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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 5:17 Now, therefore, if it pleases the king, let a search be made of the royal archives in Babylon to see if King Cyrus did indeed issue a decree to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. 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Then let the king send us his decision in this matter. <a href="/nlt/ezra/5.htm">New Living Translation</a> “Therefore, if it pleases the king, we request that a search be made in the royal archives of Babylon to discover whether King Cyrus ever issued a decree to rebuild God’s Temple in Jerusalem. And then let the king send us his decision in this matter.” <a href="/esv/ezra/5.htm">English Standard Version</a> Therefore, if it seems good to the king, let search be made in the royal archives there in Babylon, to see whether a decree was issued by Cyrus the king for the rebuilding of this house of God in Jerusalem. And let the king send us his pleasure in this matter.” <a href="/bsb/ezra/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Now, therefore, if it pleases the king, let a search be made of the royal archives in Babylon to see if King Cyrus did indeed issue a decree to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. Then let the king send us his decision in this matter. <a href="/kjv/ezra/5.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/ezra/5.htm">New King James Version</a> Now therefore, if it seems good to the king, let a search be made in the king’s treasure house, which is there in Babylon, whether it is so that a decree was issued by King Cyrus to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send us his pleasure concerning this matter. <a href="/nasb_/ezra/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And now, if it pleases the king, let a search be conducted in the king’s treasure house, which is there in Babylon, as to whether a decree was issued by King Cyrus to rebuild this house of God in Jerusalem; and let the king send to us his decision concerning this matter.” <a href="/nasb/ezra/5.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Now if it pleases the king, let a search be conducted in the king&#8217s treasure house, which is there in Babylon, if it be that a decree was issued by King Cyrus to rebuild this house of God at Jerusalem; and let the king send to us his decision concerning this matter.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/ezra/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “And now, if it pleases the king let a search be conducted in the king’s treasure house, which is there in Babylon, if it be that a decree was issued by King Cyrus to rebuild this house of God at Jerusalem; and let the king send to us his decision concerning this matter.” <a href="/lsb/ezra/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So now if it seems good to the king, let a search be made in the king’s treasure house, which is there in Babylon, if it be that a decree was issued by King Cyrus to rebuild that house of God in Jerusalem; and let the king send to us his will concerning this matter.” <a href="/amp/ezra/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a> So now, if it pleases the king, let a search be conducted in the king’s treasure house [in the royal archives] there in Babylon to see if it is true that a decree was issued by King Cyrus to rebuild this house of God at Jerusalem; and let the king send us his decision concerning this matter.” <a href="/csb/ezra/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> So if it pleases the king, let a search of the royal archives in Babylon be conducted to see if it is true that a decree was issued by King Cyrus to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. Let the king’s decision regarding this matter be sent to us. <a href="/hcsb/ezra/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> So if it pleases the king, let a search of the royal archives in Babylon be conducted to see if it is true that a decree was issued by King Cyrus to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. Let the king&#8217s decision regarding this matter be sent to us. <a href="/asv/ezra/5.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/ezra/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Your Majesty, please order someone to look up the old records in Babylonia and find out if King Cyrus really did give orders to rebuild God's temple in Jerusalem. We will do whatever you think we should. <a href="/erv/ezra/5.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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. <a href="/gwt/ezra/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> If it pleases Your Majesty, allow someone to search the king's archives in Babylon to determine whether King Cyrus gave permission for the temple of God to be rebuilt in Jerusalem. Then please send us Your Majesty's decision on this matter. <a href="/gnt/ezra/5.htm">Good News Translation</a> "Now, if it please Your Majesty, have a search made in the royal records in Babylon to find whether or not Emperor Cyrus gave orders for this Temple in Jerusalem to be rebuilt, and then inform us what your will is in this matter." <a href="/isv/ezra/5.htm">International Standard Version</a> Accordingly, with your approval we suggest that a search be conducted within the king's treasury at Babylon to verify whether or not King Cyrus ever issued such a decree to reconstruct this Temple of God in Jerusalem. Then please notify us concerning the king's pleasure in this matter. <a href="/msb/ezra/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Now, therefore, if it pleases the king, let a search be made of the royal archives in Babylon to see if King Cyrus did indeed issue a decree to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. Then let the king send us his decision in this matter. <a href="/net/ezra/5.htm">NET Bible</a> "Now if the king is so inclined, let a search be conducted in the royal archives there in Babylon in order to determine whether King Cyrus did in fact issue orders for this temple of God to be rebuilt in Jerusalem. Then let the king send us a decision concerning this matter." <a href="/nheb/ezra/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let a search be made in the king's treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so, that a decree was made of Kurush the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem; and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter." <a href="/wbt/ezra/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Now therefore, if it seemeth good to the king, let there be search made in the king's treasure-house, which is there at Babylon, whether it is so, that a decree was made by Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter. <a href="/web/ezra/5.htm">World English Bible</a> Now therefore, if it seems good to the king, let a search be made in the king’s treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it is so that a decree was made by Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem; and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ezra/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And now, if it is good to the king, let a search be made in the treasure-house of the king, that [is] there in Babylon, whether it be that there was a decree made by Cyrus the king to build this house of God in Jerusalem, and the will of the king concerning this thing he sends to us.” <a href="/ylt/ezra/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And now, if to the king it be good, let search be made in the treasure-house of the king, that is there in Babylon, whether it be that of Cyrus the king there was made a decree to build this house of God in Jerusalem, and the will of the king concerning this thing he doth send unto us.' <a href="/slt/ezra/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And now if good to the king he shall seek in the house of the king's treasure there that is in Babel, if it be that from Cyrus the king a decree was set up to build this house of God in Jerusalem, and the king will send the will to us concerning this.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ezra/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Now therefore if it seem good to the king, let him search in the king's library, which is in Babylon, whether it hath been decreed by Cyrus the king, that the house of God in Jerusalem should be built, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter. <a href="/cpdv/ezra/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Now then, if it seems good to the king, let him search in the king’s library, which is in Babylon, to see whether it was ordered by king Cyrus, that the house of God in Jerusalem should be built. And may the will of the king be sent to us about this matter.” <a href="/nabre/ezra/5.htm">New American Bible</a> Now, if it please the king, let a search be made in the royal archives of Babylon to discover whether a decree really was issued by King Cyrus for the rebuilding of this house of God in Jerusalem. And may the king’s decision in this matter be communicated to us.” <a href="/nrsvce/ezra/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> And now, if it seems good to the king, have a search made in the royal archives there in Babylon, to see whether a decree was issued by King Cyrus for the rebuilding of this house of God in Jerusalem. Let the king send us his pleasure in this matter.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ezra/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Now therefore, if it please the king, let search be made in the scrolls which are in the king's treasure house, which is there in Babylon, to see whether it be so that a decree was made by Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter. <a href="/hpbt/ezra/5.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Therefore if it is pleasing before the King, we shall search in the books that are in the house of treasure of the King of Babel. If they bring it and it was charged from Kurash the King that this house of God would be built in Jerusalem, he will send to us the pleasure of the King concerning this. <div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/ezra/5.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let search be made in the king's treasure-house there, which is 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.' <a href="/sep/ezra/5.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And now, if it seem good to the king, lest search be made in the treasure-house of the king at Babylon, that thou mayest know if it be that a decree was made by king Cyrus to build that house of God that was in Jerusalem, and let the king send to us when he has learnt concerning this matter. <a href="/parallel/ezra/5-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sh6ec6iQe9M?start=1260" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ezra/5.htm">Tattenai's Letter to Darius</a> …16So this Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundation of the house of God in Jerusalem, and from that time until now it has been under construction, but it has not yet been completed.” 17<a href="/hebrew/3705.htm" title="3705: ū·ḵə·‘an (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Now. (Aramaic) probably from ken; now.">Now, therefore,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2006.htm" title="2006: hên (Conj) -- If, whether. (Aramaic) corresponding to hen: lo! Also there(-fore), less, whether, but, if.">if</a> <a href="/hebrew/5922.htm" title="5922: ‘al- (Prep) -- Upon, over, above. (Aramaic) corresponding to al."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2869.htm" title="2869: ṭāḇ (Adj-ms) -- Good. (Aramaic) from t'eb; the same as towb; good.">it pleases</a> <a href="/hebrew/4430.htm" title="4430: mal·kā (N-msd) -- King. (Aramaic) corresponding to melek; a king.">the king,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1240.htm" title="1240: yiṯ·baq·qar (V-Hitpael-Imperf-3ms) -- To inquire, seek. (Aramaic) corresponding to baqar.">let a search be made</a> <a href="/hebrew/1768.htm" title="1768: dî- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that, because. ">of the royal</a> <a href="/hebrew/4430.htm" title="4430: mal·kā (N-msd) -- King. (Aramaic) corresponding to melek; a king."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8536.htm" title="8536: ṯam·māh (Adv) -- There. (Aramaic) corresponding to sham; there."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1005.htm" title="1005: bə·ḇêṯ (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- A house. (Aramaic) corresponding to bayith.">archives</a> <a href="/hebrew/1596.htm" title="1596: gin·zay·yā (N-mpd) -- A treasure. (Aramaic) corresponding to genez; treasure."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1768.htm" title="1768: dî (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that, because. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/895.htm" title="895: bə·ḇā·ḇel (Prep-b:: N-proper-fs) -- An E. Mediterranean empire and its capital city. (Aramaic) corresponding to Babel.">in Babylon</a> <a href="/hebrew/2006.htm" title="2006: hên (Conj) -- If, whether. (Aramaic) corresponding to hen: lo! Also there(-fore), less, whether, but, if.">to see if</a> <a href="/hebrew/383.htm" title="383: ’î·ṯay (Adv) -- There is, are. (Aramaic) corresponding to yesh; properly, entity; used only as a particle of affirmation, there is."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1768.htm" title="1768: dî- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that, because. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/4481.htm" title="4481: min- (Prep) -- From, out of, by, by reason of, at, more than. (Aramaic) corresponding to min."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4430.htm" title="4430: mal·kā (N-msd) -- King. (Aramaic) corresponding to melek; a king.">King</a> <a href="/hebrew/3567.htm" title="3567: kō·w·reš (N-proper-ms) -- A Pers. king. (Aramaic) corresponding to Kowresh.">Cyrus</a> <a href="/hebrew/7761.htm" title="7761: śîm (V-Nifal-Perf-3ms) -- To set, make. (Aramaic) corresponding to suwm.">did indeed issue</a> <a href="/hebrew/2942.htm" title="2942: ṭə·‘êm (N-ms) -- Taste, judgment, command. ">a decree</a> <a href="/hebrew/1124.htm" title="1124: lə·miḇ·nê (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To build. (Aramaic) or bnah (Aramaic); corresponding to banah; to build.">to rebuild</a> <a href="/hebrew/1791.htm" title="1791: ḏêḵ (Adj-ms) -- This. (Aramaic) or dak (Aramaic); prolonged from da'; this.">the</a> <a href="/hebrew/1005.htm" title="1005: bêṯ- (N-msc) -- A house. (Aramaic) corresponding to bayith.">house</a> <a href="/hebrew/426.htm" title="426: ’ĕ·lā·hā (N-msd) -- God, god. (Aramaic) corresponding to 'elowahh; God.">of God</a> <a href="/hebrew/3390.htm" title="3390: bî·rū·šə·lem (Prep-b:: N-proper-ms) -- The capital city of all Isr. (Chald).">in Jerusalem.</a> <a href="/hebrew/4430.htm" title="4430: mal·kā (N-msd) -- King. (Aramaic) corresponding to melek; a king.">Then let the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/7972.htm" title="7972: yiš·laḥ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To send. (Aramaic) corresponding to shalach.">send</a> <a href="/hebrew/5922.htm" title="5922: ‘ă·le·nā (Prep:: 1cp) -- Upon, over, above. (Aramaic) corresponding to al.">us</a> <a href="/hebrew/7470.htm" title="7470: ū·rə·‘ūṯ (Conj-w:: N-fsc) -- Pleasure, will. (Aramaic) corresponding to r'uwth; desire.">his decision</a> <a href="/hebrew/5922.htm" title="5922: ‘al- (Prep) -- Upon, over, above. (Aramaic) corresponding to al.">in</a> <a href="/hebrew/1836.htm" title="1836: də·nāh (Pro-ms) -- This. (Aramaic) an orthographical variation of dek; this.">this matter.</a> <div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/ezra/6-1.htm">Ezra 6:1-12</a> Thus King Darius ordered a search of the archives stored in the treasury of Babylon. / And a scroll was found in the fortress of Ecbatana, in the province of Media, with the following written on it: Memorandum: / In the first year of King Cyrus, he issued a decree concerning the house of God in Jerusalem: Let the house be rebuilt as a place for offering sacrifices, and let its foundations be firmly laid. It is to be sixty cubits high and sixty cubits wide, ... <a href="/daniel/6-1.htm">Daniel 6:1-3</a> 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. <a href="/nehemiah/2-7.htm">Nehemiah 2:7-9</a> 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. <a href="/2_chronicles/36-22.htm">2 Chronicles 36:22-23</a> 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.’” <a href="/haggai/1-1.htm">Haggai 1:1-2</a> 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.’” <a href="/zechariah/4-6.htm">Zechariah 4:6-10</a> 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, ... <a href="/1_kings/5-5.htm">1 Kings 5:5-6</a> So behold, I plan to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God, according to what the LORD said to my father David: ‘I will put your son on your throne in your place, and he will build the house for My Name.’ / Now therefore, order that cedars of Lebanon be cut down for me. My servants will be with your servants, and I will pay your servants whatever wages you set, for you know that there are none among us as skilled in logging as the Sidonians.” <a href="/2_kings/17-27.htm">2 Kings 17:27-28</a> Then the king of Assyria commanded: “Send back one of the priests you carried off from Samaria, and have him go back to live there and teach the requirements of the God of the land.” / Thus one of the priests they had carried away came and lived in Bethel, and he began to teach them how they should worship the LORD. <a href="/isaiah/44-28.htm">Isaiah 44:28</a> 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.’” <a href="/jeremiah/29-10.htm">Jeremiah 29:10</a> 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. <a href="/acts/5-34.htm">Acts 5:34-39</a> But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a short time. / “Men of Israel,” he said, “consider carefully what you are about to do to these men. / Some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men joined him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. ... <a href="/acts/15-19.htm">Acts 15:19-21</a> It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not cause trouble for the Gentiles who are turning to God. / Instead, we should write and tell them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals, and from blood. / For Moses has been proclaimed in every city from ancient times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.” <a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1-7</a> 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. ... <a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13-17</a> 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. ... <a href="/matthew/22-17.htm">Matthew 22:17-21</a> 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. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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.A.<a href="/ezra/4-15.htm">Ezra 4:15,19</a> That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed… <a href="/ezra/6-1.htm">Ezra 6:1,2</a> Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon… <a href="/proverbs/25-2.htm">Proverbs 25:2</a> It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.a decree<a href="/ezra/6-3.htm">Ezra 6:3-5</a> In the first year of Cyrus the king the same Cyrus the king made a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be builded, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid; the height thereof threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof threescore cubits; … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezra/5-14.htm">Babylon</a> <a href="/ezra/5-13.htm">Build</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-40.htm">Conducted</a> <a href="/ezra/5-14.htm">Cyrus</a> <a href="/ezra/5-13.htm">Decree</a> <a href="/ezra/3-11.htm">Good</a> <a href="/ezra/5-16.htm">House</a> <a href="/ezra/5-13.htm">Issued</a> <a href="/ezra/5-16.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/ezra/4-22.htm">King's</a> <a href="/ezra/5-5.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/1_kings/21-6.htm">Pleases</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/36-21.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/ezra/4-19.htm">Search</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/18-29.htm">Seem</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/19-13.htm">Seemeth</a> <a href="/ezra/2-69.htm">Treasure</a> <a href="/2_kings/20-13.htm">Treasure-House</a> <a href="/ezra/2-59.htm">Whether</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ezra/6-1.htm">Babylon</a> <a href="/ezra/6-7.htm">Build</a> <a href="/esther/1-13.htm">Conducted</a> <a href="/ezra/6-3.htm">Cyrus</a> <a href="/ezra/6-1.htm">Decree</a> <a href="/ezra/7-9.htm">Good</a> <a href="/ezra/6-1.htm">House</a> <a href="/ezra/6-1.htm">Issued</a> <a href="/ezra/6-3.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/ezra/6-4.htm">King's</a> <a href="/ezra/8-23.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-5.htm">Pleases</a> <a href="/ezra/10-11.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/ezra/6-1.htm">Search</a> <a href="/ezra/7-18.htm">Seem</a> <a href="/esther/3-11.htm">Seemeth</a> <a href="/ezra/7-20.htm">Treasure</a> <a href="/ezra/7-20.htm">Treasure-House</a> <a href="/ezra/7-26.htm">Whether</a><div class="vheading2">Ezra 5</div>1. <a href="/ezra/5-1.htm">Zerubbabel and Jeshua, incited by Haggai and Zechariah, set forward to building</a> 3. <a href="/ezra/5-3.htm">Tattenai and Shethar-Bozenai are not able to hinder the Jews</a> 6. <a href="/ezra/5-6.htm">Their letter to Darius against the Jews</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>Now, therefore, if it pleases the king This phrase reflects the respectful and diplomatic approach taken by the Jewish leaders when addressing the Persian king. It underscores the importance of seeking favor and permission from the ruling authority, a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures. This approach is consistent with biblical teachings on respecting governing authorities (<a href="/romans/13.htm">Romans 13:1</a>).let a search be made of the royal archives in Babylon The request to search the royal archives indicates the existence of a well-organized record-keeping system in the Persian Empire. Babylon, as a major center of administration, housed important documents. This reflects the historical accuracy of the biblical narrative, as archaeological findings have confirmed the presence of such archives. The search for records is a testament to the importance of written decrees in maintaining legal and governmental continuity.to see if King Cyrus did indeed issue a decree King Cyrus of Persia is a significant figure in biblical history, known for his decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple (<a href="/ezra/1.htm">Ezra 1:1-4</a>). This decree fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah (<a href="/isaiah/44-28.htm">Isaiah 44:28</a>) and Jeremiah (<a href="/jeremiah/29-10.htm">Jeremiah 29:10</a>), highlighting God's sovereignty in using foreign rulers to accomplish His purposes. The verification of this decree is crucial for the legitimacy of the Jewish efforts to rebuild the temple.to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem The rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem is central to the Jewish identity and worship. The temple was the dwelling place of God's presence among His people, and its reconstruction symbolized the restoration of the covenant relationship. This effort is a precursor to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who referred to His body as the temple (<a href="/john/2-19.htm">John 2:19-21</a>), signifying the new covenant and the indwelling of God's presence through the Holy Spirit.Then let the king send us his decision in this matter The request for a decision from the king emphasizes the dependence of the Jewish leaders on the Persian authority for the continuation of their work. It reflects the political realities of the time, where the Jewish community was subject to the rule of a foreign empire. This situation foreshadows the ultimate reliance on God's sovereign will, as seen in the New Testament, where believers are called to trust in God's plan and timing (<a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5-6</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/k/king_cyrus.htm">King Cyrus</a> The Persian king who initially issued the decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. His decree is central to the events in <a href="/ezra/5-17.htm">Ezra 5:17</a>. 2. <a href="/topical/b/babylon.htm">Babylon</a> The location of the royal archives where the search for the decree is to be conducted. Babylon was a significant city in the Persian Empire and a place of exile for the Jews. 3. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The city where the temple is being rebuilt. It is the spiritual and cultural center for the Jewish people. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_house_of_god.htm">The House of God</a> Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, which is the focal point of Jewish worship and the subject of the rebuilding efforts. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_royal_archives.htm">The Royal Archives</a> The repository of official documents and decrees, where the search for King Cyrus's decree is to be conducted.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_sovereignty_of_god.htm">The Sovereignty of God</a> God's hand is evident in the affairs of nations and rulers. He can use even pagan kings to accomplish His divine purposes, as seen in the decree of Cyrus. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_historical_records.htm">The Importance of Historical Records</a> The search in the royal archives underscores the value of historical documentation in verifying God's work and promises. It reminds us to be diligent in seeking truth and understanding history. <a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_adversity.htm">Faithfulness in Adversity</a> The Jews' persistence in rebuilding the temple despite opposition teaches us to remain faithful to God's calling, trusting that He will provide a way forward. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_government_in_god's_plan.htm">The Role of Government in God's Plan</a> This passage illustrates how God can use governmental authorities to support His people and purposes. It encourages us to pray for leaders and seek their favor in fulfilling God's work.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ezra_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ezra 5</a> <a href="/q/resolve_ezra_5_17_vs._persian_timeline.htm">(Ezra 5:17) How do we resolve apparent inconsistencies between this passage’s account of Persian rule and known Persian chronology?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_phoenix_mean_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Sheshbazzar in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_ezra_9_7's_timeline_compare_historically.htm">In Ezra 9:7, how does the stated timeline of guilt leading to captivity compare with historical accounts of Persian policies regarding exiles?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_isaiah_60_12_match_history.htm">How does Isaiah 60:12 align with historical events when it asserts nations refusing to serve Jerusalem will be utterly destroyed?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ezra/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) Let there be search made.--All depended on the original decree, which nothing done intermediately by the usurper could cancel. And the request of Tatnai seems to imply that it would be found: although the original was not found in Babylon, as was expected, a copy had been made.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ezra/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 17. - Let there be search made in the king's treasure house. The Vulgate has "in the king's library;" and this, though not the literal rendering, is probably what was intended by Tatuai. Libraries or record chambers were attached to the royal residences under the old Assyrian and Babylonian kings; and the practice was no doubt continued by the Persians. Some of these record offices have been recently found, and their stores recovered. In the year 1850 Mr. Layard came upon the royal library of Asshur-bani-pal at Koyunjik, and obtained from it several hundreds of documents. More recently, in 1875-6, some Arab explorers happened upon a similar collection near Babylon, which yielded from 3000 to 4000 tablets ('Transactions of the Society of Biblical Archaeology,' vol. 6. pp. 4, 582). It is quite possible that the "decree of Cyrus" may still exist, and be one day recovered. <a href="/commentaries/ezra/5-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Now, therefore, וּכְעַ֞ן (ū·ḵə·‘an) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3705.htm">Strong's 3705: </a> Now if הֵ֧ן (hên) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2006.htm">Strong's 2006: </a> Lo!, there, less, whether, but, if it pleases טָ֗ב (ṭāḇ) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2869.htm">Strong's 2869: </a> Good the king, מַלְכָּ֣א (mal·kā) Noun - masculine singular determinate <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4430.htm">Strong's 4430: </a> A king let a search be made יִ֠תְבַּקַּר (yiṯ·baq·qar) Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1240.htm">Strong's 1240: </a> To plough, break forth, to inspect, admire, care for, consider of the royal דִּי־ (dî-) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1768.htm">Strong's 1768: </a> Who, which, that, because archives בְּבֵ֨ית (bə·ḇêṯ) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1005.htm">Strong's 1005: </a> A house in Babylon בְּבָבֶל֒ (bə·ḇā·ḇel) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_895.htm">Strong's 895: </a> Babylon -- an eastern Mediterranean empire and its capital city to see if הֵ֣ן (hên) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2006.htm">Strong's 2006: </a> Lo!, there, less, whether, but, if King מַלְכָּא֙ (mal·kā) Noun - masculine singular determinate <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4430.htm">Strong's 4430: </a> A king Cyrus כּ֤וֹרֶשׁ (kō·w·reš) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3567.htm">Strong's 3567: </a> Cyrus -- a person king did indeed דִּ֣י (dî) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1768.htm">Strong's 1768: </a> Who, which, that, because issue שִׂ֣ים (śîm) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7761.htm">Strong's 7761: </a> To set, make a decree טְעֵ֔ם (ṭə·‘êm) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2942.htm">Strong's 2942: </a> Flavor, judgment, account to rebuild לְמִבְנֵ֛א (lə·miḇ·nê) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1124.htm">Strong's 1124: </a> To build the דֵ֖ךְ (ḏêḵ) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1791.htm">Strong's 1791: </a> This house בֵּית־ (bêṯ-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1005.htm">Strong's 1005: </a> A house of God אֱלָהָ֥א (’ĕ·lā·hā) Noun - masculine singular determinate <a href="/hebrew/strongs_426.htm">Strong's 426: </a> God in Jerusalem. בִּירוּשְׁלֶ֑ם (bî·rū·šə·lem) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3390.htm">Strong's 3390: </a> Jerusalem -- the capital city of all Israel Then let the king מַלְכָּ֛א (mal·kā) Noun - masculine singular determinate <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4430.htm">Strong's 4430: </a> A king send יִשְׁלַ֥ח (yiš·laḥ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7972.htm">Strong's 7972: </a> To send away, for, out us עֲלֶֽינָא׃ (‘ă·le·nā) Preposition | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5922.htm">Strong's 5922: </a> Above, over, upon, against his decision וּרְע֥וּת (ū·rə·‘ūṯ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7470.htm">Strong's 7470: </a> Pleasure, will in עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5922.htm">Strong's 5922: </a> Above, over, upon, against this [matter]. דְּנָ֖ה (də·nāh) Pronoun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1836.htm">Strong's 1836: </a> This <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ezra/5-17.htm">Ezra 5:17 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ezra/5-17.htm">Ezra 5:17 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ezra/5-17.htm">Ezra 5:17 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ezra/5-17.htm">Ezra 5:17 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ezra/5-17.htm">Ezra 5:17 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ezra/5-17.htm">Ezra 5:17 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ezra/5-17.htm">Ezra 5:17 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ezra/5-17.htm">Ezra 5:17 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ezra/5-17.htm">Ezra 5:17 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ezra/5-17.htm">Ezra 5:17 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ezra/5-17.htm">OT History: Ezra 5:17 Now therefore if it seem good (Ezr. Ez) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ezra/5-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ezra 5:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ezra 5:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ezra/6-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ezra 6:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ezra 6:1" /></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>