Ezra 5:3
Arabic 2016 (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)
فِي ذَلِكَ اليَوْمِ، جَاءَهُمْ تَتْنَايُ وَالِي إقْلِيمِ غَرْبِ النَّهرِ وَشَتَرْبُوزْنَايُ وَرِفَاقُهُمَا وَسَألُوهُمْ: «مَنْ أذِنَ لَكُمْ بِبِنَاءِ هَذَا البَيْتِ، وَوَضْعِ أسَاسَاتِهِ؟»
What Does This Mean?
In this verse, Tatnai, the governor, and Shetharboznai ask the builders of the temple who gave them permission to rebuild the temple and its walls. They are questioning the authority of those rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem.
Explained for Children
Imagine you're building a big treehouse in your backyard, and suddenly your neighbor comes over and asks, 'Who told you to build this treehouse?' That's kind of what's happening here, but with a temple instead of a treehouse.
Historical Background
This verse is part of the book of Ezra, written after the Babylonian exile when the Jews were returning to Jerusalem. The audience is the returning exiles, and the setting is a time of rebuilding and restoration, where the Persian authorities are curious about the construction of the temple.
Living It Out Today
In today's context, this verse reminds us to be mindful of the permissions and authorities we operate under, especially in communal projects. For example, if you're starting a community garden, ensure you have the necessary permissions and support from the community.
Topics
authorityrebuildingpermissionconstructionleadershiprestoration
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Tatnai and Shetharboznai?
Tatnai and Shetharboznai were Persian officials overseeing the region that included Jerusalem. They were responsible for ensuring that any construction activity was authorized by the Persian government.
Why were they questioning the builders?
They were questioning the builders to ensure that the construction of the temple was authorized, as unauthorized construction could lead to conflict and was against Persian law.
What was the significance of rebuilding the temple?
Rebuilding the temple was significant because it symbolized the return of the Jews to their homeland after exile and their renewed relationship with God.
How does this verse relate to leadership?
This verse highlights the importance of leadership in understanding and adhering to the rules and permissions set by those in authority, which is crucial for maintaining order and avoiding conflict.