Ezra 6:5

Furthermore, the gold and silver articles of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple in Jerusalem and carried to Babylon, must also be returned to the temple in Jerusalem and deposited in the house of God.

Study Bible

Furthermore
This word serves as a continuation of a decree, emphasizing the importance and urgency of the instructions that follow. It indicates that what is about to be stated is not merely an addition but a crucial part of the restoration process. In the context of Ezra, it underscores the divine orchestration behind the return of the exiles and the restoration of the temple, highlighting God's faithfulness to His promises.

the gold and silver articles
These items were sacred vessels used in the worship and service of God in the temple. Their mention here signifies the restoration of proper worship and the reestablishment of the covenant relationship between God and His people. Historically, these articles were crafted with great skill and dedication, symbolizing the wealth and glory of Solomon's temple. Their return is a powerful symbol of God's sovereignty and the restoration of His people's spiritual heritage.

of the house of God
This phrase refers to the temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship for the Israelites. The temple was not just a physical structure but a symbol of God's presence among His people. The restoration of the temple articles signifies the reestablishment of God's dwelling place on earth, a foreshadowing of the ultimate temple, Jesus Christ, in whom the fullness of God dwells bodily.

which Nebuchadnezzar took
Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king, represents the forces of exile and destruction. His taking of the temple articles was a profound act of desecration and humiliation for the Israelites. However, this phrase also serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over history. Despite the actions of powerful earthly kings, God's plans for His people cannot be thwarted.

from the temple in Jerusalem
The temple in Jerusalem was the heart of Jewish worship and identity. Its mention here evokes the pain of its destruction and the hope of its restoration. Jerusalem, the city of peace, is central to God's redemptive plan, and its temple is a precursor to the heavenly Jerusalem, where God will dwell with His people eternally.

and brought to Babylon
Babylon symbolizes exile, captivity, and the judgment of God upon His people for their disobedience. The articles' journey to Babylon represents the low point of Israel's history. Yet, their return signifies redemption and the fulfillment of God's promise to bring His people back from captivity, a theme echoed throughout Scripture.

must also be returned
This imperative highlights the divine mandate for restoration. It is not merely a suggestion but a command that reflects God's unchanging purpose to restore what was lost. The return of the articles is a tangible sign of God's faithfulness and the beginning of a new chapter in Israel's history.

and brought to their place
The phrase emphasizes the importance of order and sanctity in worship. Each article had a specific place and purpose in the temple, reflecting the meticulous care with which God instructed His people to worship Him. This return to order is a call to holiness and reverence in the presence of God.

in the temple in Jerusalem
Reiterating the temple's location underscores its significance as the chosen place for God's name to dwell. It is a reminder of the centrality of worship in the life of God's people and the importance of having a dedicated space for encountering the divine.

You are to deposit them
This instruction is directed to those responsible for the temple's restoration, highlighting the role of human agency in fulfilling God's purposes. It is a call to obedience and stewardship, reminding believers of their responsibility to care for the sacred and to participate in God's redemptive work.

in the house of God
The repetition of this phrase reinforces the temple's identity as God's dwelling place. It is a powerful reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people, a relationship that is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who is the true temple and the mediator of a new covenant.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezra
A scribe and priest who played a crucial role in the restoration of the Jewish community and the temple in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile.

2. Nebuchadnezzar
The Babylonian king who conquered Jerusalem, destroyed the temple, and took the sacred articles to Babylon.

3. Temple in Jerusalem
The holy place of worship for the Israelites, originally built by Solomon, destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar, and later rebuilt.

4. Babylon
The city where the Israelites were exiled and where the temple articles were taken.

5. Darius
The Persian king who issued the decree allowing the Jews to return the temple articles and rebuild the temple.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Restoration
God's plan for restoration is evident as He moves the hearts of kings to fulfill His purposes, demonstrating His control over history.

The Sacredness of Worship
The return of the temple articles underscores the importance of reverence and proper worship, reminding us to honor God with our resources.

Faithfulness to God's Commands
The meticulous return and placement of the articles in the temple highlight the need for obedience to God's instructions in our lives.

Hope in God's Promises
The restoration of the temple articles serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises, encouraging us to trust in His word.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the return of the temple articles reflect God's faithfulness to His people, and how can we see this faithfulness in our own lives today?

2. In what ways does the account of the temple articles' return challenge us to consider the sacredness of our own worship practices?

3. How can we apply the principle of obedience seen in the return of the temple articles to our daily walk with God?

4. What does the involvement of foreign kings in the restoration of the temple teach us about God's sovereignty over world events?

5. How can the hope of restoration seen in Ezra 6:5 inspire us to trust in God's promises during times of personal or communal rebuilding?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 25:13-17
Describes the original taking of the temple articles by Nebuchadnezzar, providing historical context for their return.

Daniel 5:2-3
Illustrates the misuse of the temple articles by Belshazzar, highlighting their sacredness and the importance of their return.

Ezra 1:7-11
Details the initial decree by Cyrus for the return of the temple articles, showing continuity in God's plan for restoration.

Haggai 2:7-9
Speaks of the glory of the latter temple, connecting the return of the articles to the fulfillment of God's promises.