Ezra 5:17

Translations

Modern

Now, therefore, if it pleases the king, let a search be made of the royal archives in Babylon to see if King Cyrus did indeed issue a decree to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. Then let the king send us his decision in this matter.

Traditional

Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search made in the king’s treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.

Literal

And now if it is good to the king, let a search be made in the house of the treasure of the king that is there in Babylon, whether it is that by King Cyrus a decree was issued to build this house of God in Jerusalem, and let us send the will of the king concerning this.

Latin

Nunc ergo si videtur regi bonum, recenseat in bibliotheca regis, quæ est in Babylone, utrumnam a Cyro rege jussum fuerit ut ædificaretur domus Dei in Jerusalem, et voluntatem regis super hac re mittat ad nos.

Original

Hebrew

English

Now, therefore, if it pleases the king, let a search be made of the royal archives in Babylon to see if King Cyrus did indeed issue a decree to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. Then let the king send us his decision in this matter.

Notes

Ezra 5:6–17

Ezra includes a copy in Aramaic of Tattenai’s letter to King Darius. Unlike the letter in Ezra 4:11–16, this letter simply asks if the Jews' actions are valid.

Theme notes and profiles

Cyrus II Zerubbabel

Related verses

Ezra 4:15
…that a search should be made of the record books of your fathers. In these books you will discover and verify that the city is a rebellious city, harmful to kings and provinces, inciting sedition from ancient times. That is why this city was destroyed.
Ezra 4:19
I issued a decree, and a search was conducted. It was discovered that this city has revolted against kings from ancient times, engaging in rebellion and sedition.
Proverbs 25:2
It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to search it out.
Ezra 6:1–5
Thus King Darius ordered a search of the archives stored in the treasury of Babylon.

People

Cyrus: Persian Emperor who decreed the rebuilding of the Temple

Places

Babylon: Ancient Mesopotamian city, capital of Babylonian Empire, site of the Tower of Babel Jerusalem: The capital of Israel, a holy city for three religions

Glossary

Ancient Letter Writing Aramaic Book of Ezra Book of Jeremiah Darius First Book of Esdras Haggai, Book of House of the Archives Persia, Persians Postexilic Period Sheshbazzar Temple

Topics

King: Chronicles of, Recorded Persia: Cyrus Temple: The Second: Restored by Zerubbabel the Second Temple: Tatnai the Governor Wrote to Darius to Know If the Building Treasure-Houses: Records Preserved In

Ezra 5:17

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