Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak arose and began to rebuild the house of God that is in Jerusalem, and the prophets of God were with them, supporting them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to see this as just the start of a building project, but notice that "began to build" here marks a recommencement of work that had stalled for about fifteen years. The true power wasn't just in the leaders, Zerubbabel and Jeshua, but in the prophets actively "helping" them, providing the spiritual fuel and assurance that reignited the people's resolve.
Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak arose and began to rebuild the house of God that is in Jerusalem, and the prophets of God were with them, supporting them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After years of inactivity and opposition, the project to rebuild the Jerusalem temple was reignited. Under the leadership of Zerubbabel, the governor, and Jeshua, the high priest, they boldly recommenced construction. This fresh start was not undertaken alone, as the prophets Haggai and Zechariah stood with them, offering crucial encouragement and assurance of God's favor.
Ever feel like a project stalls out, only to be revived later? This verse marks not the first attempt to rebuild the Temple, but a powerful re-commencement.
The work of rebuilding the house of God in Jerusalem had actually started years before, back in the second year after their return from exile. But for about fifteen years, the construction had come to a standstill. It wasn't until the leaders, Zerubbabel (the governor) and Jeshua (the high priest), were stirred by the prophets that they rose up again to begin the work anew. This wasn't just picking up where they left off; it was a fresh start, a renewed commitment driven by divine inspiration.
What happens when the people of God have both visionary leaders and prophetic encouragement? This verse shows us a powerful combination.
This moment wasn't just about Zerubbabel and Jeshua; it was about a united effort. Zerubbabel, the civil governor, and Jeshua, the high priest, represented the key leadership roles. But critically, 'the prophets of God were with them, supporting them.' This means God's spiritual guides were actively involved, not just observing. They offered presence, encouragement, and the assurance of God's favor. It’s a beautiful picture of how civil, religious, and prophetic leadership can, and should, work together for God's purposes.
Why is encouragement so vital, especially when facing opposition or delays? This verse highlights the role of God's messengers.
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The prophets Haggai and Zechariah weren't just predicting the future; they were actively fueling the present work. Their presence alongside Zerubbabel and Jeshua wasn't passive. They offered vital encouragement, assurance of God's presence, and a reminder that success wasn't dependent on human permission alone, but on divine backing. When the people heard the prophets, they were inspired to action. This divine encouragement, flowing from God's messengers, broke through years of inertia and opposition, empowering the leaders and the community to move forward with faith.
Understand the original words
bānāh · Hebrew Verb
The act of constructing, restoring, or establishing. Biblically, it is often used for the Temple, representing the restoration of God’s dwelling place among His people and the re-establishment of true worship.
This verse highlights a crucial moment where civil and religious leadership, energized by prophetic encouragement, recommitted to God's work after a significant period of delay and opposition.
538 BC
Cyrus's Decree and Return from Exile
King Cyrus the Great issues a decree allowing exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. This marks the beginning of the Second Jewish Commonwealth.
536 BC
Foundation of the Second Temple Laid
Zerubbabel leads the first wave of returnees and lays the foundation for the Second Temple in Jerusalem, but opposition soon halts the work.
c. 520 BC
Haggai and Zechariah Prophesy
The prophets Haggai and Zechariah begin to deliver messages from God, rebuking the people for neglecting the Temple and urging them to resume its construction.
520 BC— this verse
Temple Rebuilding Commences Anew
Inspired by the prophets, Zerubbabel and Jeshua, along with the people, recommence the building of the Second Temple, despite potential opposition.
516 BC
Completion of the Second Temple
The Second Temple is finally completed and dedicated, about 20 years after the foundation was laid. This signifies a renewed presence of God among His people.
This passage directly shows the prophets, Haggai and Zechariah, stirring up Zerubbabel and Jeshua to restart the temple building, aligning perfectly with the encouragement mentioned in Ezra 5:2.
Zechariah 4:6-10Zechariah's prophecy assures Zerubbabel that the temple will be finished, not by human might or power but by God's Spirit, providing the divine backing and encouragement the builders received.
Ezra 3:8-13This earlier account shows the initial laying of the temple's foundation, highlighting the contrast between the joy of that beginning and the later discouragement before Zerubbabel and Jeshua recommenced the work with prophetic support.
2 Chronicles 36:22-23These verses prophesy the return from exile and the rebuilding of the temple by Cyrus's decree, setting the stage for the events in Ezra and showing God's overarching plan to restore His house through leaders and prophets.
clarkeEzra 5:2: "Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God helping them."
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 proph…
bensonEzra 5:2: "Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God helping them."
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 t…
It's easy to see this as just the start of a building project, but notice that "began to build" here marks a recommencement of work that had stalled for about fifteen years. The true power wasn't just in the leaders, Zerubbabel and Jeshua, but in the prophets actively "helping" them, providing the spiritual fuel and assurance that reignited the people's resolve.
After years of inactivity and opposition, the project to rebuild the Jerusalem temple was reignited. Under the leadership of Zerubbabel, the governor, and Jeshua, the high priest, they boldly recommenced construction. This fresh start was not undertaken alone, as the prophets Haggai and Zechariah stood with them, offering crucial encouragement and assurance of God's favor.
After years of inactivity and opposition, the project to rebuild the Jerusalem temple was reignited. Under the leadership of Zerubbabel, the governor, and Jeshua, the high priest, they boldly recommenced construction. This fresh start was not undertaken alone, as the prophets Haggai and Zechariah stood with them, offering crucial encouragement and assurance of God's favor.
"Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak arose and began to rebuild the house of God that is in Jerusalem, and the prophets of God were with them, supporting them." — It's easy to see this as just the start of a building project, but notice that "began to build" here marks a recommencement of work that had stalled for about fifteen years. The true power wasn't j…
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Last reviewed October 2026