Ezra 5:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Ezra 5:15
15 And said unto him, Take these vessels, go, carry them into the temple that is in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be builded in his place.
Chapter Context
Ezra 5 is a historical narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of hope, faith, covenant. Written during the post-exilic return (c. 458-440 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The Persian Empire allowed religious freedom while maintaining political control.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-17: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Ezra and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Ezra 5:15
15 And said unto him, Take these vessels, go, carry them into the temple that is in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be builded in his place.
Analysis
Cyrus's command contained two directives: transport the vessels to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. The Aramaic hekal (temple) specifically denotes a palace or sanctuary, emphasizing the structure's sacred purpose. The phrase "in his place" (al athreih) required rebuilding on the original site—the threshing floor David purchased (2 Samuel 24:18-25), where Solomon constructed the first temple.
The authorization "let the house of God be builded" transformed temple reconstruction from Jewish initiative to Persian imperial decree. This legitimized the project within the empire's legal framework. The Jews were not acting independently but executing orders that traced back to Cyrus himself—documentation that would prove decisive when Darius searched the archives.
Historical Context
The requirement to rebuild "in his place" preserved the temple's location on Mount Moriah, traditionally identified with the site where Abraham offered Isaac (Genesis 22) and where the angel halted the plague in David's time. This continuity of sacred geography was essential for proper worship. The Samaritans would later offer to help build but were rejected partly because they proposed alternative worship locations.
Reflection
- What is the significance of rebuilding the temple "in his place"—on the exact original location—rather than choosing a new site?
- How does Cyrus's decree illustrate that God can accomplish His purposes through secular governments and legal systems?