John Gill Commentary Ezra 5:3

John Gill Commentary

Ezra 5:3

1697–1771
Reformed Baptist
John Gill
John Gill

John Gill Commentary

Ezra 5:3

1697–1771
Reformed Baptist
SCRIPTURE

"At the same time came to them Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and Shethar-bozenai, and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who gave you a decree to build this house, and to finish this wall?" — Ezra 5:3 (ASV)

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 being either dead, or removed upon this new king coming to the throne: these came to the Jews,

and said thus unto them, who has 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 temple from its foundation to some height; for of these it must be understood, see (Ezra 4:8Ezra 4:9) for it can hardly be thought they were as yet enclosing it with a wall round about it; now they asked them by what authority they did this? who set them to work? and what were their names? for that this question was asked, though not here expressed, is clear from (Ezra 4:10) and to which an answer is given in the next verse.