Now, therefore, issue an order for these men to stop, so that this city will not be rebuilt until I so order. Now issue an orderThis phrase indicates a command or decree, reflecting the authority of the Persian king over the region. The Hebrew root for "order" is "טְעֵם" (te'em), which can also mean a decree or command. In the historical context, Persian kings had the power to issue binding decrees that affected the entire empire. This highlights the centralized power and control of the Persian administration, which was instrumental in maintaining order across diverse territories. to these men
The phrase refers to the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin who were opposing the rebuilding of Jerusalem. Historically, these were the people who had been settled in the region during the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles. Their opposition was partly due to political and economic reasons, as the rebuilding of Jerusalem threatened their influence and control in the area. to stop work
This command to cease construction reflects the ongoing conflict and tension between the returning exiles and the surrounding peoples. The Hebrew word for "stop" is "שְׁבַק" (shavak), which means to leave or abandon. This cessation of work was a significant setback for the Jewish people, who were striving to restore their city and temple. It serves as a reminder of the persistent challenges faced by God's people in fulfilling His purposes. so that this city will not be rebuilt
The focus on preventing the rebuilding of the city underscores the strategic importance of Jerusalem. Historically, Jerusalem was not only a religious center but also a political and military stronghold. The opposition feared that a rebuilt Jerusalem would become a center of power and resistance against foreign rule. This reflects the broader theme of spiritual warfare, where the forces of darkness seek to thwart God's plans. until I so order
This phrase indicates that the cessation of work was not permanent but contingent upon the king's future decision. It reflects the sovereignty of God, who ultimately controls the hearts of kings and rulers. In the broader biblical narrative, this temporary halt serves to test the faith and perseverance of God's people, reminding them that His timing and purposes are perfect. The eventual resumption of the work, as seen later in the book, demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises despite human opposition. Persons / Places / Events 1. King ArtaxerxesThe Persian king who issued the decree to halt the rebuilding of Jerusalem. His decision was influenced by the opposition to the Jewish people. 2. The Adversaries of Judah and BenjaminThese were the people who opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem. They wrote to King Artaxerxes, persuading him to stop the work. 3. JerusalemThe city whose rebuilding was halted by the decree. It was central to Jewish identity and worship. 4. The Jewish ExilesThe group of people who returned from Babylonian exile to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple. They faced opposition from surrounding peoples. 5. The Persian EmpireThe ruling empire at the time, under which the Jewish exiles were allowed to return to their homeland. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over Human AffairsDespite human opposition, God's plans cannot be thwarted. The decree to stop the work was temporary, and God's purpose for Jerusalem was ultimately fulfilled. The Reality of OppositionBelievers should expect opposition when doing God's work. The adversaries of Judah and Benjamin remind us that spiritual endeavors often face resistance. The Importance of PerseveranceThe Jewish exiles' experience teaches us the value of perseverance. Even when work is halted, faithfulness and patience are crucial. The Role of Prayer and FastingIn times of opposition, seeking God's guidance through prayer and fasting, as Nehemiah did, is essential for overcoming obstacles. Trust in God's TimingThe delay in rebuilding teaches us to trust in God's perfect timing. His plans unfold according to His divine schedule, not ours. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the opposition faced by the Jewish exiles in Ezra 4:21 reflect the challenges Christians face today in fulfilling God's work? 2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the decree to halt the rebuilding of Jerusalem? 3. How can the perseverance of the Jewish exiles inspire us in our personal spiritual journeys? 4. What practical steps can we take to prepare for and respond to opposition in our own efforts to serve God? 5. How does the account of the halted rebuilding project in Ezra connect with the broader biblical account of God's faithfulness to His promises? Connections to Other Scriptures Nehemiah 1-2Nehemiah's later efforts to rebuild Jerusalem's walls, showing the continuation of God's plan despite opposition. Daniel 9:25The prophecy concerning the rebuilding of Jerusalem, indicating divine timing and sovereignty. Haggai 1:2-4The call to rebuild the temple, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing God's work despite challenges. Isaiah 44:28A prophecy about Cyrus allowing the rebuilding of Jerusalem, highlighting God's control over kings and nations. People Ahasuerus, Apharesattechites, Apharesites, Apharsathchites, Apharsites, Archevites, Artaxerxes, Asnapper, Babylonians, Benjamin, Bishlam, Cyrus, Darius, Dehaites, Dehavites, Dehites, Dianites, Dinaites, Dinites, Elamites, Esarhaddon, Jeshua, Mithredath, Persians, Rehum, Shimshai, Shushanchites, Tabeel, Tarpelites, ZerubbabelPlaces Assyria, Beyond the River, Erech, Jerusalem, Persia, Samaria, SusaTopics Builded, Building, Built, Cause, Cease, Commandment, Decree, Issue, Issued, Nothing, Order, Rebuilt, Stop, Stopped, Till, TownDictionary of Bible Themes Ezra 4:6-23 7560 Samaritans, the Ezra 4:20-21 7468 temple, rebuilding Library Building in Troublous Times
'Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto the Lord God of Israel; 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 Esar-haddon king of Assur, which brought us up hither. 3. But Zerubbabel, and Joshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel, said unto them, Ye have nothing to do …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Original Text and Its History.
1. The original language of the Old Testament is Hebrew, with the exception of certain portions of Ezra and Daniel and a single verse of Jeremiah, (Ezra 4:8-6:18; 7:12-26; Dan. 2:4, from the middle of the verse to end of chap. 7; Jer. 10:11,) which are written in the cognate Chaldee language. The Hebrew belongs to a stock of related languages commonly called Shemitic, because spoken mainly by the descendants of Shem. Its main divisions are: (1,) the Arabic, having its original seat in the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
The Median wars--The last native dynasties of Egypt--The Eastern world on the eve of the Macedonian conquest. [Drawn by Boudier, from one of the sarcophagi of Sidon, now in the Museum of St. Irene. The vignette, which is by Faucher-Gudin, represents the sitting cyno-cephalus of Nectanebo I., now in the Egyptian Museum at the Vatican.] Darius appears to have formed this project of conquest immediately after his first victories, when his initial attempts to institute satrapies had taught him not …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 9 A Reformer's Schooling
'The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace, 2. That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. 3. And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Historical Books.
1. In the Pentateuch we have the establishment of the Theocracy, with the preparatory and accompanying history pertaining to it. The province of the historical books is to unfold its practiced working, and to show how, under the divine superintendence and guidance, it accomplished the end for which it was given. They contain, therefore, primarily, a history of God's dealings with the covenant people under the economy which he had imposed upon them. They look at the course of human events on the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House Officers, Taxation, Publicans
It was the very busiest road in Palestine, on which the publican Levi Matthew sat at the receipt of "custom," when our Lord called him to the fellowship of the Gospel, and he then made that great feast to which he invited his fellow-publicans, that they also might see and hear Him in Whom he had found life and peace (Luke 5:29). For, it was the only truly international road of all those which passed through Palestine; indeed, it formed one of the great highways of the world's commerce. At the time …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories
[Sidenote: Influences in the exile that produced written ceremonial laws] The Babylonian exile gave a great opportunity and incentive to the further development of written law. While the temple stood, the ceremonial rites and customs received constant illustration, and were transmitted directly from father to son in the priestly families. Hence, there was little need of writing them down. But when most of the priests were carried captive to Babylonia, as in 597 B.C., and ten years later the temple …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament The Ninth Commandment
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.' Exod 20: 16. THE tongue which at first was made to be an organ of God's praise, is now become an instrument of unrighteousness. This commandment binds the tongue to its good behaviour. God has set two natural fences to keep in the tongue, the teeth and lips; and this commandment is a third fence set about it, that it should not break forth into evil. It has a prohibitory and a mandatory part: the first is set down in plain words, the other …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Ezra-Nehemiah
Some of the most complicated problems in Hebrew history as well as in the literary criticism of the Old Testament gather about the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Apart from these books, all that we know of the origin and early history of Judaism is inferential. They are our only historical sources for that period; and if in them we have, as we seem to have, authentic memoirs, fragmentary though they be, written by the two men who, more than any other, gave permanent shape and direction to Judaism, then …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Ezra 4:21 NIVEzra 4:21 NLTEzra 4:21 ESVEzra 4:21 NASBEzra 4:21 KJV
Ezra 4:21 Commentaries
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