Ezra 5:11

Arabic 2016 (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)

فَأجَابُوا: «نَحْنُ عَبِيدُ إلَهِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأرْضِ، وَنَحْنُ نُعِيدُ بِنَاءَ هَذَا البَيْتِ الَّذِي بَنَاهُ وَأكمَلَهُ أحَدُ المُلُوكِ العُظَمَاءِ قَبْلَ سِنِينَ طَوِيلَةٍ.

What Does This Mean?

In Ezra 5:11, the people building the temple in Jerusalem explain to their questioners that they are servants of God and are rebuilding the temple, which was originally built long ago by a great king of Israel. The key message is about the continuity of worship and the divine mission to rebuild what was destroyed.

Explained for Children

Imagine if you were building a treehouse, and someone asked why you were doing it. You might say, 'This treehouse was here before, and now we are fixing it up again because it's important to us.' That's what these people are saying about the temple they are rebuilding.

Historical Background

Ezra was written around 450 BC by the priest and scribe Ezra. The audience is primarily the returning exiles from Babylon and the Israelites still living in the land. The cultural setting is one of rebuilding and restoring faith after a period of exile.

Living It Out Today

Imagine if you were tasked with restoring an old family home. This verse reminds us that we often have the responsibility to carry on what others have started, especially when it's something valuable and meaningful, like our spiritual heritage.

Topics

• rebuilding
• faith
• service
• divine mission
• restoration
• continuity

Related Verses

• 1 Chronicles 22:19
• Ezra 1:1-4
• Haggai 1:1-15
• 2 Chronicles 36:22-23
• Luke 1:68-75

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it important to rebuild the temple?

Rebuilding the temple signifies the restoration of a community’s connection to God and its spiritual heritage, as well as a return to a place of worship and community gathering.

Who was the 'great king' mentioned?

This likely refers to King Solomon, who originally built the temple in Jerusalem under divine guidance, as recorded in 1 Kings 6.

What does it mean to be 'servants of the God of heaven and earth?'

Being a servant of God means dedicating oneself to God's will and serving Him with all one's heart, acknowledging God's sovereignty over all creation.

How does this verse relate to personal faith?

This verse encourages us to recognize and continue the good work of our predecessors, especially in matters of faith and service to God, reinforcing the idea of building on the foundations laid by others.