הֲתִיב֣וּנָא
they returned
H8421
הֲתִיב֣וּנָא
they returned
Strong's:
H8421
Word #:
3 of 25
specifically (transitive and ellip.) to reply
דִֽי
H1768
דִֽי
Strong's:
H1768
Word #:
8 of 25
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
שְׁמַיָּ֜א
of heaven
H8065
שְׁמַיָּ֜א
of heaven
Strong's:
H8065
Word #:
10 of 25
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
בַּיְתָא֙
the house
H1005
בַּיְתָא֙
the house
Strong's:
H1005
Word #:
13 of 25
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
דִּֽי
H1768
דִּֽי
Strong's:
H1768
Word #:
14 of 25
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
הֲוָ֨א
that was
H1934
הֲוָ֨א
that was
Strong's:
H1934
Word #:
15 of 25
to exist; used in a great variety of applications (especially in connection with other words)
Historical Context
Solomon completed the first temple around 966 BC; it was destroyed in 586 BC—approximately 380 years of continuous service. The elders' appeal to this ancient heritage strategically emphasized that Jerusalem's temple predated the Persian Empire itself. Their response demonstrated diplomatic wisdom: acknowledging Persian authority while asserting their project's ancient, legitimate origins under God's authorization.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the elders' bold confession—"We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth"—model faithful witness before secular authorities?
- Why is connecting current ministry to its historical and biblical roots important for establishing legitimacy and continuity?
Analysis & Commentary
The Jewish elders' response begins with bold theological confession: "We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth." The Aramaic title elah shemaya ve'ar'a (God of heaven and earth) asserts Yahweh's universal sovereignty over all creation—not merely a local deity but the cosmic Creator. This confession before Persian officials paralleled Daniel's testimony in Babylon, maintaining covenant identity under foreign rule.
Their reference to Solomon ("a great king of Israel") connected the current project to Israel's glorious past. The original temple "builded these many years ago" stood approximately 400 years before its destruction, representing the pinnacle of Israel's architectural and spiritual achievement. By invoking Solomon's legacy, the elders established continuity between their restoration work and divinely authorized worship.