This verse from 1 Esdras 6:22 essentially says:
"We've checked the records and found proof that King Cyrus authorized the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. If our current king agrees that this is legitimate and should continue, please let us know."
Here's a breakdown:
"and if it be found that the building of the house of the Lord which is in Jerusalem has been done with the consent of king Cyrus...": This refers to the discovery of documentation (likely a decree or letter) confirming that Cyrus the Great, the previous Persian king, had given permission for the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem.
"...and it seem good to our lord the king...": This is an appeal to the current king of Persia. The phrase asks if the king approves of upholding Cyrus's original decree. In other words, "if you agree this is the right thing to do..."
"...let him signify to us thereof.": This is a request for the king's official confirmation or approval. They want a clear signal ("signify") from the king that he agrees to continue supporting the Temple's construction based on the evidence of Cyrus's original decree.
Context is key:
This verse is part of a larger narrative about the rebuilding of the Second Temple after the Jewish people returned from exile in Babylon. The rebuilding faced opposition, and questions arose about its legitimacy. This verse reveals an effort to solidify the project's legality by referencing Cyrus's original permission and seeking the current king's endorsement to avoid further obstruction. It is also about appealing to the legal and bureaucratic system of the Persian empire for support and confirmation.
This verse from 1 Esdras 6:22 essentially says:
"We've checked the records and found proof that King Cyrus authorized the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. If our current king agrees that this is legitimate and should continue, please let us know."
Here's a breakdown:
"and if it be found that the building of the house of the Lord which is in Jerusalem has been done with the consent of king Cyrus...": This refers to the discovery of documentation (likely a decree or letter) confirming that Cyrus the Great, the previous Persian king, had given permission for the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem.
"...and it seem good to our lord the king...": This is an appeal to the current king of Persia. The phrase asks if the king approves of upholding Cyrus's original decree. In other words, "if you agree this is the right thing to do..."
"...let him signify to us thereof.": This is a request for the king's official confirmation or approval. They want a clear signal ("signify") from the king that he agrees to continue supporting the Temple's construction based on the evidence of Cyrus's original decree.
Context is key:
This verse is part of a larger narrative about the rebuilding of the Second Temple after the Jewish people returned from exile in Babylon. The rebuilding faced opposition, and questions arose about its legitimacy. This verse reveals an effort to solidify the project's legality by referencing Cyrus's original permission and seeking the current king's endorsement to avoid further obstruction. It is also about appealing to the legal and bureaucratic system of the Persian empire for support and confirmation.
