Ezra 5:17
Ezra 5:17 in Multiple Translations
Now, therefore, if it pleases the king, let a search be made of the royal archives in Babylon to see if King Cyrus did indeed issue a decree to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. Then let the king send us his decision in this matter.
Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search made in the king’s treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.
Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search made in the king’s treasure-house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem; and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.
So now, if it seems good to the king, let search be made in the king's store-house at Babylon, to see if it is true that an order was given by Cyrus the king for the building of this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send us word of his pleasure in connection with this business.
So, if Your Majesty wishes, authorize a search to be made of the royal archives in Babylon to discover if there is a record that King Cyrus issued a decree to rebuild God's Temple in Jerusalem. Then please let us know Your Majesty's decision in this matter.”
Nowe therefore if it please the King, let there be searche made in the house of the Kings treasures, which is there in Babel, whether a decree hath bene made by King Cyrus, to build this house of God in Ierusalem, and let the King send his minde concerning this.
'And now, if to the king it be good, let search be made in the treasure-house of the king, that [is] there in Babylon, whether it be that of Cyrus the king there was made a decree to build this house of God in Jerusalem, and the will of the king concerning this thing he doth send unto us.'
Now therefore, if it seems good to the king, let a search be made in the king’s treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it is so that a decree was made by Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem; and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.”
Now therefore, if it seemeth good to the king, let there be search made in the king's treasure-house, which is there at Babylon, whether it is so , that a decree was made by Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.
Now therefore if it seem good to the king, let him search in the king’s library, which is in Babylon, whether it hath been decreed by Cyrus the king, that the house of God in Jerusalem should be built, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.
“Therefore, your majesty, please order someone to search in the place in Babylon where the important records are kept, to find out whether it is true that King Cyrus decreed that God’s temple should be rebuilt in Jerusalem. Then you can tell us what you want us to do about this matter.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezra 5:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezra 5:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/כְעַ֞ן
הֵ֧ן
עַל
מַלְכָּ֣/א
טָ֗ב
יִ֠תְבַּקַּר
בְּ/בֵ֨ית
גִּנְזַיָּ֜/א
דִּי
מַלְכָּ֣/א
תַמָּה֮
דִּ֣י
בְּ/בָבֶל֒
הֵ֣ן
אִיתַ֗י
דִּֽי
מִן
כּ֤וֹרֶשׁ
מַלְכָּ/א֙
שִׂ֣ים
טְעֵ֔ם
לְ/מִבְנֵ֛א
בֵּית
אֱלָהָ֥/א
דֵ֖ךְ
בִּ/ירוּשְׁלֶ֑ם
וּ/רְע֥וּת
מַלְכָּ֛/א
עַל
דְּנָ֖ה
יִשְׁלַ֥ח
עֲלֶֽי/נָא
וּ/כְעַ֞ן
kᵉʻan
H3705
now
Adj | Adv
הֵ֧ן
hên
H2006
if
Adj
עַל
ʻal
H5922
since
Adj
מַלְכָּ֣/א
melek
H4430
king
Adj | Art
טָ֗ב
ṭâb
H2869
fine
Adj
יִ֠תְבַּקַּר
bᵉqar
H1240
to enquire
Adj
בְּ/בֵ֨ית
bayith
H1005
house
Adj | N-ms
גִּנְזַיָּ֜/א
gᵉnaz
H1596
treasure
Adj | Art
דִּי
dîy
H1768
that
Adj
מַלְכָּ֣/א
melek
H4430
king
Adj | Art
תַמָּה֮
tâm
H8536
there
Adj
דִּ֣י
dîy
H1768
that
Adj
בְּ/בָבֶל֒
Babel
H895
Babylon
Adj | N-proper
הֵ֣ן
hên
H2006
if
Adj
אִיתַ֗י
ʼîythay
H383
there is
Adj
דִּֽי
dîy
H1768
that
Adj
מִן
min
H4481
from
Adj
כּ֤וֹרֶשׁ
Kôwresh
H3567
Cyrus
Adj
מַלְכָּ/א֙
melek
H4430
king
Adj | Art
שִׂ֣ים
sûwm
H7761
to set
Adj
טְעֵ֔ם
ṭᵉʻêm
H2942
command
Adj
לְ/מִבְנֵ֛א
bᵉnâʼ
H1124
to build
Adj | V-Qal-Inf-a
בֵּית
bayith
H1005
house
Adj
אֱלָהָ֥/א
ʼĕlâhh
H426
god
Adj | Art
דֵ֖ךְ
dêk
H1791
this
Adj
בִּ/ירוּשְׁלֶ֑ם
Yᵉrûwshâlêm
H3390
Jerusalem
Adj | N-proper
וּ/רְע֥וּת
rᵉʻûwth
H7470
pleasure
Adj | N-fs
מַלְכָּ֛/א
melek
H4430
king
Adj | Art
עַל
ʻal
H5922
since
Adj
דְּנָ֖ה
dên
H1836
this
Adj
יִשְׁלַ֥ח
shᵉlach
H7972
to send
Adj
עֲלֶֽי/נָא
ʻal
H5922
since
Adj | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Ezra 5:17
וּ/כְעַ֞ן
kᵉʻan
H3705
"now"
Adj | Adv
In the Bible, this word means 'now' or 'at this time', often used to indicate a current moment or situation, like in Genesis. It's about what's happening currently. It's used to show when something is happening.
Definition: now, at this time, until now Aramaic equivalent: ke.e.net (כְּעֶ֫נֶת "now" H3706)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: now. See also: Ezra 4:13; Daniel 2:23; Daniel 6:9.
הֵ֧ן
hên
H2006
"if"
Adj
A Hebrew word meaning therefore or if, used to show cause and effect, as seen in the book of Daniel. It can also be used to ask a question or show uncertainty.
Definition: behold, if, whether Aramaic of hen (הֵן "look!" H2005)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: (that) if, or, whether. See also: Ezra 4:13; Daniel 2:9; Daniel 5:16.
עַל
ʻal
H5922
"since"
Adj
Similar to H5921, this word means on, above, or because of something. It is often used to describe a reason or a direction, like in Genesis 18:5 where Abraham is asked to walk before God.
Definition: 1) upon, over, on account of, above, to, against 1a) upon, over, on account of, regarding, concerning, on behalf of 1b) over (with verbs of ruling) 1c) above, beyond (in comparison) 1d) to, against (of direction)
Usage: Occurs in 86 OT verses. KJV: about, against, concerning, for, (there-) fore, from, in, [idiom] more, of, (there-, up-) on, (in-) to, [phrase] why with. See also: Ezra 4:8; Daniel 4:2; Daniel 7:28.
מַלְכָּ֣/א
melek
H4430
"king"
Adj | Art
Melek means king, referring to a ruler or monarch, used in the Bible to describe kings like David and Solomon. It is translated as king or royal in the KJV.
Definition: king Aramaic of me.lekh (מֶ֫לֶךְ "king" H4428) § 1) king
Usage: Occurs in 131 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Ezra 4:8; Daniel 3:1; Daniel 7:24.
טָ֗ב
ṭâb
H2869
"fine"
Adj
The Hebrew word for something fine or good, like pleasant things, is used in the Bible to describe what is pleasing to God. It appears in various forms, including tov, which means pleasant. This concept is seen in the Bible as a positive quality.
Definition: good Aramaic of tov (טוֹב "pleasant" H2896A)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: fine, good. See also: Ezra 5:17; Daniel 2:32.
יִ֠תְבַּקַּר
bᵉqar
H1240
"to enquire"
Adj
To carefully search or examine, like a farmer plowing a field, as in seeking truth or understanding, as seen in Jeremiah 29:13.
Definition: 1) to seek, enquire 1a) (Pael) to enquire 1b) (Ithpael) to let search be made
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: inquire, make search. See also: Ezra 4:15; Ezra 5:17; Ezra 7:14.
בְּ/בֵ֨ית
bayith
H1005
"house"
Adj | N-ms
This Hebrew word for house is similar to H1004, but it primarily refers to a physical building, either a home or a temple. It is used in many passages, including those describing the construction of the temple in 1 Kings. The word emphasizes the idea of a physical structure.
Definition: 1) house (of men) 2) house (of God)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: house. See also: Ezra 4:24; Ezra 6:12; Daniel 6:11.
גִּנְזַיָּ֜/א
gᵉnaz
H1596
"treasure"
Adj | Art
This word means treasure, and it is used to describe something of great value or wealth. It is often used in the context of a king's treasure or riches. The term is also related to the concept of a treasury.
Definition: treasure Aramaic of ge.nez (גְּנָזִים "treasury" H1595)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: treasure. See also: Ezra 5:17; Ezra 6:1; Ezra 7:20.
דִּי
dîy
H1768
"that"
Adj
This word is used as a relative conjunction, like 'that' or 'which', to connect ideas in sentences. It appears in Genesis and Exodus to describe relationships between people and things. The KJV translates it as 'that' or 'which'.
Definition: part of relation 1) who, which, that mark of genitive 2) that of, which belongs to, that conj 3) that, because
Usage: Occurs in 186 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] as, but, for(-asmuch [phrase]), [phrase] now, of, seeing, than, that, therefore, until, [phrase] what (-soever), when, which, whom, whose. See also: Ezra 4:9; Daniel 3:7; Jeremiah 10:11.
מַלְכָּ֣/א
melek
H4430
"king"
Adj | Art
Melek means king, referring to a ruler or monarch, used in the Bible to describe kings like David and Solomon. It is translated as king or royal in the KJV.
Definition: king Aramaic of me.lekh (מֶ֫לֶךְ "king" H4428) § 1) king
Usage: Occurs in 131 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Ezra 4:8; Daniel 3:1; Daniel 7:24.
תַמָּה֮
tâm
H8536
"there"
Adj
This word is used to point to a location, like saying 'over there' or 'from that place'. It is often used in the Bible to give directions or describe where someone is. In the KJV, it is translated as 'thence' or 'there'.
Definition: there Aramaic of sham (שָׁם "there" H8033)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] thence, there, [idiom] where. See also: Ezra 5:17; Ezra 6:6; Ezra 6:12.
דִּ֣י
dîy
H1768
"that"
Adj
This word is used as a relative conjunction, like 'that' or 'which', to connect ideas in sentences. It appears in Genesis and Exodus to describe relationships between people and things. The KJV translates it as 'that' or 'which'.
Definition: part of relation 1) who, which, that mark of genitive 2) that of, which belongs to, that conj 3) that, because
Usage: Occurs in 186 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] as, but, for(-asmuch [phrase]), [phrase] now, of, seeing, than, that, therefore, until, [phrase] what (-soever), when, which, whom, whose. See also: Ezra 4:9; Daniel 3:7; Jeremiah 10:11.
בְּ/בָבֶל֒
Babel
H895
"Babylon"
Adj | N-proper
Babel is another term for Babylon, a city and empire in the Bible, meaning confusion or mixing. It is found in Daniel 1:1-2, describing the Babylonian empire. The city was a major center of power.
Definition: Aramaic of ba.vel (בָּבֶ֫ל, בָּבֶל "Babylon" H0894) § Babel or Babylon = "confusion (by mixing)" Babel or Babylon, the ancient site and/or capital of Babylonia (modern Hillah) situated on the Euphrates
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: Babylon. See also: Ezra 5:12; Daniel 2:24; Daniel 7:1.
הֵ֣ן
hên
H2006
"if"
Adj
A Hebrew word meaning therefore or if, used to show cause and effect, as seen in the book of Daniel. It can also be used to ask a question or show uncertainty.
Definition: behold, if, whether Aramaic of hen (הֵן "look!" H2005)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: (that) if, or, whether. See also: Ezra 4:13; Daniel 2:9; Daniel 5:16.
אִיתַ֗י
ʼîythay
H383
"there is"
Adj
This Hebrew word is used to affirm existence, like saying there is something. It appears in conversations between God and people, like in Genesis. The KJV translates it as there is.
Definition: 1) there is, there are 2) particle denoting existence
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: art thou, can, do ye, have, it be, there is (are), [idiom] we will not. See also: Ezra 4:16; Daniel 3:14; Daniel 5:11.
דִּֽי
dîy
H1768
"that"
Adj
This word is used as a relative conjunction, like 'that' or 'which', to connect ideas in sentences. It appears in Genesis and Exodus to describe relationships between people and things. The KJV translates it as 'that' or 'which'.
Definition: part of relation 1) who, which, that mark of genitive 2) that of, which belongs to, that conj 3) that, because
Usage: Occurs in 186 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] as, but, for(-asmuch [phrase]), [phrase] now, of, seeing, than, that, therefore, until, [phrase] what (-soever), when, which, whom, whose. See also: Ezra 4:9; Daniel 3:7; Jeremiah 10:11.
מִן
min
H4481
"from"
Adj
This word is used to show where something comes from, like from a place or at a certain time, and is often translated as from or out of.
Definition: 1) from, out of, by, by reason of, at, more than 1a) from, out of (of place) 1b) from, by, as a result of, by reason of, at, according to, (of source) 1c) from (of time) 1d) beyond, more than (in comparisons)
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: according, after, [phrase] because, [phrase] before, by, for, from, [idiom] him, [idiom] more than, (out) of, part, since, [idiom] these, to, upon, [phrase] when. See also: Ezra 4:12; Daniel 3:22; Jeremiah 10:11.
כּ֤וֹרֶשׁ
Kôwresh
H3567
"Cyrus"
Adj
Cyrus was a Persian king who conquered Babylon and allowed Israelite exiles to return to Jerusalem. He is mentioned in 2 Chronicles 36:22.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ch.36.22; son of: Gedaliah (H1436H) Aramaic of ko.resh (כּ֫וֹרֶשׁ "Cyrus" H3566) § Cyrus = "posses thou the furnace" the king of Persia and conqueror of Babylon; first ruler of Persia to make a decree allowing the Israelite exiles to return to Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Cyrus. See also: Ezra 5:13; Ezra 6:3; Daniel 6:29.
מַלְכָּ/א֙
melek
H4430
"king"
Adj | Art
Melek means king, referring to a ruler or monarch, used in the Bible to describe kings like David and Solomon. It is translated as king or royal in the KJV.
Definition: king Aramaic of me.lekh (מֶ֫לֶךְ "king" H4428) § 1) king
Usage: Occurs in 131 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Ezra 4:8; Daniel 3:1; Daniel 7:24.
שִׂ֣ים
sûwm
H7761
"to set"
Adj
This word is similar to H7760, but is more focused on setting or appointing someone or something to a specific role or task. It is used in books like Genesis and Exodus to describe God's commands and appointments.
Definition: 1) to set, make, appoint 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to make, make decree, setout (decree) 1a2) to make, appoint 1a3) to set, fix 1b) (Ithp'al) to be made, be set, be laid
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] command, give, lay, make, [phrase] name, [phrase] regard, set. See also: Ezra 4:19; Ezra 6:12; Daniel 6:27.
טְעֵ֔ם
ṭᵉʻêm
H2942
"command"
Adj
This word is about having a command or report, and can also mean a taste or flavor. In the Bible, it can refer to a decree or wisdom, like in the book of Proverbs. It is about perceiving or understanding something.
Definition: 1) report, taste 1a) taste 1b) report
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] chancellor, [phrase] command, commandment, decree, [phrase] regard, taste, wisdom. See also: Ezra 4:8; Ezra 6:11; Daniel 6:27.
לְ/מִבְנֵ֛א
bᵉnâʼ
H1124
"to build"
Adj | V-Qal-Inf-a
This word means to build or construct something, and is used in the Bible to describe physical construction. It appears in various forms, including 'build' and 'make', and is an important concept in biblical descriptions of creation and architecture.
Definition: 1) to build 1a) (P'al) to build 1b) (Ithp'il) to be built
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: build, make. See also: Ezra 4:12; Ezra 5:11; Daniel 4:27.
בֵּית
bayith
H1005
"house"
Adj
This Hebrew word for house is similar to H1004, but it primarily refers to a physical building, either a home or a temple. It is used in many passages, including those describing the construction of the temple in 1 Kings. The word emphasizes the idea of a physical structure.
Definition: 1) house (of men) 2) house (of God)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: house. See also: Ezra 4:24; Ezra 6:12; Daniel 6:11.
אֱלָהָ֥/א
ʼĕlâhh
H426
"god"
Adj | Art
This word means God, referring to the God of Israel or a heathen deity, as seen in various KJV translations. It is used to describe a divine being.
Definition: 1) god, God 1a) god, heathen deity 1b) God (of Israel)
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: God, god. See also: Ezra 4:24; Daniel 2:19; Jeremiah 10:11.
דֵ֖ךְ
dêk
H1791
"this"
Adj
This Hebrew word simply means 'this', used to point out a specific thing or person, similar to the Aramaic word 'zeh'.
Definition: this Aramaic of zeh (זֶה "this" H2088)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: the same, this. See also: Ezra 4:13; Ezra 5:8; Ezra 6:12.
בִּ/ירוּשְׁלֶ֑ם
Yᵉrûwshâlêm
H3390
"Jerusalem"
Adj | N-proper
Jerusalem means teaching of peace, the chief city of Palestine and Judah. It is mentioned in the Bible as the capital of the united kingdom. In the KJV, it is translated as Jerusalem.
Definition: Aramaic of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389) § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: {Jerusalem} See also: Ezra 4:8; Ezra 6:5; Daniel 6:11.
וּ/רְע֥וּת
rᵉʻûwth
H7470
"pleasure"
Adj | N-fs
This Hebrew word means pleasure or desire, often referring to a good or positive feeling. It is used to describe God's will or pleasure in various biblical contexts. It is also related to the Aramaic word for longing.
Definition: good pleasure, will Aramaic of re.ut (רְעוּת "longing" H7469)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: pleasure, will. See also: Ezra 5:17; Ezra 7:18.
מַלְכָּ֛/א
melek
H4430
"king"
Adj | Art
Melek means king, referring to a ruler or monarch, used in the Bible to describe kings like David and Solomon. It is translated as king or royal in the KJV.
Definition: king Aramaic of me.lekh (מֶ֫לֶךְ "king" H4428) § 1) king
Usage: Occurs in 131 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Ezra 4:8; Daniel 3:1; Daniel 7:24.
עַל
ʻal
H5922
"since"
Adj
Similar to H5921, this word means on, above, or because of something. It is often used to describe a reason or a direction, like in Genesis 18:5 where Abraham is asked to walk before God.
Definition: 1) upon, over, on account of, above, to, against 1a) upon, over, on account of, regarding, concerning, on behalf of 1b) over (with verbs of ruling) 1c) above, beyond (in comparison) 1d) to, against (of direction)
Usage: Occurs in 86 OT verses. KJV: about, against, concerning, for, (there-) fore, from, in, [idiom] more, of, (there-, up-) on, (in-) to, [phrase] why with. See also: Ezra 4:8; Daniel 4:2; Daniel 7:28.
דְּנָ֖ה
dên
H1836
"this"
Adj
This Hebrew word means 'this' or 'therefore' and is used to point to something specific. It is often used in the Bible to connect ideas or explain a reason.
Definition: demons pron 1) this, on account of this adv 2) therefore
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: (afore-) time, [phrase] after this manner, here (-after), one...another, such, there(-fore), these, this (matter), [phrase] thus, where(-fore), which. See also: Ezra 4:11; Daniel 2:29; Jeremiah 10:11.
יִשְׁלַ֥ח
shᵉlach
H7972
"to send"
Adj
This Hebrew word means to send something or someone away, like in Genesis when God sent Abraham to a new land. It can also mean to put or dispatch something. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God sending prophets or angels.
Definition: 1) to send 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to send, send out 1a2) to be sent
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: put, send. See also: Ezra 4:11; Ezra 6:12; Daniel 6:23.
עֲלֶֽי/נָא
ʻal
H5922
"since"
Adj | Suff
Similar to H5921, this word means on, above, or because of something. It is often used to describe a reason or a direction, like in Genesis 18:5 where Abraham is asked to walk before God.
Definition: 1) upon, over, on account of, above, to, against 1a) upon, over, on account of, regarding, concerning, on behalf of 1b) over (with verbs of ruling) 1c) above, beyond (in comparison) 1d) to, against (of direction)
Usage: Occurs in 86 OT verses. KJV: about, against, concerning, for, (there-) fore, from, in, [idiom] more, of, (there-, up-) on, (in-) to, [phrase] why with. See also: Ezra 4:8; Daniel 4:2; Daniel 7:28.
Study Notes — Ezra 5:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezra 5:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezra 5:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 5:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 5:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezra 5:17
- Cambridge Bible on Ezra 5:17
- Barnes' Notes on Ezra 5:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 5:17
- Sermons on Ezra 5:17
Context — Tattenai’s Letter to Darius
15and instructed, ‘Take these articles, put them in the temple in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be rebuilt on its original site.’
16So this Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundation of the house of God in Jerusalem, and from that time until now it has been under construction, but it has not yet been completed.”
17Now, therefore, if it pleases the king, let a search be made of the royal archives in Babylon to see if King Cyrus did indeed issue a decree to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. Then let the king send us his decision in this matter.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezra 4:15 | that a search should be made of the record books of your fathers. In these books you will discover and verify that the city is a rebellious city, harmful to kings and provinces, inciting sedition from ancient times. That is why this city was destroyed. |
| 2 | Proverbs 25:2 | It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to search it out. |
| 3 | Ezra 6:1–5 | Thus King Darius ordered a search of the archives stored in the treasury of Babylon. And a scroll was found in the fortress of Ecbatana, in the province of Media, with the following written on it: Memorandum: In the first year of King Cyrus, he issued a decree concerning the house of God in Jerusalem: Let the house be rebuilt as a place for offering sacrifices, and let its foundations be firmly laid. It is to be sixty cubits high and sixty cubits wide, with three layers of cut stones and one of timbers. The costs are to be paid from the royal treasury. Furthermore, the gold and silver articles of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple in Jerusalem and carried to Babylon, must also be returned to the temple in Jerusalem and deposited in the house of God. |
| 4 | Ezra 4:19 | I issued a decree, and a search was conducted. It was discovered that this city has revolted against kings from ancient times, engaging in rebellion and sedition. |
Ezra 5:17 Summary
This verse is about the leaders of the rebuilding project asking the king to search the royal archives to confirm if King Cyrus had indeed given permission to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. They wanted to make sure they had the king's approval to continue the project, much like we should seek to follow God's will for our lives, as seen in Romans 12:2. By verifying the decree, they could avoid any potential conflicts and ensure that the project was done according to God's plan, which is similar to how we should seek to follow God's plan for our lives, as expressed in Jeremiah 29:11. This shows us the importance of seeking to do what is right and trusting in God's sovereignty, even when faced with uncertainty or adversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of searching the royal archives in Babylon?
The purpose is to verify if King Cyrus indeed issued a decree to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem, as mentioned in Ezra 5:17, which would confirm the authority behind the rebuilding project, similar to the decree found in Ezra 1:1-4.
Why was it necessary to confirm King Cyrus' decree?
It was necessary to confirm the decree to ensure that the rebuilding project was legitimate and had the king's approval, as seen in Ezra 5:13, and to avoid any potential conflicts or interruptions, much like the importance of verifying instructions in the Bible, such as in Matthew 28:18-20.
What is the significance of the king's decision in this matter?
The king's decision would determine the fate of the rebuilding project, and a favorable decision would be a testament to God's providence and sovereign plan, as expressed in Psalm 37:23-24, where the Lord directs the steps of the righteous.
How does this verse relate to the concept of perseverance in the face of adversity?
This verse shows that even in the face of uncertainty and potential opposition, the leaders of the rebuilding project persevered and sought to do what was right, trusting in God's sovereignty, much like the perseverance demonstrated in Hebrews 12:1-3, where believers are encouraged to run with endurance the race set before them.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can seek to verify and confirm God's will for my life, just as the leaders in Ezra 5:17 sought to confirm King Cyrus' decree?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and providence, even when faced with uncertainty or adversity, as seen in the story of the rebuilding of the temple?
- What are some potential obstacles or challenges that I may face in my own life, and how can I persevere through them, just as the Israelites persevered in rebuilding the temple?
- In what ways can I seek to prioritize God's will and plans for my life, just as the leaders in Ezra 5:17 prioritized the rebuilding of the temple?
Gill's Exposition on Ezra 5:17
Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search made in the king's treasure house, which is there at Babylon,.... Where were the archives of the kingdom, where the laws, decrees,
Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 5:17
Ezra 5:17 Now therefore, if [it seem] good to the king, let there be search made in the king’ s treasure house, which [is] there at Babylon, whether it be [so], that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.Ver. 17. Now, therefore, if it seem good] Verba byssina. Flaxen words. Whether it be so] They supposed it was nothing so, and hoped that these Jews would he found falsaries, but it fell out far otherwise; like as St Paul’ s persecutions at Rome fell out "rather unto the furtherance of the gospel" than else, Philippians 1:12.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 5:17
(17) Let there be search made.—All depended on the original decree, which nothing done intermediately by the usurper could cancel. And the request of Tatnai seems to imply that it would be found: although the original was not found in Babylon, as was expected, a copy had been made.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezra 5:17
Verse 17. The - treasure house] גנזיא ginzaiya. This is a Persian word, [Persian] gunji, a treasury. There is a great deal of good sense and candour in this letter. Nothing of passion or prejudice appears in it. They laid before the king a fair statement without any attempt to prejudice his mind, and gave him those directions which were most likely to lead him to the truth, and to form a correct judgment on a business which, however it issued, must be of considerable importance to the state. God was in all this business; he was now giving an additional proof of his continued regard for a disobedient people, whom, though he had punished in his justice, he had spared in his mercy.
Cambridge Bible on Ezra 5:17
17. if it seem good to the king] A similar phrase in Ezra 7:18; Esther 1:19. in the king’s treasure house] which apparently was the repository of important documents as well as of treasure. The expression occurs again in Esther 3:9; Esther 4:7. The word rendered ‘treasure’ (ginzayya) is rendered by ‘gaza’ (γάζα) in the LXX. Compare Ezra 1:8; (gizbar) ‘treasurer’; 1 Chronicles 28:11 (ganzak) ‘treasure’; chap. Ezra 6:1 gives the full explanation of the present phrase. The Vulgate too narrowly renders ‘bibliotheca’. at Babylon] i.e. where would be kept the records of the Babylonian Empire. his pleasure] Same word as that in Ezra 7:18, ‘the will of God’. The LXX. by a mistake of similar letters renders ‘having learnt’ (γνούς). concerning this matter] Same phrase as in Ezra 5:5 (where see note). The word ‘matter’ added here in the English for the sake of explicitness. Tattenai asks for instructions as to how he should proceed generally in dealing with the Jews and their Temple-building.
Barnes' Notes on Ezra 5:17
Let there be search made ... at Babylon - They perhaps doubted whether proof of the decree of Cyrus remained in the archives.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 5:17
17. The king’s treasure-house — Where important records would be carefully preserved. There at Babylon — Where the official documents of Cyrus were supposed to be still remaining. But they were found at Achmetha. Ezra 6:2.
Sermons on Ezra 5:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Without Fault Before the Throne of God by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, Pastor Dave encourages the congregation to seek cleansing and purity in their hearts. He emphasizes the importance of being able to stand before God and give an acc |
|
Laws of the Spiritual Life #4 - the Law of Reaping by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taking the preaching of the word of God seriously. He believes that every sermon he has ever preached will be revealed on |
|
|
Through the Bible - Exodus - Part 2 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the tabernacle described in the book of Exodus. He explains that the tabernacle is a picture of the body of Christ, with believers closely hel |
|
Locks & Keys by Dr. A.E. Wilder-Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the Logos in biology and how it relates to the teaching of biology in schools. He encourages the audience, particularly those i |
|
|
Revelation Necessary to Build the Church by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking revelation from God to understand the mysteries of the kingdom, live a godly life, and build a new covenant church. It highlights t |
|
|
The Extent of Christ's Love by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves deep into the profound love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the value of intimate fellowship with God and the importance of understanding the depth of |
|
Ministry From 1 John 5 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a visit to a movie lot and compares the façade of the western village to the superficiality of the world. He emphasizes the importance of fa |