Ezra 5:3

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Ezra 5:3-17

We have here, I. The cognizance which their neighbours soon took of the reviving of this good work. A jealous eye, it seems, they had upon them, and no sooner did the Spirit of God stir up the friends of the temple to appear for it than the evil spirit stirred up its enemies to appear against it. While the people built and ceiled their own houses their enemies gave them no molestation (Hag. 1:4), though the king's order was to put a stop to the building of the city (Ezra 4:21); but when they... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ezra 5:3

At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and their companions ,.... These were new governors and officers under the king of Persia in those parts, the old ones, Rehum, Shimshai, &c.; being either dead, or removed upon this new king coming to the throne: these came to the Jews: and said thus unto them, who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall ? for it seems by this time they had raised up the walls of the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ezra 5:3

Tatnai , governor - He was governor of the provinces which belonged to the Persian empire on their side of the Euphrates, comprehending Syria, Arabia Deserta, Phoenicia, and Samaria. He seems to have been a mild and judicious man; and to have acted with great prudence and caution, and without any kind of prejudice. The manner in which he represented this to the king is a full proof of this disposition. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezra 5:1-5

A faithful ministry in the Church. I. THAT IT IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE DIVINE NAME . "In the name of the God of Israel" ( Ezra 5:1 ). 1. It advances in the Divine Name. These two prophets came to Israel in the name of God; a faithful ministry is commissioned by God, has his authority, and is qualified by him ( 2 Corinthians 5:20 ). 2. It partakes of the Divine Character. These prophets must bear in their conduct the purity of God, and in their words the mercy... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezra 5:3

Tatnai , governor on this side the river . The title given to Tatnai is the same which is assigned to Zerubbabel, both in Ezra 6:7 and in Haggai ( Haggai 1:1 , Haggai 1:14 , etc.), viz; pechah , which is a somewhat vague term of authority, translated sometimes "captain" ( 1 Kings 20:24 ; Daniel 3:2 , Daniel 3:3 , etc.), sometimes "deputy ( Esther 8:9 ; Esther 9:3 ), but generally, as here, "governor." The etymology is uncertain, but seems not to be Semitic. The... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezra 5:3-5

The eye of God. The "people of the land" procured authority from the Persian king to stop the rebuilding of the city and wall of Jerusalem, and used it to stop the rebuilding of the temple as well. After an interval of nine years, through the incitement of the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, the great work was resumed, and with the resumption the old hostility was revived. So the text, etc. The eye of their God was upon them— I. To GIVE THEM ASSURANCE AND COMFORT . 1. This... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezra 5:3-17

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezra 5:3-17

Opposition revived. We have in these verses a twofold account of two different things. In Ezra 5:3 , Ezra 5:4 , in the first place, we have the historian's account of the revived opposition called out by the revival of the work of temple-building on the part of the Jews. In Ezra 5:6-10 we have an almost identical but slightly fuller account of the same matter in the letter sent by the opponents themselves to Darius. In Ezra 5:5 , in the next place, we have the historian's account... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezra 5:3-17

Wisdom in trial. Hardly had the Jews recommenced their work, when they again found themselves subjected to a— I. TRIAL OF FAITH . "At the same time," etc. ( Ezra 5:3 ). Again their unfriendly neighbours came to the attack. They challenged their right to build up the walls: "Who hath commanded you to build?" "By whose authority do ye these things?" The names of the leading men were demanded ( Ezra 5:4 ), with a view of sending them on to the Persian court. Pressure was... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ezra 5:3

Governor on this side the river - Compare Ezra 4:10 note. Tatnai was apparently satrap of Syria, which included the whole tract west of the Euphrates from Cilicia to the borders of Egypt. Zerubbabel must have been, to some extent, under his authority.Who hath commanded you to build? - There was no doubt a formal illegality in the conduct of Zerubbabel and Jeshua: since all edicts of Persian kings continued in force unless revoked by their successors. But they felt justified in disobeying the... read more

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