Ezra 5:9

KJV

Then asked we those elders, [and] said unto them thus, Who commanded you to build this house, and to make up these walls?

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {H116} asked {H7593} we those {H479} elders {H7868}, and said {H560} unto them thus {H3660}, Who {H4479} commanded {H7761}{H2942} you to build {H1124} this {H1836} house {H1005}, and to make up {H3635} these {H1836} walls {H846}?

Complete Jewish Bible

of their leaders. We asked them, 'Who gave you permission to rebuild this house and finish this wall?'

Berean Standard Bible

So we questioned the elders and asked, “Who authorized you to rebuild this temple and restore this structure?”

American Standard Version

Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus, Who gave you a decree to build this house, and to finish this wall?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 5:9 captures the moment when Tatnai, the Persian governor of Trans-Euphrates, and his officials formally interrogate the Jewish elders in Jerusalem regarding the resumed construction of the temple. This direct inquiry challenges the authority and legitimacy of the building project, demanding to know who authorized the work and who is overseeing the rebuilding of both the temple structure and its protective walls, setting the stage for a critical confrontation between the Persian administration and the returning exiles.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 5:9 is situated within the narrative of the post-exilic return and the rebuilding of the Second Temple. The book of Ezra details the return of Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem under the decrees of Persian kings. Chapters 1-6 focus on the first return under Zerubbabel and Jeshua, and the initial attempts to rebuild the temple. After laying the foundation in [Ezra 3](/ezra/3 "Ezra 3 - Laying the Temple Foundation"), opposition from "adversaries of Judah and Benjamin" (e.g., [Ezra 4:1-5](/ezra/4-1 "Ezra 4:1-5 - Opposition to Rebuilding")) led to a cessation of work, which lasted until the second year of Darius I ([Ezra 4:24](/ezra/4-24 "Ezra 4:24 - Halt in Building")). [Ezra 5:1-2](/ezra/5-1 "Ezra 5:1-2 - Prophets Stir Action") marks the resumption of construction, spurred by the prophetic ministries of Haggai and Zechariah. Verse 9 specifically records the direct questioning from Tatnai and his associates, who have arrived to investigate the renewed activity, following up on reports and seeking official documentation for the project. This interrogation initiates a crucial exchange that will lead to the discovery of Cyrus's original decree.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Ezra 5:9 occur during the reign of Darius I Hystaspes (522-486 BC), some years after the initial return under Cyrus the Great. The Persian Empire was a vast, highly organized, and bureaucratic entity. Provinces like "Trans-Euphrates" (Abar-Nahara in Aramaic), which included Judah, were governed by satraps or governors (like Tatnai), who were responsible for maintaining order, collecting taxes, and ensuring compliance with imperial decrees. Any large-scale building project, especially one with potential political or religious implications, would require official sanction and oversight from the central government. The Jews, as a recently returned and relatively small vassal people, were under the direct authority of the Persian crown. Their actions were subject to imperial scrutiny, and any perceived unauthorized activity could be met with severe penalties. The temple was not just a religious structure; it was the center of Jewish national identity, and its rebuilding could be interpreted as a move towards greater autonomy, thus warranting a thorough investigation by the Persian authorities.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Ezra and the broader post-exilic narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Mandate vs. Human Authority**. The Jewish elders are building under what they believe is God's command and an earlier imperial decree, but they are confronted by a present human authority demanding justification. This tension underscores the challenges faced by God's people when their spiritual calling intersects with secular governance. Secondly, it emphasizes **Perseverance Amidst Opposition**. The rebuilding project had already faced significant resistance, and this inquiry represents a new wave of bureaucratic and political hurdles. The Jews' steadfastness in continuing the work, even under threat, is a testament to their faith and commitment. Lastly, the verse introduces the theme of **Legitimacy and Documentation**. Tatnai's question about "who commanded" implicitly demands proof of authorization, setting in motion the process that will lead to the rediscovery and reaffirmation of Cyrus's original decree, thereby validating the Jewish claim and ensuring the project's completion under imperial protection. This demonstrates the importance of both divine promises and human legal frameworks in the outworking of God's plan, as seen in [Ezra 6:1-12](/ezra/6-1 "Ezra 6:1-12 - Darius's Decree").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Commanded (Aramaic, _ṭəʿēm_):** This verb signifies "to command," "to decree," or "to give an order." In the context of Persian administration, it refers to an official, authoritative decree from a king or high-ranking official. Tatnai's question is not merely asking for a suggestion or a request, but for a legitimate, binding order that grants the authority to undertake such a significant and costly project. It implies a search for a formal edict that would render the building legal under imperial law.
* **House (Aramaic, _bayit_):** While literally meaning "house," in this context, it unequivocally refers to the Temple in Jerusalem. This term is consistently used throughout Ezra to denote the sacred dwelling place of God, the central place of worship for the Jewish people. The question about "this house" specifically targets the religious edifice, acknowledging its significance and the magnitude of its reconstruction.
* **Walls (Aramaic, _ʾuštarā_):** This word refers to the "walls" or "structure" of the building, specifically implying the finished, complete form of the temple edifice. It's not just about the foundation, but the entire construction, including its protective and enclosing elements. The KJV's "make up these walls" captures the sense of completing the entire structure, not just the initial work. This suggests that the building was visibly progressing beyond just the foundation, prompting the governor's inquiry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus":** This opening phrase establishes the formal nature of the inquiry. "We" refers to Tatnai, the governor of Trans-Euphrates, and his associates, who are acting as official representatives of the Persian Empire. The "elders" are the Jewish leaders, likely including Zerubbabel and Jeshua, who are overseeing the temple rebuilding. The phrase "said unto them thus" indicates a direct, official interrogation, setting a serious tone for the interaction.
* **"Who commanded you to build this house":** This is the core of Tatnai's inquiry. He is demanding to know the source of authority for the temple construction. This question probes the legitimacy of the project from the perspective of Persian law. Was there a royal decree? Was it an internal Jewish decision? The answer would determine whether the project was legal or an act of rebellion.
* **"and to make up these walls?":** This second part of the question specifically references the completion of the temple structure, including its enclosing walls. It shows that the work was visibly advanced enough to warrant an official investigation. The inclusion of "walls" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the construction and perhaps hints at the political sensitivity of rebuilding any defensive structures, even those associated with a religious site.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Interrogation** as a key literary device, framing the interaction as a direct challenge and demand for accountability. The question posed by Tatnai and his associates is not merely rhetorical but a genuine inquiry designed to elicit specific information about the authority behind the rebuilding project. This interrogation serves to heighten the **Dramatic Tension** in the narrative, placing the Jewish leaders in a precarious position where they must articulate their divine and historical mandate to a powerful secular authority. Furthermore, the phrasing "Who commanded you...?" uses **Direct Speech**, lending immediacy and authenticity to the encounter, allowing the reader to experience the precise nature of the challenge faced by the exiles. The focus on "this house" and "these walls" also employs **Synecdoche**, where the parts (house, walls) represent the whole project of rebuilding Jerusalem and its central sanctuary, implying the broader political and religious implications of the work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 5:9 encapsulates the recurring biblical theme of God's people facing scrutiny and opposition from secular powers when pursuing divine mandates. It highlights the tension between earthly authority and heavenly commission, demonstrating that God's work often proceeds not in isolation, but within the complex realities of political landscapes. Yet, it also subtly foreshadows God's providential hand working through these very challenges, as Tatnai's inquiry ultimately leads to the rediscovery of Cyrus's decree, which validates the Jews' work and ensures its completion. This verse underscores the importance of legitimate authority, whether divine or humanly sanctioned, for large-scale endeavors, and the necessity for God's people to be prepared to articulate their purpose and source of power.

* [Nehemiah 2:19](/nehemiah/2-19 "Nehemiah 2:19 - Sanballat's Scorn")
* [Acts 4:7](/acts/4-7 "Acts 4:7 - Peter and John Questioned")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 5:9 serves as a powerful reminder that undertaking God's work often involves navigating external scrutiny and bureaucratic hurdles. Just as the Jewish elders were questioned about their authority and purpose, believers today may encounter similar challenges when pursuing kingdom initiatives. This verse calls us to be prepared to articulate the "why" and "by whose authority" we serve, grounding our actions in God's divine mandate and, where appropriate, in lawful human processes. It encourages perseverance in the face of opposition, knowing that God's plan will ultimately prevail, even when it seems to be under threat. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of clear, accountable leadership within spiritual endeavors, providing direction and a point of contact for both internal and external stakeholders. Our response to such challenges should be marked by wisdom, integrity, and a steadfast reliance on God's sovereign hand, trusting that He uses even the inquiries of adversaries to advance His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or ministry are you currently facing scrutiny or opposition for doing what you believe God has called you to do?**
* **How prepared are you to articulate the "who" and "why" behind your spiritual endeavors to those who question you?**
* **What lessons can you draw from the Jewish elders' situation about persevering in God's work despite external pressures?**

### FAQ

**Why was Tatnai, the governor, asking these questions?**

Answer: Tatnai, as the Persian governor of the province of Trans-Euphrates, which included Judah, was responsible for maintaining order, collecting taxes, and ensuring that all activities within his jurisdiction complied with imperial law. Large-scale construction projects, especially those like the temple which could be perceived as having political implications (e.g., a move towards greater autonomy or a fortified city), would naturally draw the attention of the authorities. His questions in [Ezra 5:9](/ezra/5-9 "Ezra 5:9 - Tatnai's Inquiry") were an official inquiry to determine if the temple rebuilding had proper authorization from the Persian king, or if it was an unauthorized act that needed to be halted. This was standard bureaucratic procedure within the vast Persian Empire.

**Was the temple rebuilding project truly unauthorized?**

Answer: No, the temple rebuilding was not unauthorized. It had been explicitly sanctioned by a decree from King Cyrus the Great, issued at the very beginning of the post-exilic period ([Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree")). However, this decree had been issued many years prior, and the work had been halted for a significant period due to opposition ([Ezra 4:24](/ezra/4-24 "Ezra 4:24 - Work Halted")). When the work resumed, spurred by the prophets Haggai and Zechariah ([Ezra 5:1-2](/ezra/5-1 "Ezra 5:1-2 - Prophets Stir Action")), the current Persian officials, like Tatnai, were likely unaware of the original decree or needed to verify its validity. The inquiry in [Ezra 5:9](/ezra/5-9 "Ezra 5:9 - Tatnai's Inquiry") ultimately led to a search of the royal archives, where Cyrus's decree was indeed found and reaffirmed by King Darius I, ensuring the project's completion under imperial protection ([Ezra 6:1-12](/ezra/6-1 "Ezra 6:1-12 - Darius's Decree Confirms Decree")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 5:9, with its emphasis on authority and the building of God's "house," finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The earthly temple, whose rebuilding was questioned, was a type and shadow of Christ Himself, who declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" ([John 2:19](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus on the Temple")). Jesus is the ultimate "house" of God, the true dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Furthermore, the question "Who commanded you...?" resonates with the repeated challenges to Jesus's authority by the religious leaders of His day, who asked, "By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?" ([Matthew 21:23](/matthew/21-23 "Matthew 21:23 - Questioning Jesus' Authority")). Unlike the Jewish elders who had to appeal to an earthly king's decree, Jesus's authority was inherently divine, directly from the Father ([John 5:19](/john/5-19 "John 5:19 - The Son Can Do Nothing of Himself")). He is not merely building a physical structure but establishing His spiritual temple, the Church, which He promised to build and against which "the gates of hell shall not prevail" ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter's Confession and the Church")). Believers, as living stones, are being built into this spiritual house, with Christ as the chief cornerstone ([1_peter/2-5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones") and [Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ the Cornerstone")). Thus, the inquiry in Ezra 5:9, initially a challenge to an earthly building project, ultimately points to the supreme and unquestionable authority of Christ in establishing His eternal spiritual dwelling.

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 5:3

¶ At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall?

Ezra 5:4

Then said we unto them after this manner, What are the names of the men that make this building?