Ezra 5:16 – “So this Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundations of the house of God in Jerusalem. From that day to the present it has been under construction but is not yet finished.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In Ezra 5:16, the Jewish leaders continue recounting the history of the temple’s reconstruction to the Persian officials who are investigating their right to rebuild. The verse mentions a man named Sheshbazzar, appointed by King Cyrus, who came to Jerusalem and laid the foundation of the temple. The verse also acknowledges that while the foundation was laid, the temple had not yet been completed due to various delays and challenges.
This statement serves two purposes: it provides evidence that the rebuilding project began under the direct orders of Cyrus, and it explains the current state of the temple—partially constructed but incomplete. The rebuilding effort had faced many interruptions, mostly due to opposition from local enemies and internal discouragement, which is why the work remained unfinished at the time of this report.
Historical Context
The events described in this verse take place after the Jewish people returned from exile in Babylon, following the decree by King Cyrus of Persia allowing them to go back to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple (Ezra 1:1-4). Sheshbazzar, likely a Jewish leader appointed as governor over the returning exiles, was tasked with overseeing the temple’s reconstruction. He laid the foundation of the temple shortly after the Jews returned.
However, the work on the temple faced numerous setbacks. Political opposition from neighboring peoples, internal issues among the Jewish community, and shifts in Persian leadership all contributed to delays. The temple project was put on hold for many years before it was restarted under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Joshua, guided by the prophets Haggai and Zechariah. This verse acknowledges the start of the work under Sheshbazzar, while also recognizing that the temple was still incomplete at this time.
Theological Implications
Ezra 5:16 highlights the theme of perseverance in God’s work, even when faced with delays and obstacles. The laying of the foundation represents a significant first step in the restoration of the temple, but the fact that the temple remained unfinished shows that fulfilling God’s purposes can take time and may involve seasons of waiting and challenge. Even though the temple was not yet complete, the foundation was a symbol of hope that God’s plans would ultimately be fulfilled.
Theologically, this verse also reminds us that God’s work may not always proceed according to our timing. The Jewish people were faithful in laying the foundation, but the completion of the temple was delayed for years. This shows that sometimes we are called to start a work for God, but we must trust Him to bring it to completion in His time.
Literary Analysis
Ezra 5:16 is part of the Jewish leaders’ formal defense to the Persian officials, explaining why they were rebuilding the temple. The verse serves as a historical marker, recounting the initial efforts made by Sheshbazzar and noting that the temple had been “under construction but is not yet finished.” This statement is both a factual report and an implicit request for the Persian authorities to allow the work to continue without further interference.
The verse contrasts the beginning of the project, marked by the laying of the foundation, with the present state of the unfinished temple. This literary structure emphasizes the long and difficult process of rebuilding and highlights the perseverance of the Jewish people despite the challenges they faced.
Biblical Cross-References
- Ezra 3:8-10 – This passage describes the laying of the foundation of the temple under Zerubbabel, who likely continued the work begun by Sheshbazzar.
- Haggai 2:4 – The prophet Haggai encourages the Jewish leaders and people to be strong and continue the work of rebuilding the temple, showing that God’s presence is with them.
- Zechariah 4:9 – Zechariah also speaks of Zerubbabel’s role in completing the temple, saying, “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; his hands will also complete it.”
- Philippians 1:6 – Paul writes, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus,” which echoes the idea that God finishes what He starts, even if the process takes time.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Ezra 5:16 is a reminder that God’s work in our lives and in the world can take time to unfold. Just as the foundation of the temple was laid, but the completion of the building was delayed, we may experience seasons where we see the beginning of God’s work but not its full realization. This verse encourages us to be patient and trust that God is faithful to complete what He has started.
It also teaches us the importance of perseverance in our faith. The Jewish people did not abandon the work of rebuilding the temple, even though they faced delays and opposition. In the same way, we are called to continue following God’s call, even when progress seems slow or difficult.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Ezra 5:16 reflects God’s love and faithfulness in allowing the Jewish people to return from exile and begin the process of rebuilding the temple. Even though the work was delayed, God’s love for His people did not change, and His plan for them remained intact. This verse shows that God’s love is patient and that He walks with His people through both the victories and the struggles they face.
God’s love is also seen in His desire to dwell with His people. The temple represented God’s presence among the Jews, and the command to rebuild it shows that God was committed to restoring their relationship with Him, even after the hardship of the exile.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Ezra 5:16 points forward to Jesus Christ in several ways. The temple was the place where God’s presence dwelled among His people, and the rebuilding of the temple in Ezra’s time was a step toward restoring that relationship. However, in the New Testament, Jesus becomes the ultimate fulfillment of the temple. In John 2:19-21, Jesus refers to His body as the temple, meaning that He is the true dwelling place of God.
Just as the foundation of the temple was laid in Ezra 5:16 but the work was not yet finished, Jesus’s work on the cross laid the foundation for the salvation of humanity. Yet, the full completion of God’s plan will come when Christ returns and establishes His kingdom in full. This reminds us that we live in the “already but not yet” reality of God’s kingdom: the foundation has been laid, but the work is still in progress.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Have you ever experienced a time when you saw the beginning of God’s work but had to wait for it to be completed? How did you handle that season of waiting?
- How does this verse encourage you to trust in God’s timing, even when His work seems delayed or unfinished?
- In what areas of your life do you need to persevere in faith, trusting that God will complete what He has started?
- How does the idea that Jesus is the ultimate temple deepen your understanding of God’s presence in your life?
Ezra 5:16 encourages us to remain patient and faithful as God’s work unfolds in our lives. Even when progress seems slow, we can trust that God is still at work and that He will complete what He has begun, just as He eventually completed the rebuilding of the temple and ultimately fulfilled His promises through Jesus Christ.