And the vessels also of gold and silver of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem, and brought them into the temple of Babylon, those did Cyrus the king take out of the temple of Babylon, and they were delivered unto one, whose name was Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor;

EZRA 5:14KJV
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Ezra 5:14 (KJV)

What does Ezra 5:14 mean?

Ezra 5:14 describes how King Cyrus of Persia returned the gold and silver vessels that Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple in Jerusalem, giving them to Sheshbazzar, whom Cyrus appointed as governor. This act marked the beginning of restoring the Jewish temple after the Babylonian exile.

In this verse, the speaker is recounting events to Persian officials, explaining how sacred objects once stolen by Nebuchadnezzar were not kept by the Persians but were instead returned by Cyrus. The verse emphasizes the continuity of worship in Jerusalem and the authority given to Sheshbazzar to oversee the rebuilding process.

The Aramaic behind Ezra 5:14

  • "vessels" (מָאנֵי, mānē): This word refers to the sacred items used in temple worship, highlighting their religious importance and the loss felt when they were taken.
  • "delivered" (יְהַב, yehav): This word means to hand over or entrust, showing that Cyrus did not just return the vessels but officially entrusted them to Sheshbazzar, giving him responsibility and authority.
  • "governor" (פֶּחָה, peḥāh): This term refers to a provincial leader or governor, clarifying Sheshbazzar’s official role under Persian rule, not as a king but as an appointed administrator.

Why Ezra 5:14 matters

  • Ezra 5:14 clarifies that the return of the temple vessels was a deliberate act by Cyrus, not an accident or a result of Jewish pressure, showing Persian support for the restoration.
  • The verse highlights the legitimacy of Sheshbazzar’s leadership and the continuity of Jewish religious life, connecting the return from exile with the earlier temple period.
  • This detail supports the larger narrative in Ezra of God’s faithfulness and the fulfillment of promises to restore His people and their worship in Jerusalem.

Where else these words appear

“Sheshbazzar” Hebrew H8340 · used in 2 verses

  • Ezra 5:16 Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundation of the house of God which is in Jerusalem: and since that time even until now hath it been in building, and yet it is not finished.

“brought” Hebrew H2987 · used in 3 verses

  • Ezra 6:5 And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto the temple which is at Jerusalem, every one to his place, and place them in the house of God.
  • Ezra 7:15 And to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counsellors have freely offered unto the God of Israel, whose habitation is in Jerusalem,

“also” Hebrew H638 · used in 4 verses

  • Ezra 5:10 We asked their names also, to certify thee, that we might write the names of the men that were the chief of them.
  • Ezra 6:5 And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto the temple which is at Jerusalem, every one to his place, and place them in the house of God.
  • Daniel 6:22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.

“Cyrus” Hebrew H3567 · used in 6 verses

  • Ezra 5:13 But in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon the same king Cyrus made a decree to build this house of God.
  • Ezra 5:17 Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search made in the king's treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.
  • Ezra 6:14 And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.