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?”

Context:The book of Ezra is a historical account that describes the events following the Babylonian exile. After the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple by the Babylonians, King Cyrus of Persia issued a decree allowing the Israelites to return to their land and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. This verse takes place during the time when the rebuilding of the temple was being questioned by the local authorities.

Key Points:

• Questioning the Authority:In this verse, the elders of Judah who were working on rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem were approached by officials who questioned their authority to carry out this task. The question posed to the elders was about who had authorized them to build the house and restore the walls.
• Opposition to the Rebuilding:The officials who asked this question were likely representatives of the regional authorities or the Persian administration. They wanted to establish the legitimacy of the rebuilding project and ensure that it was being done under proper authority. This opposition and scrutiny were common during the restoration of Jerusalem and the temple.
• The Response:The verse does not provide the elders’ response, but in the subsequent verses, the elders reply that they were authorized by Cyrus, the king of Persia. They further inform the officials that they had been given permission to rebuild the temple and present the relevant documents to support their claim.
• The Sovereignty of God:It is important to note that the rebuilding of the temple and the return of the Israelites to Jerusalem were part of God’s plan. The fact that King Cyrus allowed the temple to be rebuilt fulfilled the prophecy of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 29:10), demonstrating God’s faithfulness and sovereignty over the affairs of nations.

• Lessons for Believers:This passage reminds us of the importance of carrying out God’s work under proper authority. It highlights the need for believers to adhere to the laws and regulations of the land while remaining obedient to God’s commands. It also teaches us that God can use even secular authorities to accomplish His purposes and fulfill His promises.

Application:

• Respect for Authority:We should respect and submit to the authority structures in our lives, whether they are government authorities, church leaders, or other appointed positions. It is important to carry out God’s work in a manner that upholds integrity and adheres to established regulations.
• Trust in God’s Sovereignty:Just as God worked through King Cyrus to accomplish His plans, we should trust in His sovereignty in our lives. Even in difficult circumstances or when facing opposition, we can be confident that God is in control and will bring about His purposes in His perfect timing.
• Faithful Obedience:The elders in this passage were obedient to God’s command to rebuild the temple despite facing challenges and opposition. As believers, we are called to faithfully obey God’s commands and carry out His work, even when it is difficult or seems unlikely. We can rely on His guidance and provision as we seek to fulfill His purposes.

Remember to read the surrounding verses and consult commentaries or study resources for a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural context, as well as to gain additional insights into the passage.