Ezra 5:6-17
Summary for Ezra 5:6-17: 5:6-17 a Ezra includes a copy in Aramaic of Tattenai’s letter to King Darius. Unlike the letter of 4:11-16 b, this letter was a straightforward inquiry into the validity of the Jews’ activity. 5:6 c other officials: A Persian term for inspectors or investigators.5:8 d the great God: This title was a Persian way of referring to an important high deity; it does not indicate that the provincial authorities believed in Israel’s God.
• Following the pattern of Solomon’s Temple (1 Kgs 6:36 e), after every three rows of prepared stones, a layer of timber was laid in its walls (see Ezra 6:4 f) to reduce potential damage from earthquakes.
5:11 g the God of heaven: This title would be understood by the Persians: He was the universal high God, not an insignificant local deity.
• a great king of Israel: Solomon (see 1 Kgs 5–8 h).
5:12 i destroyed this Temple and exiled the people: See 2 Kgs 25:9-17 j.
5:13 k a decree: See 1:1-4 l.
Summary for Ezra 5:14-15: 5:14-15 m The Jews provided detailed information that the Persians could check for accuracy (see 1:7-11 n).
5:16 o Most likely, Sheshbazzar began the work and Zerubbabel finished it (see study note on 1:8).
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