This verse, taken from 1 Esdras 2:21, part of the Apocrypha, is a plea to King Darius to consult the royal archives and historical records of his ancestors. Let's break it down:
"but to speak to our lord the king": This is introducing the request being made to King Darius. The speaker wants to address him with a specific purpose.
"to the intent that, if it be your pleasure": This is a polite and deferential phrase, showing respect to the king. The speaker is acknowledging the king's authority and willingness to consider the request.
"search may be made in the books of your fathers": This is the core of the request. The speaker is asking the king to authorize a search of the royal records, specifically the historical documents kept by his predecessors (his "fathers").
In essence, the verse is saying: "We ask you, King Darius, if you are willing, to allow us to search the ancient royal archives of your ancestors."
Contextual Significance:
This verse is significant because it sets the stage for the rediscovery of a decree from King Cyrus that had authorized the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. The Jews were trying to rebuild the Temple, but faced opposition. By finding the original decree in the royal archives, they could prove their right to rebuild and overcome the obstacles in their path.
This verse, taken from 1 Esdras 2:21, part of the Apocrypha, is a plea to King Darius to consult the royal archives and historical records of his ancestors. Let's break it down:
"but to speak to our lord the king": This is introducing the request being made to King Darius. The speaker wants to address him with a specific purpose.
"to the intent that, if it be your pleasure": This is a polite and deferential phrase, showing respect to the king. The speaker is acknowledging the king's authority and willingness to consider the request.
"search may be made in the books of your fathers": This is the core of the request. The speaker is asking the king to authorize a search of the royal records, specifically the historical documents kept by his predecessors (his "fathers").
In essence, the verse is saying: "We ask you, King Darius, if you are willing, to allow us to search the ancient royal archives of your ancestors."
Contextual Significance:
This verse is significant because it sets the stage for the rediscovery of a decree from King Cyrus that had authorized the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. The Jews were trying to rebuild the Temple, but faced opposition. By finding the original decree in the royal archives, they could prove their right to rebuild and overcome the obstacles in their path.
