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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Ezra 5:1-2

Some reckon that the building of the temple was suspended for only nine years; I am willing to believe that fifteen years were the utmost. During this time they had an altar and a tabernacle, which no doubt they made use of. When we cannot do what we would we must do what we can in the service of God, and be sorry we can do no better. But the counsellors that were hired to hinder the work (Ezra 4:5) told them, and perhaps with a pretence to inspiration, that the time had not come for the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ezra 5:1

Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo ,.... The grandson of Iddo; for he was the son of Berechiah, Zechariah 1:1 , prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem, in the name of the God of Israel ; this they both did in the second year of Darius; the one began in the sixth month, and the other in the eighth month of the year, Haggai 1:1 , even "unto them"; or "against them", as De Dieu; reproving them for their sloth and neglect of building... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ezra 5:1

Haggai - and Zechariah - These are the same whose writings we have among the twelve minor prophets. The son of Iddo - That is, the grandson of Iddo; for Zechariah was the son of Barachiah, the son of Iddo. See his prophecy, Zechariah 1:1 ; (note). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezra 5:1

Zechariah the son of Iddo. Really the grandson ( Zechariah 1:1 ). But Bere-chiah, his father, probably died while he was a child, and, being brought up by Iddo, he was called "the son of Iddo. Prophesied unto the Jews. The addresses of Haggai and Zechariah were only occasionally "prophetic," as we now commonly understand the word. But in the language of the Biblical writers all religious teaching is "prophesying," and Ezra here refers mainly to the exhortations addressed to the Jews by... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezra 5:1-2

The work revived. How completely the work described in these verses was a revival of the previous work of building the temple, as described in chaps, 1-3; may be seen by the use of the word "began" in Ezra 5:2 . Even "Zerubbabel" and "Jeshua," the leaders, had been remiss and, as it were, dead to the enterprise; consequently, in again going on with it, had again, as it were, to "begin." This seems also the best explanation of the singular way in which Haggai ( Haggai 2:18 ) and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezra 5:1-2

The inspiration of prophecy. Through the hostility of the Samaritans, who obtained authority from Artaxerxes, the work of building the temple was interrupted. This interruption seems to have commenced under Cyrus ( Ezra 4:5 ). It was continued under the brief reign of an upstart who feigned himself to be the brother of Ahasuerus; and it was carried on "unto the second year of Darius king of Persia." Thus the work was stopped for about sixteen years. "Then the prophets," etc. Here notice... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezra 5:1-5

A faithful ministry in the Church. I. THAT IT IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE DIVINE NAME . "In the name of the God of Israel" ( Ezra 5:1 ). 1. It advances in the Divine Name. These two prophets came to Israel in the name of God; a faithful ministry is commissioned by God, has his authority, and is qualified by him ( 2 Corinthians 5:20 ). 2. It partakes of the Divine Character. These prophets must bear in their conduct the purity of God, and in their words the mercy... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ezra 5:1

Haggai and Zechariah stirred up Zerubbabel and Joshua Ezra 5:2; Haggai 1:14, and warned the people against neglecting the building of the temple, in order to give themselves to the beautifying of their own houses (see Haggai 1:4, Haggai 1:9). Zechariah was the son of Berechiah, and grandson of Iddo (see the marginal reference; Matthew 23:35). Compare a similar application of “son” in the case of Jehu (see the 2 Kings 9:20 note).In the name of the God of Israel, even unto them - Rather, “in the... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Ezra 5:1

Ezra 5:1. 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, in particular, by reproaching the people with their indolence and insensibility; by telling them that they were careful enough to lodge themselves very commodiously, while the house of the... read more

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