1 esdras 6:11 - Then asked we these elders, saying, By whose commandment build you⌃ this house, and lay the foundations of these works?

Generated Verse: 1 esdras 6:11

What does "1 esdras 6:11" mean?


This verse from 1 Esdras 6:11 is part of a larger narrative about the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem after the Jewish people returned from exile in Babylon. Let's break down the meaning:

"Then asked we these elders...": This indicates that the author (or a representative of the author's group) is speaking about a time when they questioned the Jewish elders who were overseeing the construction of the Temple.

"...saying, By whose commandment build you this house...": The core of the question is about authority. The questioners are asking, "Who gave you the authority or permission to rebuild this Temple?" They want to know what order or decree from a higher power (likely the Persian King or perhaps even God) justified the building project.

"...and lay the foundations of these works?": This emphasizes the scope of the endeavor. They aren't just asking about some minor repairs; they are asking about the entire rebuilding effort, including laying the essential foundations.

In essence, the verse describes a challenge to the authority and legitimacy of the Temple rebuilding project. The questioners want to know who authorized the construction and by what right the Jewish elders were undertaking such a significant task. It's a moment of potential conflict, as the elders' ability to continue the work hinges on their ability to prove they have the proper authorization.

Context within 1 Esdras:

This verse is part of the narrative of opposition faced by the returning exiles as they attempted to rebuild the Temple. The questioners are likely officials or representatives of those who opposed the rebuilding, perhaps out of political or religious reasons. The next verses (not provided here) would likely detail the elders' response and the subsequent investigation to verify the source of authority.

1 Esdras covers similar ground to parts of the biblical books of Ezra and Nehemiah, so understanding the historical context of that period is important to understanding what's happening here.

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