Ezra 5:3 - At the same time Tattenai, the governor beyond the River came to them, with Shetharbozenai, and their companions, and asked them, “Who gave you a decree to build this house, and to finish this wall?”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Ezra 5:3" mean?
This verse from Ezra 5:3 describes a moment of investigation and potential conflict as the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem is underway. Let's break it down:
"At the same time Tattenai, the governor beyond the River came to them, with Shetharbozenai, and their companions..."
Tattenai was the governor of the Persian province "Beyond the River," meaning the region west of the Euphrates River (including Judea). He was a high-ranking official representing the Persian Empire's authority in the area.
Shetharbozenai was likely another official under Tattenai's authority, possibly a scribe or advisor.
"Their companions" refers to their entourage - guards, officials, and others who accompanied them on this mission. This indicates the seriousness of their visit.
"...and asked them, “Who gave you a decree to build this house, and to finish this wall?”"
This is the key question. Tattenai is demanding to know on what authority the Jews are rebuilding the Temple.
"This house" refers to the Temple in Jerusalem.
"This wall" is probably referring to the city walls, or surrounding walls for the temple complex that were also being constructed, which was not authorized by the previous decree.
The question implies that Tattenai is skeptical or unaware of any official authorization from the Persian King. He is likely checking to ensure that the rebuilding project is legitimate and doesn't pose a threat to Persian authority or interests.
In summary, this verse highlights the following:
The potential for interference: The presence of the Persian governor and his officials demonstrates the potential for the Persian Empire to intervene in the Jewish rebuilding efforts.
The need for authorization: The question about the decree underscores the importance of having official permission from the Persian King (likely Cyrus) to rebuild the Temple. Without proper authorization, the project could be shut down.
The authority of the Persian Empire: The governor's visit reinforces the fact that the Jews are under the rule of the Persian Empire and must comply with its laws and regulations.
The significance of this verse in the broader context of Ezra:
This event is a turning point in the story. It leads to:
1. The Jews explaining that Cyrus had previously ordered the rebuilding of the temple.
2. Tattenai writing a letter to Darius I (the Persian King at the time) to verify the decree issued by Cyrus.
3. Darius discovering Cyrus' original decree, thus confirming the Jews' right to rebuild the Temple.
Ultimately, this encounter, while initially appearing threatening, leads to a positive outcome for the Jews, as it results in the Persian king officially sanctioning and even funding the completion of the Temple.
Ezra 5:3 - At the same time Tattenai, the governor beyond the River came to them, with Shetharbozenai, and their companions, and asked them, “Who gave you a decree to build this house, and to finish this wall?”
What does "Ezra 5:3" mean?
This verse from Ezra 5:3 describes a moment of investigation and potential conflict as the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem is underway. Let's break it down:
"At the same time Tattenai, the governor beyond the River came to them, with Shetharbozenai, and their companions..."
Tattenai was the governor of the Persian province "Beyond the River," meaning the region west of the Euphrates River (including Judea). He was a high-ranking official representing the Persian Empire's authority in the area.
Shetharbozenai was likely another official under Tattenai's authority, possibly a scribe or advisor.
"Their companions" refers to their entourage - guards, officials, and others who accompanied them on this mission. This indicates the seriousness of their visit.
"...and asked them, “Who gave you a decree to build this house, and to finish this wall?”"
This is the key question. Tattenai is demanding to know on what authority the Jews are rebuilding the Temple.
"This house" refers to the Temple in Jerusalem.
"This wall" is probably referring to the city walls, or surrounding walls for the temple complex that were also being constructed, which was not authorized by the previous decree.
The question implies that Tattenai is skeptical or unaware of any official authorization from the Persian King. He is likely checking to ensure that the rebuilding project is legitimate and doesn't pose a threat to Persian authority or interests.
In summary, this verse highlights the following:
The potential for interference: The presence of the Persian governor and his officials demonstrates the potential for the Persian Empire to intervene in the Jewish rebuilding efforts.
The need for authorization: The question about the decree underscores the importance of having official permission from the Persian King (likely Cyrus) to rebuild the Temple. Without proper authorization, the project could be shut down.
The authority of the Persian Empire: The governor's visit reinforces the fact that the Jews are under the rule of the Persian Empire and must comply with its laws and regulations.
The significance of this verse in the broader context of Ezra:
This event is a turning point in the story. It leads to:
1. The Jews explaining that Cyrus had previously ordered the rebuilding of the temple.
2. Tattenai writing a letter to Darius I (the Persian King at the time) to verify the decree issued by Cyrus.
3. Darius discovering Cyrus' original decree, thus confirming the Jews' right to rebuild the Temple.
Ultimately, this encounter, while initially appearing threatening, leads to a positive outcome for the Jews, as it results in the Persian king officially sanctioning and even funding the completion of the Temple.