Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus, Who commanded you to build this house, and to make up these walls?
The challenge was addressed to the Jewish elders by the provincial officials, who demanded to know who had commanded them to build the house and to make up its walls. Their question called for the authority behind the rebuilding of the temple and the completion of its surrounding work. It came from men of high authority and carried a real threat of hindering the rebuilding.
In that time of pressure the builders trusted the Lord for guidance. God's watchful care was over them, restraining the officials from stopping the work. They were kept from interference until the matter could be referred to Darius for decision.
The challenge was addressed to the Jewish elders by the provincial officials, who demanded to know who had commanded them to build the house and to make up its walls. Their question called for the authority behind the rebuilding of the temple and the completion of its surrounding work. It came from men of high authority and carried a real threat of hindering the rebuilding.
In that time of pressure the builders trusted the Lord for guidance. God's watchful care was over them, restraining the officials from stopping the work. They were kept from interference until the matter could be referred to Darius for decision.