And thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded these many years ago, which a great king of Israel builded and set up.
And this is how they answered us, saying, 'We are servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the temple that was built many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and established.'
The Jewish people boldly declared to their questioners that they served the God of heaven and earth and were rebuilding the temple that King Solomon had originally constructed.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Ezra, the Jewish exiles had returned from Babylon to Jerusalem under Persian rule and were working to rebuild the Temple that had been destroyed decades earlier. When the Persian governor Tattenai questioned their authority, the Jewish leaders responded by affirming their service to the God of heaven and earth, explaining that they were restoring the original structure built by King Solomon. This response highlights the challenges of maintaining religious identity and worship amid foreign oversight during the post-exilic period.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.