Ezra 5:2

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 5:2

Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak ,.... Whose spirits were stirred up and quickened by the ministry of the prophets, the Lord accompanying it by his Spirit, Haggai 1:12 , and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem ; to go on with the building of it; for they had laid the foundation before, and perhaps had carried it up to some little height, at least, before they ceased from it, Ezra 3:10 and with them were the prophets of... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ezra 5:2

Then rose up Zerubbabel - Here we find three classes of men joining in the sacred work: Zerubbabel the civil governor; Jeshua the high priest or ecclesiastical governor; and Haggai and Zechariah the prophets. How glorious it is when we see the civil government joining with the sacerdotal and prophetic for the establishment and extension of true religion! read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezra 5:1-2

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezra 5:2

Then rose up Zerubbabel … and Jeshua. Haggai's preaching was especially addressed to these two leaders ( Haggai 1:1 ), and their spirit was especially "stirred up" ( Haggai 1:14 ) by his preaching. The prophets of God —Haggai and Zechariah—were with them , throughout their work, helping them; and that in various ways. 1. By direct command to the people—"Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house" ( Haggai 1:8 ); 2. By warnings—"Because of mine house that... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ezra 5:2

Began to build - i. e., “made a second beginning” - recommenced the uncompleted work.Helping them - By infusing zeal into the people (see Haggai 1:12). read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Ezra 5:2

Ezra 5:2. 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 of God helping them Encouraging them by their presence, and by assuring them that God would be with them to protect them from their enemies, and give them success. It is supposed the... read more

Group of Brands