Ezr 5:3 | MHM | STEP | The Case Represented to Darius This passage describes what happened when the Jews began rebuilding the temple again. Their enemies quickly noticed and took action, but this time the Persian officials handled the situation more fairly. The story shows how God protected His people and how the leaders of the Jews wisely answered questions about their work. It also reveals the importance of telling the truth and trusting God’s care, even when others question or oppose us. v. 3–4 : As soon as the Jews restarted work on the temple, the local governors, Tatnai and Shethar-boznai, came to investigate (Ezra 5:3 ). While the Jews were only focused on building their own houses, nobody bothered them (Haggai 1:4 ). But when they worked on the temple, their enemies became active again. The Persian officials asked, “Who gave you permission to build this house?” The officials were more reasonable than earlier enemies, and they wanted to report the facts honestly to the king. The historian starts to tell how the Jews answered, but then gives the full answer later in the letter to Darius.

‏ Ezra 5:3

The Case Represented to Darius

This passage describes what happened when the Jews began rebuilding the temple again. Their enemies quickly noticed and took action, but this time the Persian officials handled the situation more fairly. The story shows how God protected His people and how the leaders of the Jews wisely answered questions about their work. It also reveals the importance of telling the truth and trusting God’s care, even when others question or oppose us.

v. 3–4: As soon as the Jews restarted work on the temple, the local governors, Tatnai and Shethar-boznai, came to investigate (Ezra 5:3 ^a). While the Jews were only focused on building their own houses, nobody bothered them (Haggai 1:4 ^b). But when they worked on the temple, their enemies became active again. The Persian officials asked, “Who gave you permission to build this house?” The officials were more reasonable than earlier enemies, and they wanted to report the facts honestly to the king. The historian starts to tell how the Jews answered, but then gives the full answer later in the letter to Darius.