Lexical Summary nebi: prophet, prophets, prophesied Original Word: נְבִיא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance prophet (Aramaic) corresponding to nabiy'; a prophet -- prophet. see HEBREW nabiy' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to nabi Definition a prophet NASB Translation prophesied (1), prophet (2), prophets (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs [נְבִיא] noun masculine prophet (Hebraism? also ᵑ7 Syriac; see Biblical Hebrew); — emphatic נְבִיאָה Kt, נְבִיָּא Ezra 5:1; Ezra 6:14; plural emphatic נְבִיאַיָּא Ezra 5:1,2.Topical Lexicon Biblical SettingStrong’s Hebrew 5029 appears twice, both in the Aramaic sections of Ezra (Ezra 5:2; Ezra 6:14). In each instance the word designates men whom God commissioned to speak His word—Haggai and Zechariah—during the critical years when the first returnees from Babylon were rebuilding the temple. The term therefore stands at the intersection of prophetic authority and post-exilic restoration. Historical Background Cyrus’s decree (Ezra 1:1–4) had authorized the rebuilding of the house of the Lord, yet opposition soon brought the project to a halt (Ezra 4:24). Nearly two decades later, “the prophets Haggai and Zechariah son of Iddo prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem, in the name of the God of Israel who was over them” (Ezra 5:1). Their prophetic preaching rekindled obedience: “Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Jeshua son of Jozadak began to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem, and the prophets of God were with them, helping them” (Ezra 5:2). Ministry Profile 1. Divine Commission The prophets spoke “in the name of the God of Israel” (Ezra 5:1). Their words carried covenantal authority, reminding the people that the same God who judged them by exile was now restoring them by His steadfast love. 2. Moral and Spiritual Motivation Haggai confronted apathy (“Is it a time for you yourselves to live in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins?” Haggai 1:4). Zechariah offered visions of cleansing and future glory (“Return to Me…and I will return to you, says the LORD of Hosts,” Zechariah 1:3). Together they blended exhortation and encouragement. 3. Tangible Results Their preaching produced immediate obedience (Ezra 5:2) and eventual completion: “They finished building... according to the command of the God of Israel and the decrees of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia. And the elders of the Jews prospered, and the work was completed through the prophecy of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah son of Iddo” (Ezra 6:14). Theological Emphases • Covenant Faithfulness The prophets functioned as covenant prosecutors and comforters, affirming that the Lord’s promises to Abraham and David remained intact despite exile. • Word-Empowered Obedience Human resolve alone could not revive the work; the prophetic word ignited faith, proving that “man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Deuteronomy 8:3; compare Matthew 4:4). • Temple Centrality By urging the reconstruction of the sanctuary, the prophets underscored the temple’s role as the focal point of worship, sacrifice, and the anticipation of the Messiah who would embody God’s presence (John 2:19). Relationship to the Broader Prophetic Office Although the form נְבִיא occurs only in Ezra, it is cognate with the common Hebrew term for “prophet.” Consequently, it shares the same essential functions—revelation, proclamation, and intercession—exemplified from Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15–18) to Malachi (Malachi 4:5–6). Practical Implications 1. Encouragement Amid Opposition Just as Haggai and Zechariah strengthened a weary remnant, the prophetic word of Scripture fortifies believers to persevere in God’s work today (1 Corinthians 15:58). 2. Priority of Worship The rebuilding narrative reminds the church that true renewal begins with restored worship, not merely structural or political reform (Romans 12:1). 3. Confidence in God’s Sovereignty The Lord moved Persian kings and Jewish governors alike, demonstrating that “the king’s heart is a watercourse in the hand of the LORD; He directs it wherever He pleases” (Proverbs 21:1). Christological Trajectory Zechariah points forward to the Branch (Zechariah 6:12), the Shepherd (Zechariah 13:7), and the coming King (Zechariah 9:9) fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The prophetic voice culminates in Him, “for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Revelation 19:10). Summary Strong’s 5029 highlights the indispensable role of prophetic ministry in God’s redemptive plan. Through Haggai and Zechariah, the Lord revived covenant hope, energized practical obedience, and advanced the storyline that would ultimately reach its climax in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations נְבִיַּיָּ֥א נְבִיָּ֔א נביא נבייא nə·ḇî·yā nə·ḇî·yay·yā nəḇîyā nəḇîyayyā neviYa neviyaiYaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 5:2 HEB: [נְבִיאַיָּא כ] (נְבִיַּיָּ֥א ק) דִֽי־ NAS: is in Jerusalem; and the prophets of God KJV: and with them [were] the prophets of God INT: Jerusalem them prophet which of God Ezra 6:14 2 Occurrences |
    |