Esdras - Caput 4

Esdras 4.1 audierunt autem hostes Iudae et Beniamin quia filii captivitatis aedificarent templum Domino Deo Israhel Esdras 4.2 et accedentes ad Zorobabel et ad principes patrum dixerunt eis aedificemus vobiscum quia ita ut vos quaerimus Deum vestrum ecce nos immolamus victimas ex diebus Asoraddan regis Assur qui adduxit nos huc Esdras 4.3 et dixit eis Zorobabel et Iosue et reliqui principes patrum Israhel non est vobis et nobis ut aedificemus domum Deo nostro sed nos ipsi soli aedificabimus Domino Deo nostro sicut praecepit nobis rex Cyrus rex Persarum Esdras 4.4 factum est igitur ut populus terrae inpediret manus populi Iudae et turbaret eos in aedificando Esdras 4.5 conduxerunt quoque adversum eos consiliatores ut destruerent consilium eorum omnibus diebus Cyri regis Persarum et usque ad regnum Darii regis Persarum Esdras 4.6 in regno autem Asueri principio regni eius scripserunt accusationem adversum habitatores Iudae et Hierusalem Esdras 4.7 et in diebus Artarxersis scripsit Beselam Mitridatis et Tabel et reliqui qui erant in consilio eorum ad Artarxersen regem Persarum epistula autem accusationis scripta erat syriace et legebatur sermone syro Esdras 4.8 Reum Beelteem et Samsai scriba scripserunt epistulam unam de Hierusalem Artarxersi regi huiuscemodi Esdras 4.9 Reum Beelteem et Samsai scriba et reliqui consiliatores eorum Dinei et Apharsathei Terphalei Apharsei Erchuei Babylonii Susannechei Deaei Aelamitae Esdras 4.10 et ceteri de gentibus quas transtulit Asennaphar magnus et gloriosus et habitare eas fecit in civitatibus Samariae et in reliquis regionibus trans Flumen in pace Esdras 4.11 hoc est exemplar epistulae quam miserunt ad eum Artarxersi regi servi tui viri qui sunt trans Fluvium salutem dicunt Esdras 4.12 notum sit regi quia Iudaei qui ascenderunt a te ad nos venerunt in Hierusalem civitatem rebellem et pessimam quam aedificant extruentes muros eius et parietes conponentes Esdras 4.13 nunc igitur notum sit regi quia si civitas illa aedificata fuerit et muri eius instaurati tributum et vectigal et annuos reditus non dabunt et usque ad reges haec noxa perveniet Esdras 4.14 nos ergo memores salis quod in palatio comedimus et quia laesiones regis videre nefas ducimus idcirco misimus et nuntiavimus regi Esdras 4.15 ut recenseas in libris historiarum patrum tuorum et invenies scriptum in commentariis et scies quoniam urbs illa urbs rebellis est et nocens regibus et provinciis et bella concitant in ea ex diebus antiquis quam ob rem et civitas ipsa destructa est Esdras 4.16 nuntiamus nos regi quoniam si civitas illa aedificata fuerit et muri ipsius instaurati possessionem trans Fluvium non habebis Esdras 4.17 verbum misit rex ad Reum Beelteem et Samsai scribam et ad reliquos qui erant in consilio eorum habitatores Samariae et ceteris trans Fluvium salutem dicens et pacem Esdras 4.18 accusationem quam misistis ad nos manifeste lecta est coram me Esdras 4.19 et a me praeceptum est et recensuerunt inveneruntque quoniam civitas illa a diebus antiquis adversum reges rebellat et seditiones et proelia concitantur in ea Esdras 4.20 nam et reges fortissimi fuerunt in Hierusalem qui et dominati sunt omni regioni quae trans Fluvium est tributum quoque et vectigal et reditus accipiebant Esdras 4.21 nunc ergo audite sententiam ut prohibeatis viros illos et urbs illa non aedificetur donec si forte a me iussum fuerit Esdras 4.22 videte ne neglegenter hoc impleatis et paulatim crescat malum contra reges Esdras 4.23 itaque exemplum edicti Artarxersis regis lectum est coram Reum et Samsai scriba et consiliariis eorum et abierunt festini in Hierusalem ad Iudaeos et prohibuerunt eos in brachio et robore Esdras 4.24 tunc intermissum est opus domus Dei in Hierusalem et non fiebat usque ad annum secundum regni Darii regis Persarum

Esdras : Caput 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.