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Two classes, strongly contrasted, divide the human race (see Ephesians 5:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:4-8; 1 John 3:10). There is no intermediate class (see Matthew 12:30). Between these classes genuine sympathy is impossible. The syren voice of "charity" must not be heeded here; it is treachery to Christ. "The friendship of the world," however this may be taken, "is enmity against God." Selfishness and hypocrisy often guide the policy of malignity. Hence -

I. THE FRIENDSHIP OF THE WORLD IS PROFFERED TO THE GODLY IN THEIR PROSPERITY.

1. The world is cold to them in their adversity.

(1) No sympathy came to Israel from the Samaritans when nothing apparently was to he gained. They were only "children of the captivity" - born in captivity, scarcely emerging from bondage, impoverished by a four months' march; comparatively few, 50,000 persons, scattered over the south, and likely to be absorbed into the mass of "the people of the land."

(2) There were even signs of hostility. For the elders of Israel did not venture to build the altar of the Lord until encouraged by the demonstration of strength in the universal response to their summons to the convocation (see 3:1-3). Lesson - It is folly to look to the wicked for help. Even Rabshakeh spoke truly (2 Kings 18:21; comp. Ezekiel 29:6, 7).

2. But when prosperity comes this policy is changed.

(1) The "children of the captivity" had made rapid progress towards national consolidation. Not content to become gradually absorbed in other nationalities, they have raised a national altar, and laid the foundations of their national temple. Note - Religion is the strongest bond of national union. It touches the deepest sympathies of our nature (see Proverbs 14:31).

(2) This made its impression upon "the people of the land." They discerned in Israel the elements of future greatness. By the laws of association the value of the patronage of Cyrus would gain in importance, and the traditions of the ancient greatness of Israel would revive.

(3) Therefore they now volunteered their friendship. They said, "Let us build with you." Let us share your labours and the charges, and we will reap with you also. "We seek your God as you do." "Do not hesitate to trust us." "We do sacrifice to him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assur, which brought us hither." "We will not cause you embarrassment by any disagreement with your worship." Lesson - First, be aware of worldly plausibility. Why was not all this pleaded earlier? Secondly, discern the selfishness which guides the policy of worldly friendship. Thirdly, never lose sight of the nature of the carnal mind (Romans 8:7).

II. WHEN THE POLICY OF THE WORLD'S FRIENDSHIP IS FRUSTRATED, MALICE WILL DISCOVER ITS HYPOCRISY.

1. The reply discovered to the Samaritans that they were comprehended (ver. 3).

(1) "Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God." You say, "We seek your God as ye do." This we do not accept. You say, "We do sacrifice to him," etc. This also we dispute. We have too good reason to do so (see 2 Kings 17:34-38). Note,

(a) The true God is not worshipped at all if other gods are worshipped along with him (see also John 4:22). Note,

(b) No sacrifice to God is true that is associated with spurious sacrifices. Query - Is not the sacrifice of Christ "made of none effect" to those who associate with it the sacrifice of the mass and works of supererogation?

(2) Therefore "we ourselves together," in a unity of faith and love which we would not have interrupted by your heresy and malignity, "will build unto the Lord God of Israel," our own covenant God, "as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us." So, take notice that in thus serving God we are countenanced by the pleasure of the king. Note, here, the lawful mingling of the wisdom of the serpent with the harmlessness of the dove.

2. They now appear as the "adversaries of Judah and Benjamin. They have now no policy of selfishness to restrain their malignity. So

(1) the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah." They stirred up dissension. Their proposition would be variously viewed by the people; worldly men would no doubt think that the Samaritans' offer should have been accepted by the chiefs, who with advancing years were grown too conservative and narrow. Note - Dissension in sentiment is a weakening of the hands.

(2) "They troubled them in the building." This would be the effect of dissension. They would aggravate the embarrassment by ridicule, etc.

(3) "They hired counsellors against them to frustrate their purpose." Some of these would operate upon the workmen; others in the Persian court.

(4) This was continued "all the days of Cyrus." To what extremities will the malignity of the wicked carry them! Reflect - The worst enemies of Judah and Benjamin were those "who said they were Jews and were not" (Revelation 3:9). Let those who discourage a good work consider whose example they follow. - J.A.M.

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KJV: Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto the LORD God of Israel;

WEB: Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity were building a temple to Yahweh, the God of Israel;