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 that same time, Tattenai (the governor of the region west of the Euphrates River), Shethar-bozenai, and their associates came to them and asked, 'Who gave you permission to rebuild this temple and restore this wall?'
Persian officials questioned the Jewish people about who had authorized them to rebuild God's temple in Jerusalem.
📚 Historical Context
During the Persian Empire, the Jewish exiles had returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple that was destroyed by the Babylonians, as part of God's promise to restore His people. Governor Tatnai and his officials, representing Persian authority, questioned the Jews about their building activities to ensure compliance with imperial laws, amid ongoing regional tensions and opposition from local groups. This inquiry reflected the broader challenges of political oversight and divine faithfulness in the post-exilic era.
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