Ezra 4:2
Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said unto them, Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as ye do; and we do sacrifice unto him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assur, which brought us up hither.
Ezra 4:2 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, the people of the land come to Zerubbabel and the chief of the fathers, expressing their desire to join in the rebuilding of the temple. They state that they worship the same God and have been sacrificing to Him since the days of Esarhaddon, the king of Assyria, who had resettled them in the land. This gesture signifies a unity of purpose and faith among the people, despite their different backgrounds. It also highlights the significance of the temple as a unifying symbol for the community, where all can come together to worship God. The willingness of the people to work alongside Zerubbabel and the other leaders shows a sense of cooperation and respect, emphasizing the importance of mutual understanding and collaboration in carrying out the mission of rebuilding the temple.
Theological Overview
One interesting theological interpretation of this verse is the concept of seeking after God. The people who approached Zerubbabel and the chief of the fathers expressed their desire to build alongside them because they sought after the same God. This shows a unity in purpose and a shared reverence for the divine. Additionally, the mention of sacrificing to God since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assur highlights a continuity in their worship practices despite being in a foreign land. It demonstrates their commitment to their faith and their willingness to maintain their spiritual traditions even in exile. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking after God and remaining steadfast in one's devotion, regardless of the circumstances.
Ezra 4:2 in other translations
American Standard Version
then they drew near to Zerubbabel, and to the heads of fathers' [houses], and said unto them, Let us build with you; for we seek your God, as ye do; and we sacrifice unto him since the days of Esar-haddon king of Assyria, who brought us up hither.
World English Bible
then they drew near to Zerubbabel, and to the heads of fathers’ households, and said to them, “Let us build with you; for we seek your God, as you do; and we sacrifice to him since the days of Esar Haddon king of Assyria, who brought us up here.”
Douay-Rheims
And they came to Zorobabel, and the chief of the fathers, and said to them: Let us build with you, for we seek your God as ye do: behold we have sacrificed to him, since the days of Asor Haddan king of Assyria, who brought us hither.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chiefe fathers, and sayd vnto them, We wil builde with you: for we seeke the Lord your God as ye do, and we haue sacrificed vnto him since the time of Esar Haddon king of Asshur, which brought vs vp hither.