John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 3. At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and their companions , etc.] These were new governors and officers under the king of Persia in those parts, the old ones, Rehum, Shimshai, etc. being either dead, or removed upon this new king coming to the throne: these came to the Jews, and said thus unto them, who hath 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 4:8,9) 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.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 3-17 - While 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 encourag us therein, when difficulties are ever so discouraging. The elders of the Jews gave the Samaritans an account of their proceedings. Let u learn hence, with meekness and fear, to give a reason of the hope tha is in us; let us rightly understand, and then readily declare, what we do in God's service, and why we do it. And while in this world, we always shall have to confess, that our sins have provoked the wrath of God. All our sufferings spring from thence, and all our comforts from his unmerited mercy. However the work may seem to be hindered, yet the Lord Jesus Christ is carrying it on, his people are growing unto a holy temple in the Lord, for a habitation of God through the Spirit _________________________________________________
Original Hebrew בה זמנא2166 אתא858 עליהון5922 תתני8674 פחת6347 עבר5675 נהרה5103 ושׁתר בוזני8370 וכנותהון3675 וכן3652 אמרין560 להם מן4479 שׂם7761 לכם טעם2942 ביתא1005 דנה1836 לבנא1124 ואשׁרנא846 דנה1836 לשׁכללה׃3635
