Ezra 5:17

17 And now, if it good to the king, lest search be made in the treasure-house of the king at Babylon, that thou mayest know that a decree was made by king Cyrus to build that house of God that was in Jerusalem, and let the king send to us when he has learnt concerning this .

Ezra 5:17 Meaning and Commentary

Ezra 5:17

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,
&c.] Where were the archives of the kingdom, where the laws, decrees, edicts, and proclamations, and other things relating to the state, were laid up, that recourse might be had to them upon occasion:

whether it be so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build
this house of God at Jerusalem;
which the Jews affirmed was made by him, and upon which they proceeded:

and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter;
whether the Jews should be allowed to go on with the building of their temple, and finish it, or whether they should be restrained from it; signifying they were ready to do his will and pleasure either way, as he thought fit.

Ezra 5:17 In-Context

15 and said to him, Take all the vessels, and go, put them in the house that is in Jerusalem in their place.

16 Then that Sabanazar came, and laid the foundations of the house of God in Jerusalem: and from that time even until now it has been building, and has not been finished.

17 And now, if it good to the king, lest search be made in the treasure-house of the king at Babylon, that thou mayest know that a decree was made by king Cyrus to build that house of God that was in Jerusalem, and let the king send to us when he has learnt concerning this .