Understanding Ezra 5:3

Verse: Ezra 5:3 - "At the same time came to them Tattenai, governor on this side the river, and Shethar-bozenai, and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall?"

Overview

The verse captures a moment of challenge faced by the Jews during the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. The inquiry from Tattenai reflects the opposition and scrutiny that the Jewish exiles encountered while working on a significant religious endeavor. This reestablishes the theme of divine mission versus earthly authority, mirroring broader themes throughout Scripture.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry: Henry emphasizes the significance of the question posed by Tattenai. He notes that it reflects the tensions between God’s purposes and governmental authority. Henry illustrates that the rebuilding of the temple was not merely a civic project but a divine undertaking sanctioned by God’s earlier promises.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes points out that Tattenai’s challenge reveals the constant opposition faced by the Jews. He indicates that such questions were common when challenging the valid authority of the work done. Barnes encourages understanding this opposition as a prelude to the miraculous support the Jews received from God.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke elaborates on the roles of Tattenai and his companions, suggesting they were instruments of divine testing. He implies their inquiry served to establish the legitimacy of the Jews’ actions, reinforcing the necessity of divine assistance in all endeavors faithful to God’s will.

Thematic Connections

This verse connects to several overarching themes present in the Bible:

• Divine Authority vs. Human Authority: The confrontation raises questions of who holds ultimate authority in matters of faith and religious practice.
• Resistance to God’s Work: Tattenai’s inquiry exemplifies the kind of resistance that God’s people often experience when undertaking significant spiritual initiatives.
• God’s Promises and Protection: The verse serves as a reminder of God’s promise to protect and sustain His people in the face of challenges.

Bible Verse Cross-References

For a deeper understanding of Ezra 5:3, it's beneficial to explore various cross-references that illustrate similar themes and contexts:

• Nehemiah 2:1-10: This passage discusses Nehemiah’s mission to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and the opposition he faced.
• Zechariah 4:6: This verse emphasizes that the work of rebuilding was not by might or power, but by God’s Spirit.
• Acts 4:18-20: The apostles faced similar scrutiny and questioning about their authority to preach, paralleling the situation in Ezra.
• Matthew 28:18-20: Jesus asserts all authority in heaven and earth, providing a broader context for understanding divine versus human authority.
• Isaiah 44:28-45:1: God’s declaration regarding Cyrus aligns with the theme of God using secular leaders to accomplish His purposes.
• Psalms 127:1: The significance of God's sovereign hand in building reflects the reality that without God's blessing, efforts are futile.
• Romans 13:1-7: This passage elaborates on the role of governing authorities and their relationship to God’s divine order, correlating with Ezra's context.

Inter-Biblical Dialogue

Ezra 5:3 engages in inter-Biblical dialogue by connecting the experience of the Jewish exiles with broader lessons found throughout both the Old and New Testaments. The experiences of God's people are echoed in later scripture as they encounter challenges, indicating a continuous thread of divine providence amid adversity.

Conclusion

Ezra 5:3 serves as a compelling reminder of the conflicts faced by God’s people when striving to fulfill divine mandates. The insights from various commentators, combined with cross-references and thematic connections, provide a profound understanding of this pivotal moment in biblical history. The ongoing dialogue between scriptures highlights the consistency of God's plan and presence through challenging times.