Ezra 5:9

Afrikaans 1933/1953

Toe het ons daardie oudstes gevra; so het ons aan hulle gesê: Wie het julle bevel gegee om hierdie huis te bou en hierdie muur te voltooi?

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, the officials are questioning the elders about who authorized the construction of the temple. They are seeking to understand the source of the authority to rebuild these walls and structures.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're playing in a playground and someone asks you, 'Who said you could build that sandcastle?' This is like that, but instead of a sandcastle, it's about a big, important building called a temple, and the people asking are curious who gave permission to build it.

Historical Background

This verse is part of the book of Ezra, which was written by Ezra the scribe around 400 BC. It describes the period when the Jews returned from exile to rebuild Jerusalem and its temple. The book is aimed at showing God's continuing faithfulness and the importance of rebuilding the temple.

Living It Out Today

Today, this can be seen when someone asks about the authority behind a significant community project. For instance, if a local church decides to build a new community center, they might face questions about who authorized the project, much like the elders faced in Ezra's time.

Topics

• authority
• rebuilding
• temple
• permission
• faithfulness
• questioning

Related Verses

• 1 Kings 8:15
• Nehemiah 6:6
• Ezra 1:1-4
• Haggai 1:1-4
• Acts 5:42

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this verse teach about authority?

It highlights the importance of having clear authority when undertaking significant projects, especially those related to spiritual matters.

How can we apply this verse to our community projects today?

We can ensure that our projects are transparent and that we have the necessary permissions and support from our communities and leadership.

What might the elders have answered to these questions?

They likely would have referred to divine inspiration and the promises of God, as recorded in other parts of the Old Testament, such as the prophecies of Jeremiah.

Why was rebuilding the temple so important for the Jews?

Rebuilding the temple was crucial as it represented the restoration of their relationship with God and their identity as His chosen people, after years of exile.