עזרא, פרק ה׳, פסוק י״א

When challenged by Persian officials about their right to rebuild the Temple, the Jewish leaders deliver a clear and reasoned defense. Their response is recorded as a direct, formal reply to the authorities [רש"י, מצודת דוד, רס"ג], outlining their deep historical and religious claims to the site.

The builders base their right to the location on three core arguments [מלבי"ם]. First, they present a profound religious duty. They identify themselves as the servants of the God of heaven and earth [רש"י, רס"ג], explaining that the structure is being built for His great name. Their work is a direct act of devotion and obedience to God.

Second, they establish a historical right. They clarify to the Persian officials that they are not initiating a new construction project. Rather, they are simply restoring a house of worship that had already stood on that very spot for many years prior [רס"ג, מלבי"ם].

Finally, they appeal to royal authority. They emphasize that the original Temple was a grand structure built and fully completed by a great ruler of Israel [מלבי"ם]. There is universal agreement among the commentators that this founding monarch, who first established and perfected the building, was King Solomon.