Ezra 5:17

17 Now therefore, if it seem good to the Melech, let there be search made in the bais of royal archives, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so, that a decree was made of Koresh (Cyrus) the Melech to build this Beis Elohim at Yerushalayim, and let the Melech send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.

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 unto him, Take these vessels, go, deposit them into the Heikhal that is in Yerushalayim, and let the Beis Elohim be built in its place.

16 Then came the same Sheshbatzar, and laid the foundation of the Beis Elohim which is in Yerushalayim; and since that time even until now hath it been under construction, and yet it is not finished.

17 Now therefore, if it seem good to the Melech, let there be search made in the bais of royal archives, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so, that a decree was made of Koresh (Cyrus) the Melech to build this Beis Elohim at Yerushalayim, and let the Melech send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.