What is the meaning of Ezra 5:11? And this is the answer they returned: The Jewish leaders are replying to Tattenai’s inquiry (Ezra 5:3–4). They do not argue politics or plead for tolerance; they simply state facts grounded in God’s history with them. Like Nehemiah later (Nehemiah 2:20), they give a calm, confident testimony. Their model reminds us that when challenged, God’s people answer with truth, not spin (Acts 4:19–20). We are servants of the God of heaven and earth, • Identity first: “servants,” not rebels, claimants, or mere citizens (Joshua 24:15; Romans 1:1). • Their God is universal—“heaven and earth”—not a regional deity (Genesis 1:1; Psalm 124:8). • By confessing this, they anchor their mission in the Creator’s authority, higher than Persia’s, yet never disrespectful of Persian rule (Romans 13:1). and we are rebuilding the temple • Purpose clarified: rebuild, not revolt (Ezra 1:2–3). • Obedience to God’s specific command reiterated by prophets Haggai and Zechariah (Haggai 1:8; Zechariah 4:9). • For believers today, rebuilding God’s house parallels the call to edify Christ’s church (1 Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 2:20–22). that was built many years ago, • History matters. The reference to time roots the current project in God’s past faithfulness (Psalm 77:11). • It also exposes the long gap caused by exile and earlier opposition (Ezra 4:24), showing perseverance despite delay (Galatians 6:9). which a great king of Israel built and completed. • “Great king” points to Solomon (1 Kings 6:1, 38; 2 Chronicles 5:1). Mentioning completion underscores that God’s work had once reached fulfillment and can do so again (Philippians 1:6). • Solomon’s greatness derived from God’s promise to David (2 Samuel 7:13). The rebuilders appeal to that promise, trusting the same covenant-keeping God (Hebrews 10:23). summary Ezra 5:11 models a faithful answer under scrutiny: identify as God’s servants, confess His universal sovereignty, state the obedient task, honor sacred history, and anchor all in God’s covenant faithfulness. |
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