Ezra 5:5 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

But the eye of God was upon the elders, &c. The peculiar favour, watchful providence, and powerful protection of God, giving them courage and resolution to go on with the work, notwithstanding the threats of their enemies; and so overruling the hearts and hands of their enemies, that they did not hinder them by force, as they might have done. While we are employed in God's work, we are taken under his special protection, and his eye is upon us for good.