Definition: And thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded these many years ago, which a great king of Israel builded and set up.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezra 5:11. It’s a really important piece of history! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, they are saying: “We are the people who were responsible for rebuilding a temple that had been abandoned for many years. We're restoring it to its former glory and continuing the work God started.” Let’s unpack it further: “And thus they returned…” – This is a formal acknowledgment of their action. “…saying, We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth…” - This means they were dedicated to serving God, not just humans. They believed in His authority and guidance. "Heaven and Earth" refers to God’s entire creation – everything that exists. "...and build the house that was built these many years ago..." - They are talking about a specific temple that had been destroyed during a time of chaos and rebellion. This temple was incredibly important, and it symbolized God's covenant with Israel. "...which a great king of Israel builded and set up." – This is the key part! It tells us that this people were responsible for rebuilding this temple. The King of Israel (a powerful ruler) had started it long ago, and they are continuing to work on it, restoring it to its original purpose. In short, it’s a story about restoration, responsibility, and the importance of honoring God’s creation. Context is important: Ezra 5 tells us that this happened after a period of rebuilding was stopped and then restarted by these people. It's a narrative of repentance and renewed faith within Israel. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this verse in more detail?