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?

At the same time {H2166} came {H858} to them Tatnai, governor {H6347} on this side {H5675} the river {H5103}, and Shetharboznai {H8370}, and their companions {H3675}, and said {H560} thus {H3652} unto them {H5922}, Who {H4479} hath commanded {H7761}{H2942} you to build {H1124} this {H1836} house {H1005}, and to make up {H3635} this {H1836} wall {H846}?

No sooner had they begun, when Tatnai the governor of the territory beyond the [Euphrates] River, Sh'tar-Boznai and their colleagues came and asked them, "Who gave you permission to rebuild this house and finish this wall?

At that time Tattenai the governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates went to the Jews and asked, “Who authorized you to rebuild this temple and restore this structure?”

At the same time came to them Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and Shethar-bozenai, and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who gave you a decree to build this house, and to finish this wall?

Commentary

Ezra 5:3 marks a pivotal moment in the post-exilic Jewish community's efforts to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. After a period of discouragement and halted work, the people, spurred by the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, resumed construction. This verse introduces the immediate consequence: the arrival of Persian officials who question their authority.

Context

Following the decree of King Cyrus (see Ezra 1:1-4), the Jews returned to Jerusalem and began rebuilding the Temple. However, opposition from surrounding peoples led to a cessation of the work, as detailed in Ezra 4:24, which lasted for about 16 years. Ezra 5:1-2 describes how the prophets Haggai and Zechariah inspired the leaders, Zerubbabel and Jeshua, and the people to resume building. Verse 3 then immediately presents the reaction from the Persian administration: Tatnai, the governor of the province "Beyond the River," and Shetharboznai, with their associates, directly confront the builders.

Key Themes

  • Governmental Inquiry and Scrutiny: The verse highlights the direct intervention of imperial authorities. Tatnai, as "governor on this side the river" (referring to the satrapy of Abar-Nahara, west of the Euphrates), had jurisdiction over the region and was responsible for maintaining order and collecting taxes. His question is an official administrative inquiry into the legitimacy of the building project.
  • Opposition to God's Work: This encounter represents a renewed form of opposition to the Jewish restoration. Unlike the earlier sabotage and false accusations (Ezra 4), this is a formal, legalistic challenge to the builders' mandate.
  • The Question of Authority: The core of Tatnai's inquiry is, "Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall?" This question forces the Jewish leaders to articulate their divine and royal authorization, setting the stage for the search for Cyrus's original decree.
  • Divine Providence Amidst Challenge: While seemingly an obstacle, this inquiry ultimately leads to a more robust and officially sanctioned rebuilding effort, culminating in King Darius's supportive decree (see Ezra 6:6-12).

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "governor on this side the river" translates the Aramaic term peḥat ʿabar-nahara (פַּחַת עֲבַר־נַהֲרָא). Peḥat refers to a governor or viceroy, while ʿabar-nahara literally means "beyond the river" (referring to the Euphrates from a Mesopotamian perspective). This term precisely identifies Tatnai's administrative region within the Persian Empire, underscoring the official nature of his visit and questions.

Practical Application

Ezra 5:3 offers several insights for believers today:

  • Expect Opposition: When God's people undertake significant work for Him, opposition often arises, sometimes from unexpected sources or through official channels.
  • Be Prepared to State Your Mandate: Like Zerubbabel and Jeshua, we should be ready to articulate the "who" and "why" behind our actions, especially when questioned about our spiritual endeavors. Our ultimate command comes from God, often supported by His Word and the leading of His Spirit.
  • Trust God's Sovereignty: Even challenges and inquiries can be used by God to further His purposes, leading to greater clarity, deeper conviction, or even unexpected support, as seen in the subsequent events of Ezra chapter 6.
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Cross-References

  • Ezra 6:6 (6 votes)

    Now [therefore], Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which [are] beyond the river, be ye far from thence:

  • Ezra 6:13 (4 votes)

    ¶ Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shetharboznai, and their companions, according to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did speedily.

  • Ezra 1:3 (4 votes)

    Who [is there] among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which [is] in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he [is] the God,) which [is] in Jerusalem.

  • Ezra 5:9 (4 votes)

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

  • Ezra 4:12 (2 votes)

    Be it known unto the king, that the Jews which came up from thee to us are come unto Jerusalem, building the rebellious and the bad city, and have set up the walls [thereof], and joined the foundations.

  • Ezra 7:21 (2 votes)

    And I, [even] I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers which [are] beyond the river, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done speedily,

  • Ezra 5:6 (2 votes)

    The copy of the letter that Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and his companions the Apharsachites, which [were] on this side the river, sent unto Darius the king: