Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ezra 1:5. It’s a really important moment in early Jewish history! Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse tells us that a group of leaders – the "chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin," along with priests and Levites – are being called to return to Jerusalem. They’re going to build a temple for God! Let's unpack it bit by bit: “Then rose up…” - This means they were actively planning something. They weren't just casually thinking about it; they were taking initiative. “…the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin…” – These were powerful figures in a specific region (Judah and its descendants) that had a long history in Israel. They held significant positions. "...and the priests, and the Levites…” - This highlights the importance of religious leaders. They were responsible for keeping sacred traditions and rituals. “…with all [them] whose spirit God had raised…” – This is a crucial part. "Spirit God had raised" means they were chosen and empowered to do this important work. It suggests a feeling of divine favor and purpose. What’s happening? They're going back to Jerusalem to build the temple. Why was this important? The Bible tells us that this temple was a central place for worship and connection with God in ancient Israel. Building it was a huge deal – it signified a return to the original covenant relationship between God and his people. In short: It’s a story of leaders rising up to fulfill a sacred duty: rebuilding the most important religious structure in Israel. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, or would you like me to give you an example of how this event fits into the larger story of the Old Testament?