This verse from 1 Esdras 6:4 (which corresponds to Ezra 5:3 in the canonical Hebrew Bible) is a question posed by Tattenai, the governor of the province west of the Euphrates, and his associates to the Jewish elders who were rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. Let's break down its meaning:
"By whose appointment do you build this house and this roof, and perform all the other things?": This is the core question. Tattenai is asking by what authority (appointment) the Jews are rebuilding the Temple. He wants to know who gave them permission and what the legal basis for their actions is. "This house and this roof" refers to the Temple itself. "All the other things" likely includes any related construction or activities connected with the Temple's reconstruction.
"and who are the builders that perform these things?": This is a secondary question, seeking to identify the individuals responsible for the construction. He is probably trying to identify the leaders or key figures involved in the rebuilding project.
In essence, Tattenai is demanding to know the justification and authorization for the Temple's reconstruction. He is challenging the Jews to prove they have the right to be doing what they are doing.
Why is this question important?
Imperial Authority: Tattenai was an official of the Persian Empire, which controlled the region. He was responsible for maintaining order and ensuring compliance with imperial decrees. He wanted to be sure that the Temple rebuilding wasn't a rebellion or a violation of Persian law.
Potential Conflict: Rebuilding the Temple was a significant event with potential political implications. Other groups in the region may have opposed the Temple's reconstruction, fearing it would strengthen the Jewish community's power and influence.
Verification of Cyrus' Decree: The Jews claimed to be acting under a decree from King Cyrus the Great, which allowed them to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. Tattenai wanted to verify if this decree truly existed and if the Jews were acting within its parameters.
Tattenai's query ultimately led to a search for Cyrus's original decree, which was found in the archives in Ecbatana (1 Esdras 6:23-33, Ezra 6:1-12). When the decree was confirmed, Tattenai was obligated to support the Temple's reconstruction, as ordered by Darius.
Therefore, this verse marks a pivotal moment in the narrative, representing an external challenge to the Jews' efforts and the need for them to validate their actions through official documentation.
This verse from 1 Esdras 6:4 (which corresponds to Ezra 5:3 in the canonical Hebrew Bible) is a question posed by Tattenai, the governor of the province west of the Euphrates, and his associates to the Jewish elders who were rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. Let's break down its meaning:
"By whose appointment do you build this house and this roof, and perform all the other things?": This is the core question. Tattenai is asking by what authority (appointment) the Jews are rebuilding the Temple. He wants to know who gave them permission and what the legal basis for their actions is. "This house and this roof" refers to the Temple itself. "All the other things" likely includes any related construction or activities connected with the Temple's reconstruction.
"and who are the builders that perform these things?": This is a secondary question, seeking to identify the individuals responsible for the construction. He is probably trying to identify the leaders or key figures involved in the rebuilding project.
In essence, Tattenai is demanding to know the justification and authorization for the Temple's reconstruction. He is challenging the Jews to prove they have the right to be doing what they are doing.
Why is this question important?
Imperial Authority: Tattenai was an official of the Persian Empire, which controlled the region. He was responsible for maintaining order and ensuring compliance with imperial decrees. He wanted to be sure that the Temple rebuilding wasn't a rebellion or a violation of Persian law.
Potential Conflict: Rebuilding the Temple was a significant event with potential political implications. Other groups in the region may have opposed the Temple's reconstruction, fearing it would strengthen the Jewish community's power and influence.
Verification of Cyrus' Decree: The Jews claimed to be acting under a decree from King Cyrus the Great, which allowed them to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. Tattenai wanted to verify if this decree truly existed and if the Jews were acting within its parameters.
Tattenai's query ultimately led to a search for Cyrus's original decree, which was found in the archives in Ecbatana (1 Esdras 6:23-33, Ezra 6:1-12). When the decree was confirmed, Tattenai was obligated to support the Temple's reconstruction, as ordered by Darius.
Therefore, this verse marks a pivotal moment in the narrative, representing an external challenge to the Jews' efforts and the need for them to validate their actions through official documentation.
