Ezra 5:9 Made Simple

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

In the book of Ezra, the Jewish exiles had returned from Babylon to Jerusalem under Persian rule and were working to rebuild the Temple, a central act of restoring their faith and national identity. This verse describes officials questioning the Jewish elders about the authority behind the construction, reflecting the scrutiny and opposition they faced from foreign governors who were wary of potential rebellion. The context is part of a broader biblical narrative of God's faithfulness in enabling His people to overcome obstacles during the post-exilic period.

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