Ezra 4
Opposition from Local Adversaries
1Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity were building a temple to the LORD, the God of Israel,
2they came near to Zerubbabel, and to the heads of fathers’ households, and said to them, “Let us build with you, for we seek your God as you do; and we have been sacrificing to him since the days of Esar Haddon king of Assyria, who brought us up here.”
3But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the rest of the heads of fathers’ households of Israel said to them, “You have nothing to do with us in building a house to our God; but we ourselves together will build to the LORD, the God of Israel, as King Cyrus the king of Persia has commanded us.”
4Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building.
5They hired counselors against them to frustrate their purpose all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.
Letter of Accusation to Artaxerxes
6In the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, they wrote an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.
7In the days of Artaxerxes, Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of his companions wrote to Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the writing of the letter was written in Syrian and delivered in the Syrian language.
8Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king as follows.
9Then Rehum the chancellor, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions, the Dinaites, and the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Shushanchites, the Dehaites, the Elamites,
10and the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Osnappar brought over and settled in the city of Samaria, and in the rest of the country beyond the River, and so forth, wrote.
11This is the copy of the letter that they sent: To King Artaxerxes, from your servants, the people beyond the River.
12Be it known to the king that the Jews who came up from you have come to us to Jerusalem. They are building the rebellious and bad city, and have finished the walls and repaired the foundations.
13Be it known now to the king that if this city is built and the walls finished, they will not pay tribute, custom, or toll, and in the end it will be hurtful to the kings.
14Now because we eat the salt of the palace and it is not appropriate for us to see the king’s dishonor, therefore we have sent and informed the king,
15that search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers. You will see in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful to kings and provinces, and that they have started rebellions within it in the past. That is why this city was destroyed.
16We inform the king that if this city is built and the walls finished, then you will have no possession beyond the River.
Artaxerxes' Reply and Work Stoppage
17Then the king sent an answer to Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions who live in Samaria, and in the rest of the country beyond the River: Peace.
18The letter which you sent to us has been plainly read before me.
19I decreed, and search has been made, and it was found that this city has made insurrection against kings in the past, and that rebellion and revolts have been made in it.
20There have also been mighty kings over Jerusalem who have ruled over all the country beyond the River; and tribute, custom, and toll was paid to them.
21Make a decree now to cause these men to cease, and that this city not be built until a decree is made by me.
22Be careful that you not be slack doing so. Why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?
23Then when the copy of King Artaxerxes’ letter was read before Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went in haste to Jerusalem to the Jews, and made them to cease by force of arms.
24Then work stopped on God’s house which is at Jerusalem. It stopped until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.
The returned exiles face their first major opposition when local adversaries offer to help build the temple, but are rejected by Zerubbabel and the leaders who insist on maintaining the purity of their mission. When this diplomatic approach fails, the opponents launch a sustained campaign of harassment and legal challenges, culminating in a letter to King Artaxerxes that falsely portrays the Jews as rebellious. The king's response halts the temple construction, demonstrating how external opposition can temporarily thwart God's work despite legitimate royal authorization.
Context
This chapter introduces the theme of opposition that will persist throughout Ezra, contrasting with the initial royal favor shown in chapters 1-3.
Key Themes
Outline
- 1-3Adversaries Offer Help and Are RejectedLocal peoples offer to join the temple building but are refused by Jewish leaders who maintain exclusive rights to the project.
- 4-6Sustained Opposition CampaignThe rejected adversaries begin a prolonged effort to frustrate construction through hired counselors and written accusations spanning multiple Persian reigns.
- 7-16Letter of Accusation to ArtaxerxesOfficials write a detailed letter to King Artaxerxes portraying Jerusalem as historically rebellious and warning of lost revenue and territorial control.
- 17-24Royal Response and Work StoppageArtaxerxes orders an investigation, confirms Jerusalem's rebellious history, and commands the cessation of building work until further notice.
Opposition from Local Adversaries
4:1–4:5Local adversaries offer to help build the temple but are rejected by Jewish leaders who insist on building alone as commanded by Cyrus. The adversaries then begin actively opposing the construction work.
person_contrast
Jeshua's appearance here among the decision-making leaders contrasts sharply with his typical role in worship contexts, highlighting the shift from priestly to political authority during reconstruction.
Letter of Accusation to Artaxerxes
4:6–4:16Adversaries write a letter to King Artaxerxes accusing the Jews of rebuilding a rebellious city that will refuse to pay taxes and cause trouble. They urge the king to stop the construction based on Jerusalem's history of rebellion.
person_contrast
Ahasuerus, who elsewhere in Scripture delivers God's people through Esther, here receives accusations against those same people, creating a striking reversal of his typical protective role.
Artaxerxes' Reply and Work Stoppage
4:17–4:24King Artaxerxes responds by ordering the temple construction to cease after confirming Jerusalem's rebellious history. His officials forcibly stop the work, which remains halted until the reign of Darius.
person_contrast
Darius appears here uniquely as the future liberator who will reverse persecution, contrasting his typical biblical role as an immediate authority figure demanding obedience.
Ezra 4:3
Ezra 3:8lexicalNow in the second year of their coming to God’s house at Jerusalem, in the second month, Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel…
Ezra 1:2lexical“Cyrus king of Persia says, ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he has command…
2 Chronicles 36:23lexical“Cyrus king of Persia says, ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, has given all the kingdoms of the earth to me; and he has comm…
Ezra 3:2lexicalThen Jeshua the son of Jozadak stood up with his brothers the priests and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and his relati…
Nehemiah 2:20lexicalThen I answered them, and said to them, “The God of heaven will prosper us. Therefore we, his servants, will arise and b…
Ezra 4:5
2 Chronicles 36:22lexicalNow in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the LORD’s word by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the…
Ezra 1:1lexicalNow in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the LORD’s word by Jeremiah’s mouth might be accomplished, the LORD…
Ezra 4:7
Ezra 7:11lexicalNow this is the copy of the letter that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest, the scribe, even the scribe of the word…
Ezra 1:8lexicaleven those, Cyrus king of Persia brought out by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, and counted them out to Sheshbazza…
Ezra 4:8
Ezra 7:21lexicalI, even I, Artaxerxes the king, make a decree to all the treasurers who are beyond the River, that whatever Ezra the pri…
Daniel 7:1lexicalIn the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream and visions of his head while on his bed. Then he wr…
Ezra 6:3lexicalIn the first year of Cyrus the king, Cyrus the king made a decree: Concerning God’s house at Jerusalem, let the house be…
Ezra 5:17lexicalNow therefore, if it seems good to the king, let a search be made in the king’s treasure house, which is there at Babylo…
Ezra 7:12lexicalArtaxerxes, king of kings, To Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the perfect God of heaven. Now
Ezra 4:9
Ezra 6:6lexicalNow therefore, Tattenai, governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and your companions the Apharsachites, who are beyon…
Ezra 5:6lexicalThe copy of the letter that Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and Shetharbozenai, and his companions the Apharsac…
Ezra 5:3lexicalAt the same time Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, came to them, with Shetharbozenai and their companions, and as…
Ezra 7:21lexicalI, even I, Artaxerxes the king, make a decree to all the treasurers who are beyond the River, that whatever Ezra the pri…
Ezra 6:13lexicalThen Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and their companions did accordingly with all diligence, b…
Ezra 4:10
Daniel 7:10lexicalA fiery stream issued and came out from before him. Thousands of thousands ministered to him. Ten thousand times ten tho…
Ezra 5:12lexicalBut after our fathers had provoked the God of heaven to wrath, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Baby…
Ezra 5:11lexicalThus they returned us answer, saying, “We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth and are building the house tha…
Daniel 2:35lexicalThen the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were broken in pieces together, and became like the chaff…
Ezra 7:21lexicalI, even I, Artaxerxes the king, make a decree to all the treasurers who are beyond the River, that whatever Ezra the pri…
Ezra 4:11
Ezra 5:6lexicalThe copy of the letter that Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and Shetharbozenai, and his companions the Apharsac…
Ezra 6:13lexicalThen Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and their companions did accordingly with all diligence, b…
Ezra 7:21lexicalI, even I, Artaxerxes the king, make a decree to all the treasurers who are beyond the River, that whatever Ezra the pri…
Daniel 5:7lexicalThe king cried aloud to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. The king spoke and said to the wise…
Daniel 2:10lexicalThe Chaldeans answered the king and said, “There is not a man on the earth who can show the king’s matter, because no ki…
Ezra 4:12
Ezra 5:16lexicalThen the same Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundations of God’s house which is in Jerusalem. Since that time even until…
Daniel 2:29lexical“As for you, O king, your thoughts came on your bed, what should happen hereafter; and he who reveals secrets has made k…
Ezra 6:8lexicalMoreover I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of God:…
Ezra 5:17lexicalNow therefore, if it seems good to the king, let a search be made in the king’s treasure house, which is there at Babylo…
Ezra 6:3lexicalIn the first year of Cyrus the king, Cyrus the king made a decree: Concerning God’s house at Jerusalem, let the house be…
Ezra 4:13
Ezra 6:8lexicalMoreover I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of God:…
Ezra 7:24lexicalAlso we inform you that it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, custom, or toll on any of the priests, Levites, singer…
Ezra 5:17lexicalNow therefore, if it seems good to the king, let a search be made in the king’s treasure house, which is there at Babylo…
Ezra 5:8lexicalBe it known to the king that we went into the province of Judah, to the house of the great God, which is being built wit…
Daniel 3:18lexicalBut if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have…
Ezra 4:14
Daniel 2:45lexicalBecause you saw that a stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze…
Daniel 2:10lexicalThe Chaldeans answered the king and said, “There is not a man on the earth who can show the king’s matter, because no ki…
Daniel 5:5lexicalIn the same hour, the fingers of a man’s hand came out and wrote near the lamp stand on the plaster of the wall of the k…
Ezra 5:17lexicalNow therefore, if it seems good to the king, let a search be made in the king’s treasure house, which is there at Babylo…
Daniel 5:22lexical“You, his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this,
Ezra 4:15
Ezra 5:17lexicalNow therefore, if it seems good to the king, let a search be made in the king’s treasure house, which is there at Babylo…
Ezra 5:8lexicalBe it known to the king that we went into the province of Judah, to the house of the great God, which is being built wit…
Ezra 6:2lexicalA scroll was found at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province of Media, and in it this was written for a record:
Daniel 2:28lexicalbut there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latte…
Daniel 2:30lexicalBut as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but to the intent that…
Ezra 4:16
Ezra 6:8lexicalMoreover I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of God:…
Ezra 5:17lexicalNow therefore, if it seems good to the king, let a search be made in the king’s treasure house, which is there at Babylo…
Ezra 5:11lexicalThus they returned us answer, saying, “We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth and are building the house tha…
Daniel 2:10lexicalThe Chaldeans answered the king and said, “There is not a man on the earth who can show the king’s matter, because no ki…
Daniel 2:30lexicalBut as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but to the intent that…
Ezra 4:17
Ezra 5:6lexicalThe copy of the letter that Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and Shetharbozenai, and his companions the Apharsac…
Ezra 6:13lexicalThen Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and their companions did accordingly with all diligence, b…
Ezra 7:21lexicalI, even I, Artaxerxes the king, make a decree to all the treasurers who are beyond the River, that whatever Ezra the pri…
Ezra 5:7lexicalThey sent a letter to him, in which was written: To Darius the king, all peace.
Ezra 5:3lexicalAt the same time Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, came to them, with Shetharbozenai and their companions, and as…
Ezra 4:18
Ezra 7:14lexicalBecause you are sent by the king and his seven counselors to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the la…
Daniel 5:15lexicalNow the wise men, the enchanters, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known to…
Daniel 5:24lexicalThen the part of the hand was sent from before him, and this writing was inscribed.
Daniel 5:16lexicalBut I have heard of you, that you can give interpretations and dissolve doubts. Now if you can read the writing and make…
Daniel 5:7lexicalThe king cried aloud to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. The king spoke and said to the wise…
Ezra 4:19
Ezra 5:17lexicalNow therefore, if it seems good to the king, let a search be made in the king’s treasure house, which is there at Babylo…
Ezra 6:8lexicalMoreover I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of God:…
Ezra 6:12lexicalMay the God who has caused his name to dwell there overthrow all kings and peoples who stretch out their hand to alter t…
Ezra 6:11lexicalI have also made a decree that whoever alters this message, let a beam be pulled out from his house, and let him be lift…
Ezra 7:21lexicalI, even I, Artaxerxes the king, make a decree to all the treasurers who are beyond the River, that whatever Ezra the pri…
Ezra 4:20
Ezra 7:24lexicalAlso we inform you that it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, custom, or toll on any of the priests, Levites, singer…
Ezra 6:8lexicalMoreover I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of God:…
Ezra 7:25lexicalYou, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God that is in your hand, appoint magistrates and judges who may judge all th…
Ezra 7:21lexicalI, even I, Artaxerxes the king, make a decree to all the treasurers who are beyond the River, that whatever Ezra the pri…
Ezra 5:6lexicalThe copy of the letter that Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and Shetharbozenai, and his companions the Apharsac…
Ezra 4:21
Ezra 6:8lexicalMoreover I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of God:…
Ezra 5:17lexicalNow therefore, if it seems good to the king, let a search be made in the king’s treasure house, which is there at Babylo…
Ezra 5:16lexicalThen the same Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundations of God’s house which is in Jerusalem. Since that time even until…
Daniel 3:12lexicalThere are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abedn…
Ezra 5:9lexicalThen we asked those elders, and said to them thus, “Who gave you a decree to build this house, and to finish this wall?”
Ezra 4:22
Ezra 7:23lexicalWhatever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be done exactly for the house of the God of heaven; for why should th…
Daniel 2:29lexical“As for you, O king, your thoughts came on your bed, what should happen hereafter; and he who reveals secrets has made k…
Daniel 2:28lexicalbut there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latte…
Daniel 2:45lexicalBecause you saw that a stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze…
Ezra 6:9lexicalThat which they have need of, including young bulls, rams, and lambs, for burnt offerings to the God of heaven; also whe…
Ezra 4:23
Ezra 5:5lexicalBut the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, and they didn’t make them cease until the matter should come to…
Ezra 7:14lexicalBecause you are sent by the king and his seven counselors to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the la…
Daniel 2:15lexicalHe answered Arioch the king’s captain, “Why is the decree so urgent from the king?” Then Arioch made the thing known to…
Ezra 5:15lexicalHe said to him, ‘Take these vessels, go, put them in the temple that is in Jerusalem, and let God’s house be built in it…
Ezra 5:6lexicalThe copy of the letter that Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and Shetharbozenai, and his companions the Apharsac…
Ezra 4:24
Ezra 6:15lexicalThis house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.
Ezra 5:5lexicalBut the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, and they didn’t make them cease until the matter should come to…
Ezra 6:3lexicalIn the first year of Cyrus the king, Cyrus the king made a decree: Concerning God’s house at Jerusalem, let the house be…
Ezra 5:16lexicalThen the same Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundations of God’s house which is in Jerusalem. Since that time even until…
Ezra 6:8lexicalMoreover I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of God:…
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