King James Version
What Does Ezra 5:9 Mean?
“Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus, Who commanded you to build this house, and to make up these walls?”
Context
7
They sent a letter unto him, wherein was written thus; Unto Darius the king, all peace. wherein: Chaldee, in the midst whereof
8
Be it known unto the king, that we went into the province of Judea, to the house of the great God, which is builded with great stones, and timber is laid in the walls, and this work goeth fast on, and prospereth in their hands. great: Chaldee, stones of rolling
9
Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus, Who commanded you to build this house, and to make up these walls?
10
We asked their names also, to certify thee, that we might write the names of the men that were the chief of them.
11
And thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded these many years ago, which a great king of Israel builded and set up.
Commentary
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary**2. He built Eloth--**or, "He it was who built Eloth." The account of the fortifications of this port on the Red Sea, which Uzziah restored to the kingdom of Judah (2Ch 33:13), is placed before the chronological notices (2Ch 26:3), either on account of the importance attached to the conquest of Eloth, or from the desire of the historian to introduce Uzziah as the king, who was known as the conqueror of Eloth. Besides, it indicates that the conquest occurred in the early part of his reign, that it was important as a port, and that Hebrew merchants maintained the old trade between it and the countries of the East [Bertheau].
Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset, David Brown. Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Ezra. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Ezra 5:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Ezra 5:9
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge