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 time referred to is during the reign of King Darius of Persia, around 520 BC. This was a period when the Jewish exiles had returned to Jerusalem and were in the process of rebuilding the temple, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC.

Tattenai the governor of the region west of the Euphrates
Tattenai was a Persian official, likely appointed by King Darius, overseeing the province known as "Beyond the River," which included the land of Judah. His role as governor indicates the Persian Empire's administrative structure, which allowed local governance under the overarching control of the empire. This reflects the geopolitical landscape of the time, where the Persian Empire was vast and required local governors to manage different regions.

Shethar-bozenai, and their associates
Shethar-bozenai is mentioned alongside Tattenai, suggesting he was a subordinate or colleague in the administration. The mention of "their associates" implies a group of officials or advisors who were involved in the governance and oversight of the region. This highlights the bureaucratic nature of the Persian administration.

went to the Jews and asked
This action indicates a formal inquiry or investigation. The Jews, having returned from exile, were engaged in rebuilding efforts, which were of interest to the local authorities. The approach of Tattenai and his associates suggests a level of concern or suspicion about the activities of the Jews, possibly due to political or social implications.

“Who authorized you to rebuild this temple and restore this structure?”
The question posed by Tattenai and his associates is central to the narrative. It reflects the legal and political challenges faced by the Jews during the reconstruction. The inquiry about authorization points to the importance of imperial decrees in the Persian Empire. This question also connects to earlier decrees by Cyrus the Great, who initially allowed the Jews to return and rebuild (Ezra 1:1-4). The rebuilding of the temple is significant in biblical prophecy and typology, as the temple is a symbol of God's presence among His people and foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, who referred to His body as the temple (John 2:19-21).

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.