Ezra 5:9
Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus, Who commanded you to build this house, and to make up these walls?
Original Language Analysis
לְשָֽׂבַיָּ֣א
elders
H7868
לְשָֽׂבַיָּ֣א
elders
Strong's:
H7868
Word #:
3 of 17
properly, to become aged, i.e., (by implication) to grow gray
מַן
Who
H4479
מַן
Who
Strong's:
H4479
Word #:
8 of 17
who or what (properly, interrogatively, hence, also indefinitely and relatively)
שָׂ֨ם
commanded
H7761
שָׂ֨ם
commanded
Strong's:
H7761
Word #:
9 of 17
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
טְעֵ֗ם
H2942
טְעֵ֗ם
Strong's:
H2942
Word #:
11 of 17
properly, flavor; figuratively, judgment (both subjective and objective); hence, account (both subjectively and objectively)
בַּיְתָ֤א
house
H1005
בַּיְתָ֤א
house
Strong's:
H1005
Word #:
12 of 17
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
Historical Context
Building authorization was a serious matter in the Persian Empire. The Elephantine papyri document Jewish colonists requesting permission to rebuild their temple in Egypt, showing that such authorization was routinely required. Unauthorized construction could be interpreted as rebellion, particularly in the politically volatile early years of Darius's reign when numerous provinces had revolted against Persian authority.
Questions for Reflection
- How should believers respond when authorities demand accountability for kingdom work—with fear or with confident transparency?
- What does proper authorization for ministry look like in a church context, and why is accountability important?
Analysis & Commentary
The officials' questions sought to establish authorization: "Who commanded you to build this house?" The Aramaic sam teem (gave command/decree) indicates they sought official documentation—a royal decree authorizing construction. Persian law required such authorization for significant building projects, especially those involving fortifications or temples that could serve as centers of political resistance.
The question "to make up these walls" may refer either to the temple walls or potentially Jerusalem's city walls, which would raise greater security concerns. The officials' inquiry was legally appropriate—they needed to verify that this substantial construction project had proper imperial authorization. Their investigation, though initially threatening, would ultimately vindicate the Jewish community.