Definition: Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezra 6:7. It's a really important part of understanding what Ezra was doing and why he was working with the Jewish people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, Ezra was telling the Jewish people to focus only on building God’s house. Let’s unpack that a little further: “Ezra 6:7”: This is a specific passage from the Book of Ezra. It’s a direct instruction given by God to Ezra. “Let the work of this house of God alone…” This means only Ezra and his team should be responsible for building this place of worship. It's emphasizing that it's a dedicated space for God. “…let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place.” This is the key part. It’s saying that Ezra was delegating the actual construction of this temple to the Jewish leaders – specifically, the elders who were responsible for the temple before Ezra. They are being tasked with carrying out the work of rebuilding it according to God's instructions. What does this tell us about Ezra’s mission? Ezra was trying to restore a broken and neglected place of worship after a period of turmoil. He needed to bring it back to its original purpose, which involved rebuilding it as a temple dedicated to God. It shows he recognized the importance of restoring faith and returning to God's presence. In essence, it’s a call for dedication and responsibility – let’s focus on building God’s house! --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Connect this verse to broader themes in the Bible (like restoration, faith, or leadership)?