King James Version

What Does Ezra 5:2 Mean?

Ezra 5:2 in the King James Version says “Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which i...” — study this verse from Ezra chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God helping them.”

Ezra 5:2 · KJV

Context

1

Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, even unto them.

2

Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God helping them.

3

At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall?

4

Then said we unto them after this manner, What are the names of the men that make this building? make: Chaldee, build

Read Ezra 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The phrase 'then rose up' (wayyaqum) indicates decisive response to prophetic word. Zerubbabel and Jeshua didn't hesitate or deliberate but acted immediately upon receiving divine direction through the prophets. This demonstrates proper relationship between prophecy and leadership—spiritual authority speaks God's word; civil and religious leaders implement it.

The clause 'and with them were the prophets of God helping them' shows ongoing prophetic support beyond initial encouragement. The Hebrew mesayin lehon means assisting or supporting, indicating Haggai and Zechariah didn't merely deliver messages then depart but remained involved, providing continued encouragement and guidance. This models integrated ministry where prophetic voices and practical leaders work collaboratively.

Beginning 'to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem' marks transition from inaction to obedience. Despite no change in external circumstances—opposition remained, economic challenges persisted, Persian authorization was uncertain—they obeyed prophetic direction. This demonstrates that faith acts on God's word before seeing circumstances resolve, trusting divine provision will follow obedience rather than waiting for favorable conditions before obeying.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Zerubbabel, as Davidic descendant and Persian-appointed governor, provided civil authority for the project. Jeshua, as high priest, ensured religious legitimacy. Their partnership prevented separation of sacred and secular, maintaining integration of faith and public life characteristic of biblical covenant community.

Beginning construction without explicit Persian permission represented significant risk. Darius was consolidating power and might view unsanctioned building as rebellion. Yet the prophets' word provided confidence that God would vindicate obedience. This faith was confirmed when Darius not only approved but funded the project (Ezra 6:6-12).

Archaeological evidence from this period shows Jerusalem remained small and poor. The rebuilt temple, while significant religiously, was modest architecturally compared to Solomon's original or later Herodian expansion. Yet God's presence and blessing didn't depend on magnificence but on obedient response to His word through the prophets.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the immediate response of Zerubbabel and Jeshua to prophetic word model proper relationship between spiritual direction and practical leadership?
  2. What does the prophets' ongoing support ('helping them') teach about sustained engagement versus one-time encouragement?
  3. How does acting in faith before circumstances improve demonstrate trust in God's sovereignty and provision?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
בֵּאדַ֡יִן1 of 20

“Then”

H116

then (of time)

קָ֠מוּ2 of 20

“rose up”

H6966

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

זְרֻבָּבֶ֤ל3 of 20

“Zerubbabel”

H2217

zerubbabel, an israelite

בַּר4 of 20

“the son”

H1247

a son, grandson, etc

שְׁאַלְתִּיאֵל֙5 of 20

“of Shealtiel”

H7598

shealtiel, an israelite

וְיֵשׁ֣וּעַ6 of 20

“and Jeshua”

H3443

jeshua, the name of ten israelites, also of a place in palestine

בַּר7 of 20

“the son”

H1247

a son, grandson, etc

יֽוֹצָדָ֔ק8 of 20

“of Jozadak”

H3136

jotsadak, an israelite

וְשָׁרִ֣יו9 of 20

“and began”

H8271

to free, separate; figuratively, to unravel, commence; by implication (of unloading beasts) to reside

לְמִבְנֵ֔א10 of 20

“to build”

H1124

to build

בֵּ֥ית11 of 20

“the house”

H1005

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אֱלָהָ֖א12 of 20

“of God”

H426

god

דִּ֣י13 of 20
H1768

that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of

בִירֽוּשְׁלֶ֑ם14 of 20

“which is at Jerusalem”

H3390

jerusalem

וְעִמְּה֛וֹן15 of 20

“and with them”

H5974

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

נְבִיַּאיָּ֥א16 of 20

“were the prophets”

H5029

a prophet

דִֽי17 of 20
H1768

that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of

אֱלָהָ֖א18 of 20

“of God”

H426

god

מְסָֽעֲדִ֥ין19 of 20

“helping”

H5583

to aid

לְהֽוֹן׃20 of 20
H0

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezra. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezra 5:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezra 5:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezra 3:2Ezra 6:14Zechariah 3:1-4Zechariah 6:11Haggai 1:12-152 Corinthians 1:24

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Ezra 5 →

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