13 'However , in the first year of Cyrus king of Babylon , King Cyrus issued a decree to rebuild this house of God . 14 'Also the gold and silver utensils of the house of God which Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple in Jerusalem , and brought them to the temple of Babylon , these King Cyrus took from the temple of Babylon and they were given to one whose name was Sheshbazzar , whom he had appointed governor . 15 'He said to him, "Take these utensils , go and deposit them in the temple in Jerusalem and let the house of God be rebuilt in its place ." 16 'Then that Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundations of the house of God in Jerusalem ; and from then until now it has been under construction and it is not yet completed .' 17 "Now if it pleases the king , let a search be conducted in the king's treasure house , which is there in Babylon , if it be that a decree was issued by King Cyrus to rebuild this house of God at Jerusalem ; and let the king send to us his decision concerning this matter."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ezra 5:13-17
Commentary on Ezra 5:3-17
(Read Ezra 5:3-17)
While employed in God's work, we are under his special protection; his eye is upon us for good. This should keep us to our duty, and encourage us therein, when difficulties are ever so discouraging. The elders of the Jews gave the Samaritans an account of their proceedings. Let us learn hence, with meekness and fear, to give a reason of the hope that is in us; let us rightly understand, and then readily declare, what we do in God's service, and why we do it. And while in this world, we always shall have to confess, that our sins have provoked the wrath of God. All our sufferings spring from thence, and all our comforts from his unmerited mercy. However the work may seem to be hindered, yet the Lord Jesus Christ is carrying it on, his people are growing unto a holy temple in the Lord, for a habitation of God through the Spirit.