Ezra 5:17 - 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 of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem; and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.”
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What does "Ezra 5:17" mean?
This verse, Ezra 5:17, is a plea from Tattenai, the governor of the region west of the Euphrates, to King Darius of Persia. Tattenai is essentially asking Darius to verify the legitimacy of the Jews' claim that King Cyrus had authorized the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. Let's break down the meaning:
"Now therefore, if it seems good to the king...": This is a respectful, deferential way to address the king, common in diplomatic correspondence. Tattenai acknowledges Darius's supreme authority and presents his request politely.
"...let a search be made in the king's treasure house, which is there at Babylon...": This is the core of the request. Babylon, being a major administrative center of the Persian Empire and previously the capital of the Babylonian Empire, would have held important state documents and records, including royal decrees. Tattenai requests a search for the decree issued by Cyrus. "Treasure house" is a term encompassing important administrative archives and records, not just gold and jewels.
"...whether it is so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem...": This clearly states what they are looking for: documentary proof that Cyrus, the former king of Persia, did indeed issue a decree authorizing the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem.
"...and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.": This is a request for Darius to inform Tattenai of the outcome of the search and what Darius's decision is regarding the rebuilding of the Temple. Tattenai is asking for Darius's official response or instructions. "Send his pleasure" means to communicate the king's will or decision.
In Summary:
Tattenai is not entirely convinced of the Jews' claim to be acting under the authority of a royal decree. He, therefore, asks King Darius to verify the existence of Cyrus's decree in the royal archives in Babylon. By asking for verification, Tattenai is pausing the rebuilding process until Darius confirms its legitimacy, maintaining his own authority in the region and preventing any potential violation of royal policy. This request reflects the bureaucratic processes and diplomatic protocols of the Persian Empire, where written decrees and documentation were highly valued.
Ezra 5:17 - 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 of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem; and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.”
What does "Ezra 5:17" mean?
This verse, Ezra 5:17, is a plea from Tattenai, the governor of the region west of the Euphrates, to King Darius of Persia. Tattenai is essentially asking Darius to verify the legitimacy of the Jews' claim that King Cyrus had authorized the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. Let's break down the meaning:
"Now therefore, if it seems good to the king...": This is a respectful, deferential way to address the king, common in diplomatic correspondence. Tattenai acknowledges Darius's supreme authority and presents his request politely.
"...let a search be made in the king's treasure house, which is there at Babylon...": This is the core of the request. Babylon, being a major administrative center of the Persian Empire and previously the capital of the Babylonian Empire, would have held important state documents and records, including royal decrees. Tattenai requests a search for the decree issued by Cyrus. "Treasure house" is a term encompassing important administrative archives and records, not just gold and jewels.
"...whether it is so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem...": This clearly states what they are looking for: documentary proof that Cyrus, the former king of Persia, did indeed issue a decree authorizing the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem.
"...and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.": This is a request for Darius to inform Tattenai of the outcome of the search and what Darius's decision is regarding the rebuilding of the Temple. Tattenai is asking for Darius's official response or instructions. "Send his pleasure" means to communicate the king's will or decision.
In Summary:
Tattenai is not entirely convinced of the Jews' claim to be acting under the authority of a royal decree. He, therefore, asks King Darius to verify the existence of Cyrus's decree in the royal archives in Babylon. By asking for verification, Tattenai is pausing the rebuilding process until Darius confirms its legitimacy, maintaining his own authority in the region and preventing any potential violation of royal policy. This request reflects the bureaucratic processes and diplomatic protocols of the Persian Empire, where written decrees and documentation were highly valued.