Ezra 5:16 - Then the same Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundations of God’s house which is in Jerusalem. Since that time even until now has it been in building, and yet it is not completed.
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What does "Ezra 5:16" mean?
Ezra 5:16 is a significant statement about the early stages of rebuilding the Second Temple in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. Let's break it down:
"Then the same Sheshbazzar came..." Sheshbazzar was a leader of the Jewish exiles who returned to Jerusalem. He is often identified with Zerubbabel, though there is some scholarly debate about whether they are the same person or different individuals with similar roles.
"...and laid the foundations of God's house which is in Jerusalem." This indicates that Sheshbazzar (or Zerubbabel) took the crucial first step of physically beginning the reconstruction of the Temple. Laying the foundation was a symbolic and practical act of re-establishing worship and religious life in Jerusalem.
"Since that time even until now has it been in building..." This shows that the rebuilding process was ongoing at the time the book of Ezra was written. The work had started, but it was a slow, protracted process.
"...and yet it is not completed." This is the key point of the verse. Despite the initial efforts, the Temple was still not finished. This implies there were obstacles and challenges that hindered the completion of the project.
Meaning and Significance:
Acknowledgement of Progress: The verse acknowledges that a start had been made. The foundation was laid, which was a crucial step forward.
Highlighting Difficulties: The incomplete state of the Temple underscores the immense challenges faced by the returning exiles. These challenges could have included:
Lack of Resources: Rebuilding required manpower, materials, and financial support, which were likely scarce among the returning exiles.
Opposition from Neighbors: The Samaritans and other groups living in the region opposed the rebuilding efforts, causing delays and setbacks.
Political Instability: The Persian Empire's policies and local governance could have affected the progress of the project.
Spiritual Apathy: Some of the exiles may have lost their initial zeal and enthusiasm for rebuilding.
Building Anticipation: By emphasizing the unfinished state, the verse creates a sense of anticipation and a need for further action. It sets the stage for the subsequent chapters of Ezra, which describe the renewed efforts to complete the Temple.
Divine Sovereignty: It subtly points to God's sovereignty over the project. Even with human efforts, the completion of the Temple ultimately depended on God's timing and provision.
In essence, Ezra 5:16 provides a snapshot of the rebuilding process, acknowledging the initial progress while highlighting the ongoing challenges and the need for continued dedication to the task. It serves as a reminder that significant endeavors often require perseverance and that the completion of God's work may take time and face obstacles.
Ezra 5:16 - Then the same Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundations of God’s house which is in Jerusalem. Since that time even until now has it been in building, and yet it is not completed.
What does "Ezra 5:16" mean?
Ezra 5:16 is a significant statement about the early stages of rebuilding the Second Temple in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. Let's break it down:
"Then the same Sheshbazzar came..." Sheshbazzar was a leader of the Jewish exiles who returned to Jerusalem. He is often identified with Zerubbabel, though there is some scholarly debate about whether they are the same person or different individuals with similar roles.
"...and laid the foundations of God's house which is in Jerusalem." This indicates that Sheshbazzar (or Zerubbabel) took the crucial first step of physically beginning the reconstruction of the Temple. Laying the foundation was a symbolic and practical act of re-establishing worship and religious life in Jerusalem.
"Since that time even until now has it been in building..." This shows that the rebuilding process was ongoing at the time the book of Ezra was written. The work had started, but it was a slow, protracted process.
"...and yet it is not completed." This is the key point of the verse. Despite the initial efforts, the Temple was still not finished. This implies there were obstacles and challenges that hindered the completion of the project.
Meaning and Significance:
Acknowledgement of Progress: The verse acknowledges that a start had been made. The foundation was laid, which was a crucial step forward.
Highlighting Difficulties: The incomplete state of the Temple underscores the immense challenges faced by the returning exiles. These challenges could have included:
Lack of Resources: Rebuilding required manpower, materials, and financial support, which were likely scarce among the returning exiles.
Opposition from Neighbors: The Samaritans and other groups living in the region opposed the rebuilding efforts, causing delays and setbacks.
Political Instability: The Persian Empire's policies and local governance could have affected the progress of the project.
Spiritual Apathy: Some of the exiles may have lost their initial zeal and enthusiasm for rebuilding.
Building Anticipation: By emphasizing the unfinished state, the verse creates a sense of anticipation and a need for further action. It sets the stage for the subsequent chapters of Ezra, which describe the renewed efforts to complete the Temple.
Divine Sovereignty: It subtly points to God's sovereignty over the project. Even with human efforts, the completion of the Temple ultimately depended on God's timing and provision.
In essence, Ezra 5:16 provides a snapshot of the rebuilding process, acknowledging the initial progress while highlighting the ongoing challenges and the need for continued dedication to the task. It serves as a reminder that significant endeavors often require perseverance and that the completion of God's work may take time and face obstacles.