9 We questioned the elders and asked them, "Who authorized you to rebuild this temple and to finish it?"
9 Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus, Who commanded you to build this house, and to make up these walls?
9 Then we asked those elders and spoke to them thus: 'Who gave you a decree to build this house and to finish this structure?'
9 We asked the leaders, "Who issued you the permit to rebuild this Temple and restore it to use?"
9 Then we asked those elders, and spoke thus to them: "Who commanded you to build this temple and to finish these walls?"
9 "We asked the leaders, 'Who gave you permission to rebuild this Temple and restore this structure?'
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ezra 5:9
Commentary on Ezra 5:3-17
(Read Ezra 5:3-17)
While employed in God's work, we are under his special protection; his eye is upon us for good. This should keep us to our duty, and encourage us therein, when difficulties are ever so discouraging. The elders of the Jews gave the Samaritans an account of their proceedings. Let us learn hence, with meekness and fear, to give a reason of the hope that is in us; let us rightly understand, and then readily declare, what we do in God's service, and why we do it. And while in this world, we always shall have to confess, that our sins have provoked the wrath of God. All our sufferings spring from thence, and all our comforts from his unmerited mercy. However the work may seem to be hindered, yet the Lord Jesus Christ is carrying it on, his people are growing unto a holy temple in the Lord, for a habitation of God through the Spirit.