Ezra 5:10

KJV

We asked their names also, to certify thee, that we might write the names of the men that [were] the chief of them.

KJV (with Strong's)

We asked {H7593} their names {H8036} also {H638}, to certify {H3046} thee, that we might write {H3790} the names {H8036} of the men {H1400} that were the chief {H7217} of them.

Complete Jewish Bible

We also asked them their names, so that we could write you the names of the men in charge of them.

Berean Standard Bible

We also asked for their names, so that we could write down the names of their leaders for your information.

American Standard Version

We asked them their names also, to certify thee, that we might write the names of the men that were at the head of them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 5:10 captures a pivotal moment in the Persian governor Tatnai's formal inquiry into the resumed rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. This verse specifically details his request for the names of the Jewish leaders overseeing the project. This demand for official identification and accountability was a standard administrative procedure within the vast Persian Empire, designed to verify authority and ensure compliance with imperial decrees, ultimately serving as a crucial step in God's providential plan for the temple's completion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 5:10 is embedded within Tatnai's official report to King Darius (Ezra 5:6-17), following the renewed efforts of the Jewish exiles to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. The narrative immediately preceding this (Ezra 5:1-2) highlights the prophetic encouragement of Haggai and Zechariah, which stirred Zerubbabel and Jeshua to resume construction despite a previous cessation of work (as recorded in [Ezra 4:24](/ezra/4-24 "Ezra 4:24 - The Stoppage of Temple Work")). Tatnai, as the governor "on this side the river" (the Euphrates), was exercising his administrative duty to investigate this unauthorized (from his perspective) activity, leading to this formal request for the names of those in charge. This inquiry sets the stage for the Jewish leaders' confident and detailed response (Ezra 5:11-16) and the subsequent royal decree from Darius (Ezra 6), which ultimately validated and supported the rebuilding.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Ezra 5 unfold during the reign of Darius I (Hystaspes) of Persia (522-486 BC), a period known for its highly organized imperial administration. The Persian Empire governed its vast territories through a system of satrapies, each overseen by a governor like Tatnai. Official communication involved meticulous record-keeping, written reports, and the consultation of royal archives. The Jews, having returned from Babylonian exile under the decree of Cyrus the Great (as detailed in [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree for Return and Rebuilding")), were operating within this complex political landscape. Tatnai's request for names was not necessarily hostile but a standard bureaucratic procedure to ascertain the legitimacy of the building project and the authority of its leaders, reflecting the Persian emphasis on order and control.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Ezra. First, it underscores the theme of **divine sovereignty** over human governments, demonstrating how God can use even bureaucratic inquiries and imperial decrees to advance His purposes, as seen in [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand"). Second, it highlights the **accountability and transparency** expected of leaders, particularly in the face of scrutiny. The Jewish leaders' willingness to openly identify themselves and their mission (as seen in [Ezra 5:11-16](/ezra/5-11 "Ezra 5:11-16 - The Jewish Leaders' Response to Tatnai")) was crucial. Third, the passage emphasizes the **importance of documentation and official records**, both for the Persian administration and, ultimately, for the validation of God's people's work. Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **courageous obedience** in the face of opposition, as the Jews continued their work despite the potential repercussions of Tatnai's investigation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **certify (Hebrew, _l'hodautakh'_):** This word, derived from the root יָדַע (yada'), meaning "to know," implies "to make known to you," "to inform officially," or "to give notice." It emphasizes Tatnai's desire for a formal, documented, and verifiable account to present to the king. It's not merely asking for information, but for information that can be officially attested and submitted as evidence.
* **chief (Hebrew, _roshehem'_):** Literally meaning "their heads" (from the root רֹאשׁ, rosh), this term clearly designates the principal leaders, prominent individuals, or those holding primary authority and responsibility for the temple rebuilding project. Tatnai was not interested in every worker, but in those who initiated, directed, and were ultimately accountable for the undertaking.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"We asked their names also, to certify thee,"**: This clause reveals Tatnai's proactive investigative approach. He and his associates did not merely observe, but directly engaged with the builders, specifically requesting the identities of those involved. The phrase "to certify thee" explicitly states the purpose: to provide a formal, verified report to King Darius, ensuring that the information was accurate and officially recorded for royal review. This was a critical step in the Persian administrative process, ensuring due diligence.
* **"that we might write the names of the men that [were] the chief of them."**: This second clause specifies the exact nature of the requested information. The focus was not on every individual laborer but on the "chiefs"—the leaders, supervisors, and decision-makers. The intent was to document those holding authority and responsibility for the construction. This allowed the Persian government to know who was behind the work, enabling them to hold specific individuals accountable and to trace the chain of command, which was essential for maintaining order within the empire.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several key literary devices. The primary device is **Bureaucracy** or **Official Inquiry**, as the verse is part of a meticulously detailed governmental report. The language is precise and formal, reflecting the administrative procedures of the Persian Empire. This bureaucratic framework serves as a backdrop against which God's divine plan unfolds. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing** in this seemingly adversarial inquiry; while Tatnai's investigation appears to be an obstacle, it ultimately foreshadows the divine intervention that will use this very process to validate, protect, and even fund the temple rebuilding. This leads to a subtle **Irony**: what initially appears as a challenge to the Jews' work becomes the very mechanism through which God's purposes are confirmed and supported by the highest earthly authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 5:10 powerfully illustrates God's sovereignty over all earthly powers and systems. Even seemingly mundane or challenging bureaucratic processes can be instruments in His hands to achieve His divine purposes. Tatnai's inquiry, while driven by imperial protocol, ultimately served to bring the temple rebuilding project to the direct attention of King Darius, leading to a favorable decree that not only permitted but also financially supported the work. This highlights that believers are called to live with integrity and transparency, especially those in leadership, recognizing that their actions may come under scrutiny. Yet, they can trust that God is working behind the scenes, orchestrating events for the good of His people and the advancement of His kingdom.

* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [1 Peter 3:15](/1_peter/3-15 "1 Peter 3:15 - Always Be Prepared to Give an Answer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a potent reminder for contemporary believers, especially those in leadership roles, about the importance of integrity, transparency, and accountability. Just as the Jewish leaders were prepared to give an account of their work and their authority, so too should followers of Christ be ready to articulate their faith and the reasons for their actions, particularly when questioned by secular authorities or a skeptical world. It encourages us to see God's hand at work even in the complexities of governmental systems and bureaucratic procedures. Rather than fearing scrutiny, we can trust that God can use such circumstances to bring His purposes to fruition, validating righteous endeavors and providing unexpected support. This passage calls us to live in such a way that our lives and ministries can withstand examination, confident in the divine mandate we serve.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge believers to live with integrity and transparency in their public and private lives, especially when under scrutiny?**
* **In what ways might God be using seemingly secular or bureaucratic systems today to advance His kingdom purposes, even if it's not immediately apparent?**
* **How can we, like the Jewish leaders, be prepared to give an account for our faith and actions when questioned, whether by authorities or by those curious about our beliefs?**

### FAQ

**Why was Tatnai so interested in the names of the leaders?**

Answer: Tatnai, as the Persian governor, was interested in the names of the leaders for official documentation and accountability. The Persian Empire was highly organized, and any significant activity, especially large-scale construction, required proper authorization and identification of responsible parties. Obtaining the names of "the chief of them" allowed Tatnai to verify the authority behind the temple rebuilding project and to present a comprehensive, factual report to King Darius, ensuring that the work was either sanctioned or that those responsible could be held accountable.

**Did the Jewish leaders comply with this request?**

Answer: Yes, the Jewish leaders fully complied with Tatnai's request. As detailed in [Ezra 5:11-16](/ezra/5-11 "Ezra 5:11-16 - The Jewish Leaders' Response to Tatnai"), Zerubbabel and Jeshua, along with the elders, gave a detailed and transparent response. They not only provided their names but also explained the historical and divine mandate for their work, referencing Cyrus's original decree and the history of their people and their God. This transparency proved to be crucial for their cause.

**How did this investigation ultimately benefit the Jews?**

Answer: What initially appeared to be an obstacle ultimately became a catalyst for divine provision and protection. Tatnai's report prompted King Darius to search the royal archives ([Ezra 6:1](/ezra/6-1 "Ezra 6:1 - Darius Searches the Archives")), where Cyrus's original decree authorizing the temple rebuilding was discovered. Consequently, Darius issued a new decree ([Ezra 6:6-12](/ezra/6-6 "Ezra 6:6-12 - Darius's Decree Supporting the Temple")) that not only affirmed the Jews' right to build but also commanded Tatnai and his associates to provide financial support from the royal treasury and ensure no one hindered the work. This accelerated the temple's completion and ensured its protection.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 5:10, with its emphasis on identifying "the chief" and accountability, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Tatnai sought earthly leaders for an earthly report, God's eternal plan centered on the one true "Chief" and "Head" of His people. Jesus is the ultimate leader and builder of a spiritual temple, the Church ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ the Cornerstone of the Church")). He willingly submitted to scrutiny and questioning, even before earthly authorities like Pilate ([John 18:37](/john/18-37 "John 18:37 - Jesus' Testimony Before Pilate")), not to certify His own authority, which was divine, but to fulfill His redemptive mission. The "names" recorded in this verse by Tatnai point forward to the ultimate registry of names—those written in the [Lamb's Book of Life](/revelation/20-12 "Revelation 20:12 - The Book of Life"). God's providential hand, seen in His orchestration of Persian bureaucracy for the temple's rebuilding, perfectly foreshadows His sovereign control over all history and every earthly power to establish and expand the kingdom of His Son, Jesus Christ, the true [Head over all things to the church](/ephesians/1-22 "Ephesians 1:22 - Christ as Head over All Things").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.