Ezra 5:3

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?"

Study Bible

At that time
This phrase situates the events within a specific historical context. The rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem was occurring during the reign of Darius I of Persia, around 520-515 BC. This was a period of significant political and social change, as the Persian Empire was consolidating its power. The phrase underscores the divine timing and providence in the unfolding of God's plan for His people.

Tattenai, governor of the region west of the Euphrates
Tattenai was a Persian official, a satrap, overseeing the province known as "Beyond the River," which included Judah. His role as governor indicates the administrative structure of the Persian Empire, which allowed a degree of local governance under imperial oversight. Tattenai's involvement highlights the political complexities faced by the Jewish exiles as they sought to rebuild the temple, emphasizing the need for divine favor and wisdom in dealing with earthly authorities.

Shethar-bozenai and their associates
Shethar-bozenai, along with Tattenai's associates, represents the local bureaucratic apparatus. Their presence suggests a formal inquiry, reflecting the legal and procedural norms of the Persian administration. This highlights the challenges the Jewish community faced, as they had to navigate not only spiritual and communal issues but also legal and political hurdles.

came to them and asked
The action of coming and asking indicates a formal investigation. This was not a casual inquiry but a significant challenge to the authority and legitimacy of the Jewish leaders. It underscores the tension between the returning exiles and the established political powers, reminding readers of the persistent opposition God's people often face when fulfilling His purposes.

Who gave you the authority
This question strikes at the heart of the issue: authority. In the ancient Near East, authority was often derived from royal decree or divine mandate. The question reflects skepticism and perhaps suspicion about the legitimacy of the Jewish efforts. It serves as a reminder that God's work often requires His people to stand firm in the face of questioning and doubt, relying on His ultimate authority.

to rebuild this temple and restore this structure
The focus on rebuilding and restoring emphasizes the physical and spiritual renewal taking place. The temple was not just a building; it was the center of Jewish worship and identity. The use of both "rebuild" and "restore" suggests a comprehensive renewal, pointing to God's redemptive work in restoring His people and His dwelling place among them. This dual focus on physical and spiritual restoration is a powerful reminder of God's desire to renew and restore His people fully.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Tattenai
- The governor of the region beyond the River, who questioned the Jews about their authority to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.

2. Shethar-bozenai
- An official who accompanied Tattenai in questioning the Jews.

3. The Jews in Jerusalem
- The group of exiles who had returned to Jerusalem and were rebuilding the temple.

4. The Temple in Jerusalem
- The central place of worship for the Jewish people, which was being rebuilt after the Babylonian exile.

5. The Province Beyond the River
- A Persian administrative region that included Judah and Jerusalem.

Teaching Points

Authority and Obedience
The Jews were questioned about their authority to rebuild the temple. This challenges us to consider the authority under which we operate in our spiritual endeavors. Are we acting under God's direction and authority?

Facing Opposition
Just as the Jews faced opposition from Tattenai and others, Christians today may face challenges when following God's commands. We must remain steadfast and trust in God's provision and protection.

God's Sovereignty
Despite the questioning and potential for conflict, God's plan for the temple's reconstruction was not thwarted. This reminds us of God's ultimate control over circumstances and His faithfulness to His promises.

Community and Leadership
The involvement of leaders like Tattenai and Shethar-bozenai highlights the importance of leadership in both secular and religious contexts. We should pray for and support godly leaders who seek to follow God's will.

Historical Context and Faithfulness
Understanding the historical context of the Jews' return from exile and their efforts to rebuild the temple can deepen our appreciation for their faithfulness and perseverance, encouraging us to remain faithful in our own spiritual journeys.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the questioning by Tattenai and Shethar-bozenai reflect the challenges we might face when following God's directives in our lives?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our actions are under God's authority, similar to the Jews rebuilding the temple?

3. How can the encouragement from prophets like Haggai and Zechariah inspire us to persevere in our faith despite opposition?

4. What role does community play in overcoming challenges to our faith, as seen in the collective efforts of the Jews in Jerusalem?

5. How can we apply the lessons of God's sovereignty and faithfulness from this passage to current situations in our lives where we face uncertainty or opposition?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezra 1-4
Provides the background of the decree by Cyrus allowing the Jews to return and rebuild the temple, setting the stage for the events in Ezra 5.

Haggai 1-2 and Zechariah 1-4
These prophets encouraged the Jews to continue rebuilding the temple despite opposition, which is the context of the questioning by Tattenai.

Nehemiah 2
Nehemiah also faced opposition when rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, showing a pattern of external resistance to the restoration efforts of the Jewish people.