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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ezra 5:9 So we questioned the elders and asked, "Who authorized you to rebuild this temple and restore this structure?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ezra/5-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/15_Ezr_05_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ezra 5:9 - Tattenai's Letter to Darius" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So we questioned the elders and asked, Who authorized you to rebuild this temple and restore this structure?" /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad9.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ezra/5-8.htm" title="Ezra 5:8">◄</a> Ezra 5:9 <a href="/ezra/5-10.htm" title="Ezra 5:10">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/ezra/5.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/ezra/5.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />We questioned the elders and asked them, &#8220Who authorized you to rebuild this temple and to finish it?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ezra/5.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“We asked the leaders, ‘Who gave you permission to rebuild this Temple and restore this structure?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ezra/5.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then we asked those elders and spoke to them thus: ‘Who gave you a decree to build this house and to finish this structure?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ezra/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />So we questioned the elders and asked, “Who authorized you to rebuild this temple and restore this structure?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ezra/5.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then asked we those elders, <i>and</i> said unto them thus, Who commanded you to build this house, and to make up these walls?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ezra/5.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then we asked those elders, <i>and</i> spoke thus to them: “Who commanded you to build this temple and to finish these walls?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ezra/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then we asked those elders and said to them as follows: ‘Who issued you a decree to rebuild this temple and to finish this structure?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ezra/5.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Then we asked those elders and said to them thus, &#8216Who issued you a decree to rebuild this temple and to finish this structure?&#8217<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ezra/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Then we asked those elders and said to them thus, ‘Who issued you a decree to rebuild this temple and to finish this structure?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ezra/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then we asked those elders and said to them thus, ‘Who issued you a decree to rebuild this house and to complete this structure?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ezra/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then we asked those elders, ‘Who issued you a decree to rebuild this temple and to finish this structure?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ezra/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So we questioned the elders and asked, “Who gave you the order to rebuild this temple and finish this structure? ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ezra/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So we questioned the elders and asked, &#8220Who gave you the order to rebuild this temple and finish this structure?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ezra/5.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus, Who gave you a decree to build this house, and to finish this wall?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ezra/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />We asked those in charge to tell us who gave them permission to rebuild the temple. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ezra/5.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus, Who gave you a decree to build this house, and to finish this wall?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ezra/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />We asked their leaders the following question: "Who gave you permission to rebuild this temple and finish its walls?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ezra/5.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"We then asked the leaders of the people to tell us who had given them authority to rebuild the Temple and to equip it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ezra/5.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />We asked the elders, "Who authorized you to build this Temple and to reinforce these walls?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ezra/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So we questioned the elders and asked, ?Who authorized you to rebuild this temple and restore this structure??<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ezra/5.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />We inquired of those elders, asking them, 'Who gave you the authority to rebuild this temple and to complete this structure?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ezra/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then we asked those elders, and said to them thus, "Who gave you a decree to build this house, and to finish this wall?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ezra/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then we asked those elders, and said to them thus, Who commanded you to build this house, and to erect these walls?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ezra/5.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Then we asked those elders, and said to them thus, “Who gave you a decree to build this house, and to finish this wall?” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ezra/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Then we have asked of these elders, thus we have said to them, Who has made for you a decree to build this house, and to finish this wall?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ezra/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Then we have asked of these elders, thus we have said to them, Who hath made for you a decree this house to build, and this wall to finish?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ezra/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Then we asked these old men, thus we said to them, Who set to you a decree to build this house and to complete this wall?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ezra/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And we asked those ancients, and said to them thus: Who hath given you authority to build this house, and to repair these walls? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ezra/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Therefore, we questioned those elders, and we spoke to them in this way: ‘Who has given authority to you, so that you would build this house and repair these walls?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ezra/5.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />We then questioned the elders, addressing to them the following words: ‘Who issued the decree for you to build this house and complete this edifice?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ezra/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then we spoke to those elders and asked them, ‘Who gave you a decree to build this house and to finish this structure?’<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ezra/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then we asked those elders and said to them thus: Who commanded you to build this house and to erect these walls?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ezra/5.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Then we asked those Elders and thus we said to them: ‘Who commanded you to build this house and to raise this wall?’<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ezra/5.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus: Who gave you a decree to build this house, and to finish this wall?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ezra/5.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Then we asked those elders, and thus we said to them, Who gave you the order to build this house, and to <i>provide</i> this preparation?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ezra/5-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sh6ec6iQe9M?start=1164" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ezra/5.htm">Tattenai's Letter to Darius</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">8</span>Let it be known to the king that we went into the province of Judah, to the house of the great God. The people are rebuilding it with large stones, and placing timbers in the walls. This work is being carried out diligently and is prospering in their hands. <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/116.htm" title="116: ’ĕ·ḏa·yin (Adv) -- Then, thereupon. (Aramaic) of uncertain derivation; then (of time).">So</a> <a href="/hebrew/7593.htm" title="7593: šə·’ê·lə·nā (V-Qal-Perf-1cp) -- To ask. (Aramaic) corresponding to sha'al.">we questioned</a> <a href="/hebrew/479.htm" title="479: ’il·lêḵ (Pro-cp) -- These. (Aramaic) prolonged from 'el; these.">the</a> <a href="/hebrew/3660.htm" title="3660: kə·nê·mā (Adv) -- Accordingly, as follows. (Aramaic) corresponding to kmow; so or thus."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7868.htm" title="7868: lə·śā·ḇay·yā (Prep-l:: N-mpd) -- To be hoary. (Aramaic) corresponding to siyb.">elders</a> <a href="/hebrew/560.htm" title="560: ’ă·mar·nā (V-Qal-Perf-1cp) -- To say, tell, command. (Aramaic) corresponding to 'amar.">and asked,</a> <a href="/hebrew/lə·hōm (Prep:: 3mp) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/4479.htm" title="4479: man- (Interrog) -- Who?. (Aramaic) from mah; who or what (properly, interrogatively, hence, also indefinitely and relatively).">“Who</a> <a href="/hebrew/7761.htm" title="7761: śām (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To set, make. (Aramaic) corresponding to suwm.">authorized</a> <a href="/hebrew/2942.htm" title="2942: ṭə·‘êm (N-ms) -- Taste, judgment, command. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/lə·ḵōm (Prep:: 2mp) -- ">you</a> <a href="/hebrew/1124.htm" title="1124: lə·miḇ·nə·yāh (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To build. (Aramaic) or bnah (Aramaic); corresponding to banah; to build.">to rebuild</a> <a href="/hebrew/1836.htm" title="1836: ḏə·nāh (Pro-ms) -- This. (Aramaic) an orthographical variation of dek; this.">this</a> <a href="/hebrew/1005.htm" title="1005: bay·ṯā (N-msd) -- A house. (Aramaic) corresponding to bayith.">temple</a> <a href="/hebrew/3635.htm" title="3635: lə·šaḵ·lā·lāh (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- To complete. (Aramaic) corresponding to kalal; to complete.">and restore</a> <a href="/hebrew/1836.htm" title="1836: ḏə·nāh (Pro-ms) -- This. (Aramaic) an orthographical variation of dek; this.">this</a> <a href="/hebrew/846.htm" title="846: wə·’uš·šar·nā (Conj-w:: N-msd) -- Perhaps a wall. (Aramaic) from a root corresponding to 'ashar; a wall (from its uprightness).">structure?”</a> </span><span class="reftext">10</span>We also asked for their names, so that we could write down the names of their leaders for your information.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/2-7.htm">Nehemiah 2:7-9</a></span><br />I also said to him, “If it pleases the king, may letters be given to me for the governors west of the Euphrates, so that they will grant me safe passage until I reach Judah. / And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the king’s forest, so that he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel to the temple, for the city wall, and for the house I will occupy.” And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests. / Then I went to the governors west of the Euphrates and gave them the king’s letters. The king had also sent army officers and cavalry with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/haggai/1-1.htm">Haggai 1:1-2</a></span><br />In the second year of the reign of Darius, on the first day of the sixth month, the word of the LORD came through Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, stating / that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “These people say, ‘The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the LORD.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/4-6.htm">Zechariah 4:6-10</a></span><br />So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts. / What are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain. Then he will bring forth the capstone accompanied by shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’” / Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/6-1.htm">Daniel 6:1-3</a></span><br />Now it pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, / and over them three administrators, including Daniel, to whom these satraps were accountable so that the king would not suffer loss. / Soon, by his extraordinary spirit, Daniel distinguished himself among the administrators and satraps. So the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/5-1.htm">1 Kings 5:1-6</a></span><br />Now when Hiram king of Tyre heard that Solomon had been anointed king in his father’s place, he sent envoys to Solomon; for Hiram had always been a friend of David. / And Solomon relayed this message to Hiram: / “As you are well aware, due to the wars waged on all sides against my father David, he could not build a house for the Name of the LORD his God until the LORD had put his enemies under his feet. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/36-22.htm">2 Chronicles 36:22-23</a></span><br />In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to send a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing as follows: / “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. Whoever among you belongs to His people, may the LORD his God be with him, and may he go up.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/44-28.htm">Isaiah 44:28</a></span><br />who says of Cyrus, ‘My shepherd will fulfill all that I desire,’ who says of Jerusalem, ‘She will be rebuilt,’ and of the temple, ‘Let its foundation be laid.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/29-10.htm">Jeremiah 29:10</a></span><br />For this is what the LORD says: “When Babylon’s seventy years are complete, I will attend to you and confirm My promise to restore you to this place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/5-27.htm">Acts 5:27-29</a></span><br />They brought them in and made them stand before the Sanhedrin, where the high priest interrogated them. / “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us responsible for this man’s blood.” / But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/4-18.htm">Acts 4:18-20</a></span><br />Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. / But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God. / For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1-7</a></span><br />Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. / For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13-17</a></span><br />Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, / or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. / For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/22-17.htm">Matthew 22:17-21</a></span><br />So tell us what You think: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” / But Jesus knew their evil intent and said, “You hypocrites, why are you testing Me? / Show Me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought Him a denarius. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/19-10.htm">John 19:10-11</a></span><br />So Pilate said to Him, “Do You refuse to speak to me? Do You not know that I have authority to release You and authority to crucify You?” / Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed Me over to you is guilty of greater sin.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/23-33.htm">Acts 23:33-35</a></span><br />When the horsemen arrived in Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the governor and presented Paul to him. / The governor read the letter and asked what province Paul was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia, / he said, “I will hear your case when your accusers arrive.” Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod’s Praetorium.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then asked we those elders, and said to them thus, Who commanded you to build this house, and to make up these walls?</p><p class="hdg">Who commanded</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezra/5-3.htm">Ezra 5:3,4</a></b></br> At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall? … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezra/4-19.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/ezra/5-3.htm">Authorized</a> <a href="/ezra/5-4.htm">Build</a> <a href="/ezra/5-4.htm">Building</a> <a href="/ezra/5-3.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/ezra/5-3.htm">Complete</a> <a href="/ezra/5-3.htm">Decree</a> <a href="/ezra/5-5.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/ezra/2-68.htm">Erect</a> <a href="/ezra/5-3.htm">Finish</a> <a href="/ezra/5-8.htm">House</a> <a href="/ezra/5-3.htm">Issued</a> <a href="/ezra/5-3.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/31-9.htm">Questioned</a> <a href="/ezra/5-3.htm">Rebuild</a> <a href="/ezra/4-14.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/ezra/5-3.htm">Restore</a> <a href="/ezra/5-3.htm">Structure</a> <a href="/ezra/5-3.htm">Temple</a> <a href="/ezra/5-3.htm">Wall</a> <a href="/ezra/5-8.htm">Walls</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/18-19.htm">Who</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ezra/7-24.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/john/10-18.htm">Authorized</a> <a href="/ezra/5-11.htm">Build</a> <a href="/ezra/5-11.htm">Building</a> <a href="/ezra/7-23.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/ezra/6-15.htm">Complete</a> <a href="/ezra/5-13.htm">Decree</a> <a href="/ezra/6-7.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/ezekiel/4-2.htm">Erect</a> <a href="/ezra/10-17.htm">Finish</a> <a href="/ezra/5-11.htm">House</a> <a href="/ezra/5-13.htm">Issued</a> <a href="/ezra/5-13.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/nehemiah/1-2.htm">Questioned</a> <a href="/ezra/5-13.htm">Rebuild</a> <a href="/ezra/6-7.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-2.htm">Restore</a> <a href="/psalms/132-3.htm">Structure</a> <a href="/ezra/5-12.htm">Temple</a> <a href="/ezra/9-9.htm">Wall</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-13.htm">Walls</a> <a href="/job/31-31.htm">Who</a><div class="vheading2">Ezra 5</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezra/5-1.htm">Zerubbabel and Jeshua, incited by Haggai and Zechariah, set forward to building</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezra/5-3.htm">Tattenai and Shethar-Bozenai are not able to hinder the Jews</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezra/5-6.htm">Their letter to Darius against the Jews</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezra/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezra/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ezra/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>So we questioned the elders</b><br>In the context of <a href="/ezra/5.htm">Ezra 5</a>, the questioning of the elders refers to the leaders of the Jewish community who had returned from Babylonian exile to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. The elders were responsible for guiding the community and overseeing the reconstruction efforts. This questioning likely reflects the political and social tensions of the time, as the surrounding peoples were concerned about the re-establishment of a strong Jewish presence in the region. The elders' role is reminiscent of the leadership seen in other parts of the Old Testament, such as the elders of Israel during the Exodus (<a href="/exodus/3-16.htm">Exodus 3:16</a>).<p><b>and asked, “Who authorized you</b><br>The question of authority is central to the narrative. The Persian Empire, under King Cyrus, had initially authorized the rebuilding of the temple (<a href="/ezra/1.htm">Ezra 1:1-4</a>). However, subsequent opposition and changes in leadership led to confusion and challenges. This inquiry reflects the bureaucratic and legalistic nature of the Persian administration, which required official decrees for such significant undertakings. The question also highlights the importance of divine authority, as the Jews believed their mission was sanctioned by God Himself, as seen in the prophetic encouragement from Haggai and Zechariah (<a href="/haggai/1.htm">Haggai 1:1-15</a>; <a href="/zechariah/1.htm">Zechariah 1:1-6</a>).<p><b>to rebuild this temple</b><br>The temple in question is the Second Temple, which was to replace Solomon's Temple destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC. The rebuilding of the temple was not just a physical reconstruction but a spiritual renewal for the Jewish people. It symbolized the restoration of their covenant relationship with God and the re-establishment of proper worship practices. The temple's significance is further underscored by its role in future prophecy, as seen in the visions of Ezekiel (Ezekiel 40-48) and its mention in the New Testament as a type of Christ, who referred to His body as the temple (<a href="/john/2-19.htm">John 2:19-21</a>).<p><b>and restore this structure?”</b><br>The restoration of the temple structure was a monumental task, involving not only physical labor but also the re-establishment of religious practices and community identity. The term "restore" implies a return to a former state of glory and function, which was crucial for the Jewish people who had experienced exile and displacement. This restoration is a theme throughout the Bible, pointing to God's redemptive work in history and ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who restores humanity's broken relationship with God (<a href="/2_corinthians/5-18.htm">2 Corinthians 5:18-19</a>). The physical restoration of the temple also prefigures the spiritual restoration brought about by Christ's atoning work.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/e/elders_of_the_jews.htm">Elders of the Jews</a></b><br>These are the leaders of the Jewish community who were responsible for overseeing the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. They played a crucial role in the restoration efforts after the Babylonian exile.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/tattenai.htm">Tattenai</a></b><br>He was the governor of the region beyond the River (Trans-Euphrates) who questioned the authority of the Jews to rebuild the temple. His inquiry reflects the political and administrative challenges faced by the Jews during this period.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The city where the temple was being rebuilt. It holds significant religious and historical importance for the Jewish people as the center of worship and the location of the temple.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/r/rebuilding_of_the_temple.htm">Rebuilding of the Temple</a></b><br>This event marks a significant moment in Jewish history, symbolizing the restoration of worship and the re-establishment of the Jewish community in their homeland after the Babylonian exile.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/persian_empire.htm">Persian Empire</a></b><br>The ruling empire during this time, under which the Jews were allowed to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. The empire's policies and decrees played a crucial role in the events described in Ezra.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/a/authority_and_obedience.htm">Authority and Obedience</a></b><br>The questioning of the elders' authority to rebuild the temple reminds us of the importance of recognizing and respecting God-given authority. We should seek to understand and align ourselves with God's directives in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/perseverance_in_faith.htm">Perseverance in Faith</a></b><br>Despite external opposition, the Jews continued their work on the temple. This teaches us the value of perseverance and faithfulness in fulfilling God's purposes, even when faced with challenges.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_providence.htm">Divine Providence</a></b><br>The involvement of the Persian Empire and the decree of Cyrus demonstrate God's providence in using secular authorities to accomplish His plans. We can trust that God is sovereign and works through various means to fulfill His purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_leadership.htm">Community Leadership</a></b><br>The role of the elders highlights the importance of strong, godly leadership in guiding and supporting a community's spiritual and practical endeavors. We should pray for and support our leaders as they seek to follow God's will.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ezra_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ezra 5</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_the_house_of_yahweh.htm">What defines the House of Yahweh?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_of_mass_execution_in_ezekiel_9.htm">Are there any historical or archeological records supporting a mass execution in Jerusalem as described in Ezekiel 9?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_there_evidence_of_tattenai's_role.htm">(Ezra 5:3) Is there any independent archaeological or historical evidence confirming Tattenai's governorship and actions described here?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_levites_in_2_chr_23_8.htm">What evidence supports the existence of the Levites and captains mentioned in 2 Chronicles 23:8, and how do we reconcile any lack of external records?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ezra/5-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">So</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱדַ֗יִן</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·ḏa·yin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_116.htm">Strong's 116: </a> </span><span class="str2">Then, thereupon</span><br /><br /><span class="word">we questioned</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁאֵ֙לְנָא֙</span> <span class="translit">(šə·’ê·lə·nā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7593.htm">Strong's 7593: </a> </span><span class="str2">To inquire, to request, to demand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="heb">אִלֵּ֔ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(’il·lêḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_479.htm">Strong's 479: </a> </span><span class="str2">These</span><br /><br /><span class="word">elders</span><br /><span class="heb">לְשָׂבַיָּ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(lə·śā·ḇay·yā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural determinate<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7868.htm">Strong's 7868: </a> </span><span class="str2">To become aged, to grow gray</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and asked,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲמַ֣רְנָא</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·mar·nā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_560.htm">Strong's 560: </a> </span><span class="str2">To say, tell, command</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Who</span><br /><span class="heb">מַן־</span> <span class="translit">(man-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4479.htm">Strong's 4479: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">authorized you</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׂ֨ם</span> <span class="translit">(śām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7761.htm">Strong's 7761: </a> </span><span class="str2">To set, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to rebuild</span><br /><span class="heb">לְמִבְנְיָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(lə·miḇ·nə·yāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1124.htm">Strong's 1124: </a> </span><span class="str2">To build</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this</span><br /><span class="heb">דְנָה֙</span> <span class="translit">(ḏə·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1836.htm">Strong's 1836: </a> </span><span class="str2">This</span><br /><br /><span class="word">temple</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּיְתָ֤א</span> <span class="translit">(bay·ṯā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular determinate<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1005.htm">Strong's 1005: </a> </span><span class="str2">A house</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and restore</span><br /><span class="heb">לְשַׁכְלָלָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(lə·šaḵ·lā·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3635.htm">Strong's 3635: </a> </span><span class="str2">To complete</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this</span><br /><span class="heb">דְנָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(ḏə·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1836.htm">Strong's 1836: </a> </span><span class="str2">This</span><br /><br /><span class="word">structure?”</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאֻשַּׁרְנָ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’uš·šar·nā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular determinate<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">Perhaps a wall</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ezra/5-9.htm">Ezra 5:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ezra/5-9.htm">Ezra 5:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ezra/5-9.htm">Ezra 5:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ezra/5-9.htm">Ezra 5:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ezra/5-9.htm">Ezra 5:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ezra/5-9.htm">Ezra 5:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ezra/5-9.htm">Ezra 5:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ezra/5-9.htm">Ezra 5:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ezra/5-9.htm">Ezra 5:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ezra/5-9.htm">Ezra 5:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ezra/5-9.htm">OT History: Ezra 5:9 Then asked we those elders and said (Ezr. Ez) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ezra/5-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ezra 5:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ezra 5:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ezra/5-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ezra 5:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ezra 5:10" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>