What is the meaning of Ezra 5:10?

We also asked for their names

The Persian officials who visited the rebuilt temple wanted to know exactly who was in charge. By requesting the builders’ names, they signaled that the investigation was personal and specific, not a vague inquiry.

• Earlier enemies had written a slanderous letter to Artaxerxes (Ezra 4:12-15), so these officials needed accurate data, not rumors.

• Taking names was common in royal investigations (Esther 6:1-2); it made each person answerable for his actions.

• Scripture often shows God’s servants willingly identifying themselves (Nehemiah 1:6-11) because transparent obedience to the Lord fears no scrutiny.

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so that we could write down

The officials recorded what they learned, underscoring how God’s work stands up to documentation.

• Careful record-keeping echoes Jeremiah’s deed of purchase (Jeremiah 32:10-12) and Luke’s “orderly account” (Luke 1:3).

• Written reports preserve truth against distortion (Proverbs 22:20-21).

• This moment reminds us that our own lives are “living letters” (2 Corinthians 3:2-3), meant to be open records of faithfulness.

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the names of their leaders

Leadership carries responsibility before both God and man.

• Israel had long listed tribal heads (Numbers 1:4-16), projecting accountability.

• Spiritual leaders today must be “above reproach” (1 Timothy 3:2), ready for examination.

• By providing their leaders’ names, the Jews were saying, in effect, “We stand behind this work because the Lord has commissioned it” (Haggai 1:13-14).

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for your information

Everything gathered would reach King Darius, demonstrating that civil authority and divine purpose need not clash.

• Romans 13:1-4 teaches believers to respect governing powers unless commanded to disobey God (Acts 5:29).

• Mordecai’s disclosure of a plot “for the king’s information” (Esther 2:22) saved lives; here, truthful information protected God’s project.

• The Jews trusted the king would act justly once he knew the facts (Ezra 6:1-12).

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summary

Ezra 5:10 shows Persian officials conducting a thorough, name-specific inquiry so they could report accurately to Darius. The verse highlights transparency, the legitimacy of godly leadership, and confidence that truth recorded and reviewed will ultimately vindicate God’s people.