KJV ORIGINAL
Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus, Who commanded you to build this house, and to make up these walls?
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Then we asked those leaders, saying to them, 'Who gave you permission to build this temple and to finish these walls?'
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
The Persian officials are questioning the Jewish leaders about who authorized them to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.
📚 Historical Context
This occurs during the reign of King Darius of Persia, around 520 BC, when Persian officials discovered the Jews rebuilding the temple that had been destroyed by Babylon decades earlier. The officials were investigating whether this construction had proper royal authorization, since rebuilding fortifications could be seen as preparation for rebellion against Persian rule.
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