Ezra 5:9

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

Study Bible

So we questioned the elders
This phrase indicates a formal inquiry, suggesting a legal or official proceeding. The elders were often the leaders or representatives of the community, respected for their wisdom and experience. In the context of ancient Israel, elders held significant authority and were responsible for making decisions on behalf of the people. The questioning of the elders reflects a process of accountability and transparency, which is a recurring theme in the governance of God's people. It underscores the importance of leadership being answerable to both God and the community.

and asked
The act of asking here is not merely a casual inquiry but a deliberate and purposeful questioning. In the Hebrew context, asking questions was a method of teaching and learning, as well as a way to discern truth and intention. This reflects the biblical principle of seeking understanding and wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 2:3-5, where the pursuit of wisdom is likened to searching for hidden treasures. The questioners are seeking clarity and justification for the actions being taken, which aligns with the biblical value of seeking truth.

'Who authorized you
This phrase points to the issue of authority, a central theme in the Bible. Authority in the biblical sense is often derived from God, as all legitimate authority is seen as being established by Him (Romans 13:1). The question of who authorized the rebuilding of the temple is significant because it touches on the divine mandate and the legitimacy of the work being undertaken. In the historical context, the Jews had been given permission by King Cyrus of Persia to rebuild the temple, which was seen as a fulfillment of God's promise and a demonstration of His sovereignty over the nations.

to rebuild this temple
The rebuilding of the temple was a monumental task, both physically and spiritually. The temple was the center of Jewish worship and the symbol of God's presence among His people. Its reconstruction was not just about restoring a physical structure but also about renewing the covenant relationship between God and His people. The temple's rebuilding was prophesied by prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah, and it represented hope and restoration for the exiled community. This phrase highlights the continuity of God's plan and His faithfulness to His promises.

and restore this structure?'
Restoration in the biblical sense often involves returning something to its original state or purpose. The structure in question is not only the physical building but also the spiritual and communal life of the people. The restoration of the temple was a sign of God's redemptive work, bringing His people back to their land and reestablishing their identity as His chosen people. This phrase emphasizes the theme of renewal and the transformative power of God's grace, as He restores what was lost and rebuilds what was broken. The restoration of the temple is a foretaste of the ultimate restoration that God promises through Christ, where all things will be made new (Revelation 21:5).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Elders of the Jews
These are the leaders of the Jewish community who were responsible for overseeing the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. They played a crucial role in the restoration efforts after the Babylonian exile.

2. Tattenai
He was the governor of the region beyond the River (Trans-Euphrates) who questioned the authority of the Jews to rebuild the temple. His inquiry reflects the political and administrative challenges faced by the Jews during this period.

3. Jerusalem
The city where the temple was being rebuilt. It holds significant religious and historical importance for the Jewish people as the center of worship and the location of the temple.

4. Rebuilding of the Temple
This event marks a significant moment in Jewish history, symbolizing the restoration of worship and the re-establishment of the Jewish community in their homeland after the Babylonian exile.

5. Persian Empire
The ruling empire during this time, under which the Jews were allowed to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. The empire's policies and decrees played a crucial role in the events described in Ezra.

Teaching Points

Authority and Obedience
The questioning of the elders' authority to rebuild the temple reminds us of the importance of recognizing and respecting God-given authority. We should seek to understand and align ourselves with God's directives in our lives.

Perseverance in Faith
Despite external opposition, the Jews continued their work on the temple. This teaches us the value of perseverance and faithfulness in fulfilling God's purposes, even when faced with challenges.

Divine Providence
The involvement of the Persian Empire and the decree of Cyrus demonstrate God's providence in using secular authorities to accomplish His plans. We can trust that God is sovereign and works through various means to fulfill His purposes.

Community Leadership
The role of the elders highlights the importance of strong, godly leadership in guiding and supporting a community's spiritual and practical endeavors. We should pray for and support our leaders as they seek to follow God's will.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the questioning of the elders in Ezra 5:9 reflect the challenges we might face when following God's call in our lives?

2. In what ways can we see God's providence at work in the events described in Ezra 5, and how can this encourage us in our own circumstances?

3. How does the perseverance of the Jewish community in rebuilding the temple inspire us to remain faithful in our own spiritual and practical endeavors?

4. What role does godly leadership play in the success of community projects, and how can we support our leaders in their efforts to follow God's will?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Ezra 5:9 to situations where we face opposition or questioning of our faith and actions today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezra 1
This chapter describes the decree of Cyrus, king of Persia, which allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. It provides the historical backdrop for the events in Ezra 5.

Haggai 1
The prophet Haggai encourages the people to resume the work on the temple, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing God's house. This connects to the motivation and divine support behind the rebuilding efforts.

Nehemiah 2
Nehemiah also faced opposition when rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, similar to the challenges encountered by the Jews in Ezra 5. This parallel highlights the recurring theme of perseverance in the face of opposition.