Ezra 1:5 Meaning and Explanation
“Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all them whose spirit God had raised, to go up to build the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The leaders of Judah and Benjamin, the priests, and the Levites, along with all whom God stirred, rose up to return and rebuild the temple.
What Does Ezra 1:5 Mean?
Now the decree meets its answer. The heads of families from Judah and Benjamin, together with the priests and Levites, prepare to make the journey. They are joined by everyone whose spirit God had raised. The same verb used of Cyrus in the first verse appears again: God who stirred the king now stirs His people.
Outward permission alone does not move a person; the inward work of God does. The decree opened the door, but it was God who awakened the will to walk through it. Those who returned were not driven by command but drawn by a stirring within. This is how God builds: He prepares the way through circumstance, then prepares the heart to take it. Where He calls, He also kindles the desire to obey, and willing hands rise to do His work.
Ezra 1:5 in the Original Language
raised ('ur, עוּר) -- the same word used of Cyrus in verse 1; God awakened His people's spirits to answer the call.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezra 1:5
What does Ezra 1:5 mean?
The leaders of Judah and Benjamin, the priests, and the Levites, along with all whom God stirred, rose up to return and rebuild the temple.