Ezra - Chapter 4

Ezra 4.1 Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto the LORD God of Israel; Ezra 4.2 Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said unto them, Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as ye do; and we do sacrifice unto him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assur, which brought us up hither. Ezra 4.3 But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel, said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the LORD God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us. Ezra 4.4 Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building, Ezra 4.5 And hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia. Ezra 4.6 And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, wrote they unto him an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem. Ezra 4.7 And in the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of their companions, unto Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the writing of the letter was written in the Syrian tongue, and interpreted in the Syrian tongue. Ezra 4.8 Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king in this sort: Ezra 4.9 Then wrote Rehum the chancellor, and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions; the Dinaites, the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Susanchites, the Dehavites, and the Elamites, Ezra 4.10 And the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Asnapper brought over, and set in the cities of Samaria, and the rest that are on this side the river, and at such a time. Ezra 4.11 This is the copy of the letter that they sent unto him, even unto Artaxerxes the king; Thy servants the men on this side the river, and at such a time. Ezra 4.12 Be it known unto the king, that the Jews which came up from thee to us are come unto Jerusalem, building the rebellious and the bad city, and have set up the walls thereof, and joined the foundations. Ezra 4.13 Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the walls set up again, then will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom, and so thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings. Ezra 4.14 Now because we have maintenance from the king’s palace, and it was not meet for us to see the king’s dishonour, therefore have we sent and certified the king; Ezra 4.15 That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed. Ezra 4.16 We certify the king that, if this city be builded again, and the walls thereof set up, by this means thou shalt have no portion on this side the river. Ezra 4.17 Then sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and unto the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time. Ezra 4.18 The letter which ye sent unto us hath been plainly read before me. Ezra 4.19 And I commanded, and search hath been made, and it is found that this city of old time hath made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been made therein. Ezra 4.20 There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto them. Ezra 4.21 Give ye now commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this city be not builded, until another commandment shall be given from me. Ezra 4.22 Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings? Ezra 4.23 Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes’ letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power. Ezra 4.24 Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem. So it ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.

Ezra : Chapter 4

Opposition to the Reconstruction: Ezra Chapter 4

Ezra chapter 4 reveals a crucial moment in the history of God's people, as they undertake the rebuilding of their Temple. This passage highlights the fierce opposition that arises against this divine work. The enemies of the Jewish people deploy various intimidation tactics and make false accusations, thus attempting to halt the advancement of God's will.

The Enemy's Strategies

This chapter illustrates the challenges God's people face in fulfilling their mission. The opponents, through their schemes, seek to discourage the Jews, causing them to abandon their sacred project. However, the perseverance of those who believe in God's promise is tested, and their faith is strengthened in the face of adversity.

Exploring Related Bible Passages

To better understand the themes of opposition and perseverance in Ezra 4, we invite you to meditate on five illuminating Bible passages:

Nehemiah 4:1-3

"When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he was furious. He ridiculed the Jews..." This passage shows opposition similar to that encountered by the Jews in Ezra 4. Mockery and contempt are weapons often used to undermine the resolve of believers.

Ezra 5:3-5

"Who gave you permission to rebuild this temple and these walls?" Here we see that even after attempts at intimidation, God remains faithful. His presence ensures that nothing can truly hinder the work He has initiated.

Haggai 1:2-4

"Is it time for you to live in finely crafted houses, while my house remains desolate?" This passage reminds us of the urgency of rebuilding and invites people not to give in to apathy. Vigilance and commitment are essential in faith.

Zechariah 8:9

"Strengthen your hands. » This exhortation reminds the faithful that, despite challenges, they must remain courageous and determined to pursue the mission God has entrusted to them.

Psalm 129:1-2

"They have oppressed me many times since I was young, but they have never been able to overcome me." This psalm testifies to the resilience of God's people in the face of oppression, emphasizing that faith and persistence can triumph over adversity.

Conclusion

Ezra chapter 4 and related passages remind us that, throughout our journey of faith, we will face opposition. It is crucial to remain steadfast in our commitment and rely on divine strength to overcome obstacles. May our perseverance be a light in the darkness, testifying to our unwavering trust in God.