Ezra 5:17

KJV

Now therefore, if [it seem] good to the king, let there be search made in the king's treasure house, which [is] there at Babylon, whether it be [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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {H3705} therefore, if {H2006} it seem good {H2869} to {H5922} the king {H4430}, let there be search {H1240} made in the king's {H4430} treasure {H1596} house {H1005}, which is there {H8536} at Babylon {H895}, whether {H2006} it be {H383} so, that a decree {H2942} was made {H7761} of {H4481} Cyrus {H3567} the king {H4430} to build {H1124} this {H1791} house {H1005} of God {H426} at Jerusalem {H3390}, and let the king {H4430} send {H7972} his pleasure {H7470} to us concerning {H5922} this matter {H1836}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Now therefore, if it seems good to the king, let a search be made in the royal treasury there in Bavel to determine whether a decree was issued by Koresh the king to rebuild this house of God in Yerushalayim; and let the king send us his decision concerning this matter.'"

Berean Standard Bible

Now, therefore, if it pleases the king, let a search be made of the royal archives in Babylon to see if King Cyrus did indeed issue a decree to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. Then let the king send us his decision in this matter.

American Standard Version

Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search made in the king’s treasure-house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 5:17 records the crucial request from Tatnai, the Persian governor of Trans-Euphrates, to King Darius I. Faced with the Jewish exiles' renewed efforts to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem and their assertion of prior authorization by King Cyrus, Tatnai formally petitions Darius to initiate an official search within the royal archives in Babylon. This administrative inquiry aims to verify the existence and precise content of Cyrus's original edict, thereby establishing the legitimate authority for the Temple's reconstruction and guiding the king's subsequent directives on the matter.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the concluding and most significant component of an official letter dispatched by Tatnai, Shethar-boznai, and their colleagues to King Darius I, as detailed in [Ezra 5](/ezra/5 "Ezra 5 - The Resumption of Temple Building"). The letter is a direct consequence of their on-site inquiry to the Jewish elders in Jerusalem, questioning the authority by which they were rebuilding the "house of God" and the city walls ([Ezra 5:3-4](/ezra/5-3-4 "Ezra 5:3-4 - Tatnai's Inquiry to the Jewish Elders")). In response, the Jewish leaders confidently asserted that King Cyrus had issued a specific decree permitting their return to Jerusalem and the reconstruction of the Temple ([Ezra 5:11-15](/ezra/5-11-15 "Ezra 5:11-15 - The Jews' Defense and Appeal to Cyrus's Decree")). Tatnai's letter, therefore, functions as an official administrative report and a formal request for the king to verify the Jews' claims by searching the royal records. This pivotal request directly sets the stage for the providential discovery of Cyrus's decree in [Ezra 6:1-2](/ezra/6-1-2 "Ezra 6:1-2 - Discovery of Cyrus's Decree in Ecbatana"), which ultimately vindicates the Jews' actions and ensures the successful completion of the Temple.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezra 5:17 is situated during the reign of Darius I (Hystaspes), approximately between 520-518 BC, roughly two decades after Cyrus the Great's initial decree in 538 BC that allowed the Jewish exiles to return and rebuild their Temple. The Persian Empire was renowned for its highly organized and efficient administrative system, characterized by meticulous record-keeping. Royal decrees were legally binding throughout the vast empire and were carefully archived in various imperial centers. Babylon, having been conquered by Cyrus and serving as a significant administrative hub, was a logical place to search for early Persian edicts, though the decree was eventually found in Ecbatana ([Ezra 6:2](/ezra/6-2 "Ezra 6:2 - The Decree Found in Ecbatana")). Tatnai, as the governor of the satrapy "beyond the River" (Trans-Euphrates), was acting within his official capacity to ensure proper legal authorization for such a large-scale public works project, especially one with religious and political implications for a subjugated people. His actions reflect the standard bureaucratic procedures of the Achaemenid Persian Empire.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several key themes within the book of Ezra and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty over earthly rulers**, demonstrating how God orchestrates events and uses even pagan kings like Cyrus and Darius to fulfill His prophetic purposes and promises concerning His people and the rebuilding of His sanctuary. This is a recurring motif, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand"). Secondly, it emphasizes the importance of **Legitimacy and Authority** in undertaking God's work; the Jews relied on a legitimate royal decree, and the Persian officials sought proper verification, illustrating that divine work often operates within established human systems. Thirdly, the passage speaks to **Persistence in Faith** despite opposition and bureaucratic hurdles; the Jewish leaders' unwavering confidence in Cyrus's decree, even under scrutiny, reflects their trust that God would ultimately vindicate their efforts, echoing the resilience of God's people throughout history. Finally, it showcases the theme of **Truth and Verification**, as the Persian administrative process of due diligence inadvertently serves God's plan by confirming the divine mandate for the Temple's reconstruction, a truth that could not be suppressed.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"search" (Aramaic, _bᵉqar'_):** From H1240, corresponding to the Hebrew root meaning "to plough" or "break forth," it figuratively means "to inspect, admire, care for, consider." In this context, it specifically denotes a formal, diligent inquiry or investigation, particularly a search through official records. Tatnai's request is not a casual suggestion but a demand for a thorough bureaucratic process to ascertain the truth.
* **"treasure house" (Aramaic, _gᵉnaz'_):** From H1596, this term refers to a royal archive or repository for official documents, records, and decrees, rather than primarily a place for storing monetary wealth. As noted in [Ezra 6:1](/ezra/6-1 "Ezra 6:1 - The House of the Rolls"), it is explicitly called the "house of the rolls" or "house of the books," confirming its function as a central record office. This highlights the Persian Empire's meticulous administrative practices and their reliance on written legal precedents.
* **"decree" (Aramaic, _ṭᵉʻêm'_):** From H2942, this word signifies a formal, authoritative, and legally binding order or edict issued by the king. It carries the full weight of imperial law and was enforceable throughout the Persian Empire. The use of this term emphasizes that Cyrus's original command was not merely a suggestion or a verbal permission, but a solemn, written, and legally valid mandate that provided the legitimate foundation for the Temple's reconstruction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now therefore, if [it seem] good to the king":** This opening phrase exemplifies the deferential and respectful tone characteristic of petitions addressed to Persian monarchs. It acknowledges the king's ultimate authority and discretion, presenting the request as subject to his sovereign will and judgment, even though Tatnai is acting within his official duties as governor. This politeness underscores the gravity of the matter.
* **"let there be search made in the king's treasure house, which [is] there at Babylon":** This is Tatnai's specific and practical request for verification. He directs the king to initiate an official, diligent search within the royal archives. The mention of "Babylon" is significant, as it was a major administrative center and likely housed important records from the early Persian period, especially those related to the conquest of Babylon and the subsequent policies of Cyrus.
* **"whether it be [so], that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem":** This clause articulates the precise purpose of the search: to confirm the existence and exact content of the decree attributed to King Cyrus. It directly addresses the Jews' claim and seeks official validation of their authority to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem, emphasizing the religious nature of the structure ("this house of God") and the specific mandate for its construction.
* **"and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter":** This final part of the request seeks a clear, definitive ruling or instruction from King Darius. Tatnai desires an official response that will provide unambiguous administrative guidance on how to proceed with the situation in Jerusalem, whether to permit, halt, or modify the building work based on the findings of the archive search. This highlights the need for clear imperial directives.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 5:17, as part of Tatnai's official letter, effectively employs several literary devices. There is a subtle **Irony** at play: Tatnai's diligent investigation, seemingly designed to scrutinize or even potentially halt the Temple rebuilding, inadvertently becomes the very catalyst for its official re-authorization and accelerated completion under royal patronage. The request for a search also serves as a strong element of **Foreshadowing**, pointing directly to the subsequent discovery of Cyrus's decree in [Ezra 6:1-2](/ezra/6-1-2 "Ezra 6:1-2 - Discovery of the Decree"), which will decisively vindicate the Jews' claims. Furthermore, the entire passage is presented in an **Epistolary Form**, highlighting the bureaucratic and legalistic nature of the Persian administration and the formal channels through which interactions between subject peoples and the imperial power were conducted. This formal structure underscores the gravity and official weight of the matter at hand, emphasizing the importance of documented authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 5:17 powerfully illustrates the overarching theme of God's sovereign control over the nations and their rulers. Despite the formidable power of the Persian Empire and the meticulousness of its bureaucracy, God's divine will ultimately prevails. Tatnai's administrative inquiry, though seemingly a challenge to the Jews' work, becomes the very means by which God's earlier decree through Cyrus is confirmed and re-enforced by Darius. This demonstrates that God works through established human systems, even those of pagan empires, to accomplish His redemptive purposes and fulfill His promises to His people. The pursuit of truth and legal verification within the Persian system ultimately serves to validate God's plan for the rebuilding of His Temple, showcasing His faithfulness to His covenant and His ability to turn potential obstacles into instruments of His will.

* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")
* [Isaiah 44:28](/isaiah/44-28 "Isaiah 44:28 - Cyrus as God's Shepherd")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 5:17 offers profound lessons for believers navigating life and ministry. It reminds us that God's work, even when divinely ordained, often encounters bureaucratic hurdles, skepticism, and administrative processes that require patience and integrity. Just as the Jewish leaders confidently pointed to a verifiable decree, we are called to ground our actions in the unchanging truth of God's Word, which is our ultimate authority. This passage encourages us to trust that God can work through secular systems and even through the diligence of those who might initially question our motives. It challenges us to maintain transparency and integrity in our endeavors, knowing that God can use scrutiny to bring about His purposes, ultimately vindicating His work and His people. We are called to be both fervent in spirit and wise in our dealings, relying on God to open doors and remove obstacles in His perfect timing, demonstrating both faith and responsible stewardship in all our undertakings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this passage encourage us when facing bureaucratic hurdles or opposition in our ministry or personal callings?**
* **In what ways can we ensure that our work for God is both divinely inspired and also conducted with integrity and proper authority in the eyes of the world?**
* **What does Tatnai's diligence teach us about seeking truth and verification, even when it might initially seem to challenge God's work?**

### FAQ
**Why was the "treasure house" at Babylon, not Susa or Ecbatana?**

Answer: While the Persian Empire had multiple royal cities and administrative centers (Susa, Ecbatana, Persepolis), Babylon was a significant imperial city, especially during the early Persian period after its conquest by Cyrus. It was logical for early decrees, particularly those issued shortly after the empire's expansion, to be archived there. The decree of Cyrus was indeed found in Ecbatana (Achmetha) later ([Ezra 6:2](/ezra/6-2 "Ezra 6:2 - The Decree Found in Ecbatana")), suggesting that copies or originals might have been kept in various key administrative locations across the vast empire. Tatnai's initial request to search Babylon indicates it was a primary and expected location for such a foundational document.

**What does this verse tell us about Persian administration?**

Answer: Ezra 5:17 vividly illustrates the highly organized and centralized bureaucracy of the Persian Empire. It reveals a system that valued meticulous record-keeping, legal precedent, and due diligence. Royal decrees were not merely verbal commands but formal, written documents that were carefully archived and could be retrieved for verification. This emphasis on official authorization and documented law underscores the legalistic nature of Persian governance and the importance of proper administrative channels for any significant undertaking, even the rebuilding of the [Temple in Jerusalem](/ezra/5 "Ezra 5 - Rebuilding the Temple"). It highlights a sophisticated imperial system capable of managing a vast and diverse empire through established legal frameworks.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 5:17, with its focus on the verification of a royal decree to build the "house of God," finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The meticulous search for an earthly decree foreshadows the absolute certainty and divine validation of God's eternal plan, revealed and accomplished in Christ. Just as the physical Temple was to be rebuilt according to a king's decree, Christ Himself is the ultimate "House of God," the true and living Temple not made with human hands ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus and the Temple")). His authority is not found in dusty earthly archives, but in His divine nature and His resurrection from the dead, which definitively validated His claims and mission ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Declared Son of God with Power")). The rebuilding of the physical Temple pointed to the ultimate dwelling of God among His people, a reality fully realized in Christ's incarnation ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")) and, subsequently, in the Church as the spiritual temple built upon Him, the chief cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Foundation of Apostles and Prophets")). The administrative process to confirm the Temple's legitimacy in Ezra ultimately points to the irrefutable, divinely decreed authority of Christ, through whom God's people are now built into a holy habitation for the Spirit ([1 Peter 2:4-5](/1_peter/2-4-5 "1 Peter 2:4-5 - Living Stones")), a living testament to God's enduring presence.

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.

Cross-References

Ezra 4:15

That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city [is] a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed.

Ezra 4:19

And I commanded, and search hath been made, and it is found that this city of old time hath made insurrection against kings, and [that] rebellion and sedition have been made therein.

Proverbs 25:2

¶ [It is] the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings [is] to search out a matter.

Ezra 6:1

¶ Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.

Ezra 6:5

And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which [is] at Jerusalem, and brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto the temple which [is] at Jerusalem, [every one] to his place, and place [them] in the house of God.