I issued a decree, and a search was conducted. It was discovered that this city has revolted against kings from ancient times, engaging in rebellion and sedition. I issued a decreeThe phrase "I issued a decree" reflects the authoritative command of King Artaxerxes. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a decree from a king was binding and carried the weight of law. The Hebrew root for "decree" (טְעֵם, te‘em) implies a formal decision or command. This highlights the king's role as a sovereign ruler whose words could alter the course of history. In a spiritual sense, it reminds us of the ultimate authority of God’s Word, which is unchangeable and sovereign over all creation. and a search was conducted
The phrase "and a search was conducted" indicates a thorough investigation into the historical records. The Hebrew word for "search" (בַּקָּרָה, baqqarah) suggests a diligent inquiry or examination. This reflects the meticulous nature of Persian administration, known for its detailed record-keeping. Spiritually, it underscores the importance of seeking truth and understanding, akin to the Bereans in Acts 17:11 who examined the Scriptures daily. and it was discovered
The phrase "and it was discovered" signifies the uncovering of historical facts. The Hebrew root (מְהַשְּׁכָה, mehashkah) implies revelation or bringing to light. This discovery was pivotal in shaping the king's decision regarding Jerusalem. It serves as a reminder that truth, once revealed, can have profound implications. In a spiritual context, it echoes the biblical theme of God revealing hidden truths to His people. that this city has a long history of revolt against kings
The phrase "that this city has a long history of revolt against kings" highlights Jerusalem's turbulent past. The Hebrew word for "revolt" (מְרִי, meri) denotes rebellion or insubordination. Historically, Jerusalem had indeed been a center of resistance against foreign rule, as seen in its defiance against Babylonian and Assyrian powers. This serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of rebellion against rightful authority, both earthly and divine. and has been a place of rebellion and sedition
The phrase "and has been a place of rebellion and sedition" further emphasizes the city's reputation for insurrection. The Hebrew term for "rebellion" (מַרְדוּת, mardut) and "sedition" (סְדִינָה, sedinah) convey notions of uprising and conspiracy. This historical context paints a picture of a city often at odds with ruling powers. Spiritually, it serves as a warning against the dangers of spiritual rebellion and the importance of aligning oneself with God's will. Persons / Places / Events 1. King ArtaxerxesThe Persian king who issued the decree to halt the rebuilding of Jerusalem. His decision was influenced by the letters from the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin. 2. JerusalemThe city at the center of the conflict. It had a history of rebellion against foreign rulers, which was used as a reason to stop its reconstruction. 3. Adversaries of Judah and BenjaminThese were the people who opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple. They wrote to King Artaxerxes to persuade him to stop the work. 4. Rebuilding of the TempleThe event that was halted due to the decree. The temple's reconstruction was crucial for the Jewish people as it represented their religious and cultural identity. 5. Search and DiscoveryThe process initiated by King Artaxerxes to verify the claims made by the adversaries. The search confirmed the city's history of rebellion. Teaching Points Understanding OppositionRecognize that opposition to God's work is not new. Just as the Jews faced resistance, believers today may encounter challenges when pursuing God's purposes. The Power of InfluenceThe adversaries' influence on King Artaxerxes shows how persuasive words can impact decisions. Believers should be mindful of the influence they wield and the voices they heed. God's SovereigntyDespite the halt in construction, God's plan for Jerusalem was not thwarted. Trust in God's sovereignty even when circumstances seem unfavorable. Historical AwarenessUnderstanding the past can provide insight into present challenges. The history of Jerusalem's rebellion was used against it, reminding us to be aware of how history can shape current perceptions. Perseverance in FaithThe eventual completion of the temple teaches perseverance. Believers should remain steadfast in faith, knowing that God's purposes will ultimately prevail. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the opposition faced by the Jews in Ezra 4:19 compare to challenges faced by Christians today in fulfilling God's work? 2. In what ways can the influence of others impact our decisions, and how can we ensure that our choices align with God's will? 3. How does understanding the historical context of Jerusalem's rebellion help us interpret the events in Ezra 4:19? 4. What can we learn from the eventual success of the temple's reconstruction about perseverance and faith in God's promises? 5. How can we apply the lesson of God's sovereignty in Ezra 4:19 to situations in our own lives where we face opposition or setbacks? Connections to Other Scriptures Nehemiah 2Nehemiah's later efforts to rebuild Jerusalem, showing the continuation of God's plan despite opposition. Daniel 6The theme of opposition to God's people and the use of decrees by foreign rulers, similar to the decree issued by Artaxerxes. 2 Kings 24-25The historical context of Jerusalem's rebellion against Babylonian kings, which is part of the history referenced in Ezra 4:19. 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 Authority, Commanded, Decree, Decreed, Discovered, History, Insurrection, Issued, Itself, Kings, Lifting, Order, Orders, Outbursts, Past, Perpetrated, Raised, Rebellion, Revolt, Risen, Search, Sedition, Sought, Therein, Town, TroubleDictionary of Bible Themes Ezra 4:6-23 7560 Samaritans, the 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 4:19 NIVEzra 4:19 NLTEzra 4:19 ESVEzra 4:19 NASBEzra 4:19 KJV
Ezra 4:19 Commentaries
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