Definition: But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel, said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the LORD God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ezra 4:3. It’s a really important and significant passage in biblical history! Here’s a simplified explanation: What it means: This verse is about a shift in focus for the Jewish people after a period of disunity and neglect. Basically, they were not supposed to be rebuilding a temple – that was already completed by Moses – but instead, they needed to actively build something for God. Here’s a breakdown: “But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel…” - This refers to a group of leaders who were responsible for preserving Jewish traditions and history. They were like the original “keepers” of the Jewish people. “…said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the LORD God of Israel…” - They were telling the leaders to stop focusing on rebuilding the temple. They were saying, “We’re going to rebuild a temple for God, and we'll be doing it together . We’re taking the initiative.” “…as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us.” - This is where it gets really interesting. This phrase comes from King Cyrus of Persia (now in modern-day Iran). Cyrus was a powerful ruler who had established a vast empire. The verse says that Cyrus, through his own authority, ordered this group to build the temple for God. In simpler terms: It’s like saying, "Okay, we've got the foundation laid down – the temple is already built. Now, let's focus on building something new and important for God . Let's do it together, guided by the leadership of Cyrus." Why is this significant? This verse marks a crucial turning point in Jewish history. It signifies: A Revival: It signaled a renewed commitment to rebuilding the temple and returning to the traditions of Israel. Collective Action: It highlighted that rebuilding wasn’t just about individual effort; it was about working together as a community under divine guidance. Influence & Power: The mention of Cyrus highlights the growing influence of Persian power, which played a significant role in shaping ancient Jewish history. Overall, this verse is a story of rediscovery and renewed purpose for the Jewish people. --- Would you like me to: Explain another part of this passage? Discuss its historical context more deeply?