Ezra 5 - Introduction
_A.M. 3484. B.C. 520._ Zerubbabel, encouraged by Haggai and Zechariah, sets the work forward again, Ezra 5:1; Ezra 5:2. Their adversaries oppose them again, Ezra 5:3. Write to Darius, Ezra 5:6.... [ Continue Reading ]
_A.M. 3484. B.C. 520._ Zerubbabel, encouraged by Haggai and Zechariah, sets the work forward again, Ezra 5:1; Ezra 5:2. Their adversaries oppose them again, Ezra 5:3. Write to Darius, Ezra 5:6.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Haggai and Zechariah_ Concerning these prophets, see the books which bear their names. They are both thought to have been born at Babylon during the captivity, and both with united zeal encouraged the people to go on with the work of the temple. Upon the accession of Darius to the throne, Haggai, i... [ Continue Reading ]
_Then rose up Zerubbabel and Jeshua, and began to build the house_ It had been begun to be built long before, but from the first had gone on very slowly, and afterward had been quite intermitted, till those great men, excited by the prophets, set the work forward again. _With them were the prophets... [ Continue Reading ]
_Tatnai and Shethar-boznai_ These were probably new governors, or prefects, whom Darius had sent; for it was usual with new kings to change the governors of provinces. _Who hath commanded you to build this house?_ No sooner did the Spirit of God stir up the friends of the temple to appear for it, bu... [ Continue Reading ]
_But the eye of God was upon the elders_, &c. The peculiar favour, watchful providence, and powerful protection of God, giving them courage and resolution to go on with the work, notwithstanding the threats of their enemies; and so overruling the hearts and hands of their enemies, that they did not... [ Continue Reading ]
_To the house of the great God_ Whom the Jews account the great God, the God of gods, esteeming all others to be but little, or rather false gods. And, indeed, thus far the greater part of the Samaritans agreed with them.... [ Continue Reading ]
_We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth_ The God we worship is not a local deity; and therefore we cannot be charged with making a faction, or forming a sect in building this temple to his honour. But we pay our homage to the God on whom the whole creation depends, and therefore ought to... [ Continue Reading ]
_After that our fathers had provoked the God of heaven_ It was to punish us for our sins, that we were, for a time, put out of the possession of this house, and not because the gods of the nations had prevailed against our God. _But in the first year of Cyrus_, &c. We have the royal decree of Cyrus... [ Continue Reading ]
Ezra 5:16. _Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundation_, &c. The building was begun according to this order, as soon as ever we were returned, so that we have not forfeited the benefit of the order, for want of pursuing it in time; still it has been in building; but because we have met... [ Continue Reading ]
_Now therefore, let there be search made_, &c. So they properly propose, that the real facts might be ascertained; _in the king's treasure-house_ The house or place where the records of the kingdom were preserved very carefully, as rich treasures are wont to be. Thus these Samaritans seem to have gi... [ Continue Reading ]