Bible Commentary

Ezra 5:17

The Pulpit Commentary on Ezra 5:17

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Let there be search made in the king's treasure house. The Vulgate has "in the king's library;" and this, though not the literal rendering, is probably what was intended by Tatuai. Libraries or record chambers were attached to the royal residences under the old Assyrian and Babylonian kings; and the practice was no doubt continued by the Persians. Some of these record offices have been recently found, and their stores recovered. In the year 1850 Mr. Layard came upon the royal library of Asshur-bani-pal at Koyunjik, and obtained from it several hundreds of documents. More recently, in 1875-6, some Arab explorers happened upon a similar collection near Babylon, which yielded from 3000 to 4000 tablets. It is quite possible that the "decree of Cyrus" may still exist, and be one day recovered.

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commentaryMatthew Henry on Ezra 5:3-17While 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 Je…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Case Represented to Darius. (b. c. 519.)THE CASE REPRESENTED TO DARIUS. (B. C. 519.) 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…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ezra 5:3-17EXPOSITION RENEWAL OF OPPOSITION ON THE PART OF THE NEIGHBOURING HEATHEN. LETTER WRITTEN BY THEM AND SENT TO DARIUS (Ezra 5:3-17). Once more opposition showed itself. Tatnai, a high officer, called "governor on this sid…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ezra 5:3-17Wisdom 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.…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ezra 5:3-17Opposition 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 th…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ezra 5:6-17The letter to Darius. The occasion of this letter was the resumption of the work of rebuilding the temple of the Lord at Jerusalem after an interval of sixteen years. The authors of it are Tatnai, the governor, probably…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ezra 5:11-17Things a Church should understand concerning itself. I. THAT IT IS ENGAGED IN THE SERVICE OF HEAVEN. "We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth" (Ezra 5:11). 1. An exalted service. It is the service of God. 2.…Joseph S. Exell and contributors