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
In the context of Ezra 5, the questioning of the elders refers to the leaders of the Jewish community who had returned from Babylonian exile to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. The elders were responsible for guiding the community and overseeing the reconstruction efforts. This questioning likely reflects the political and social tensions of the time, as the surrounding peoples were concerned about the re-establishment of a strong Jewish presence in the region. The elders' role is reminiscent of the leadership seen in other parts of the Old Testament, such as the elders of Israel during the Exodus (Exodus 3:16).

and asked, “Who authorized you
The question of authority is central to the narrative. The Persian Empire, under King Cyrus, had initially authorized the rebuilding of the temple (Ezra 1:1-4). However, subsequent opposition and changes in leadership led to confusion and challenges. This inquiry reflects the bureaucratic and legalistic nature of the Persian administration, which required official decrees for such significant undertakings. The question also highlights the importance of divine authority, as the Jews believed their mission was sanctioned by God Himself, as seen in the prophetic encouragement from Haggai and Zechariah (Haggai 1:1-15; Zechariah 1:1-6).

to rebuild this temple
The temple in question is the Second Temple, which was to replace Solomon's Temple destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC. The rebuilding of the temple was not just a physical reconstruction but a spiritual renewal for the Jewish people. It symbolized the restoration of their covenant relationship with God and the re-establishment of proper worship practices. The temple's significance is further underscored by its role in future prophecy, as seen in the visions of Ezekiel (Ezekiel 40-48) and its mention in the New Testament as a type of Christ, who referred to His body as the temple (John 2:19-21).

and restore this structure?”
The restoration of the temple structure was a monumental task, involving not only physical labor but also the re-establishment of religious practices and community identity. The term "restore" implies a return to a former state of glory and function, which was crucial for the Jewish people who had experienced exile and displacement. This restoration is a theme throughout the Bible, pointing to God's redemptive work in history and ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who restores humanity's broken relationship with God (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). The physical restoration of the temple also prefigures the spiritual restoration brought about by Christ's atoning work.

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.