Rehum the commander and Shimshai the scribe wrote the letter against Jerusalem to King Artaxerxes as follows: Rehum the commanderRehum, identified as the commander, plays a significant role in the opposition against the rebuilding of Jerusalem. The name "Rehum" is of Hebrew origin, meaning "compassionate" or "merciful," which is somewhat ironic given his opposition to the Israelites' efforts. Historically, commanders like Rehum were often appointed by the ruling empire, in this case, the Persian Empire, to maintain order and oversee local governance. His position indicates a level of authority and influence, suggesting that the opposition to the rebuilding was not merely local but had the backing of the imperial administration. and Shimshai the scribe
Shimshai, the scribe, is another key figure in this narrative. The role of a scribe in ancient times was crucial, as they were responsible for recording official documents and correspondence. The name "Shimshai" is of uncertain origin, but scribes were typically well-educated and literate, often serving as advisors or bureaucrats. In the context of Ezra 4, Shimshai's involvement underscores the formal and organized nature of the opposition, as it involved official documentation and communication with the Persian authorities. wrote a letter
The act of writing a letter in this context is significant. It indicates a formal complaint or report being made to higher authorities. In the ancient Near East, letters were a primary means of communication between distant regions and the central government. This letter was likely written on a clay tablet or papyrus, materials commonly used at the time. The content of the letter, as revealed in subsequent verses, was intended to halt the progress of the rebuilding efforts, showing the strategic and bureaucratic approach taken by the opposition. against Jerusalem
The phrase "against Jerusalem" highlights the target of the opposition's efforts. Jerusalem, the spiritual and political center of the Jewish people, was in the process of being rebuilt after the Babylonian exile. The city's restoration was not only a physical reconstruction but also a symbol of the renewal of the Jewish faith and community. The opposition to this rebuilding was rooted in historical animosities and political concerns, as a restored Jerusalem could potentially challenge the status quo and the control of the surrounding regions. to Artaxerxes the king
Artaxerxes, the king mentioned here, refers to Artaxerxes I of Persia, who reigned from 465 to 424 BC. His reign was marked by various administrative reforms and efforts to maintain control over the vast Persian Empire. The mention of Artaxerxes underscores the political dimension of the opposition, as the letter was addressed to the highest authority in the land. This appeal to the king reflects the seriousness with which the opposition viewed the rebuilding efforts and their desire to leverage imperial power to achieve their goals. in the following terms
This phrase introduces the content of the letter, setting the stage for the detailed accusations and arguments that follow. It suggests a formal and structured presentation, typical of official correspondence in the ancient world. The phrase also indicates that what follows is a direct quotation or summary of the letter's contents, providing insight into the strategies and rhetoric used by the opposition to persuade the king to intervene. Persons / Places / Events 1. Rehum the CommanderA high-ranking official who opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem. His role as a commander indicates a position of authority and influence. 2. Shimshai the ScribeAn official who assisted Rehum in drafting the letter. As a scribe, he was responsible for recording and communicating official documents. 3. JerusalemThe city central to Jewish identity and worship, which was in the process of being rebuilt after the Babylonian exile. 4. King ArtaxerxesThe Persian king during whose reign the opposition to the rebuilding of Jerusalem took place. His decisions impacted the progress of the Jewish returnees. 5. The LetterA formal complaint against the Jews rebuilding Jerusalem, aimed at halting their progress by appealing to the king's authority. Teaching Points Opposition to God's WorkExpect resistance when engaging in God's work. Just as Rehum and Shimshai opposed the rebuilding, believers today may face opposition when advancing God's kingdom. The Power of InfluenceRecognize the influence of leaders and officials. Rehum and Shimshai used their positions to hinder God's people, reminding us to pray for those in authority. Faithfulness in AdversityStay committed to God's calling despite challenges. The Jews' perseverance in rebuilding Jerusalem serves as an example of steadfast faith. The Role of Prayer and WisdomSeek God's guidance in dealing with opposition. The Jews' response to the letter involved seeking divine intervention and wisdom. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the opposition faced by the Jews in Ezra 4:8 compare to challenges you face in your spiritual journey? 2. In what ways can you prepare for and respond to opposition when doing God's work, as seen in the example of Rehum and Shimshai's letter? 3. How can the experiences of Nehemiah and Daniel inform your understanding of dealing with resistance from authorities? 4. What role does prayer play in overcoming obstacles in your life, and how can you apply this when facing opposition? 5. How can you support and pray for leaders and officials today, considering the influence they have on the work of God's people? Connections to Other Scriptures Nehemiah 2Nehemiah also faced opposition when rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, showing a pattern of resistance against God's people. Daniel 6Daniel faced opposition through a decree, similar to the Jews in Ezra, highlighting the theme of faithfulness amidst external pressure. Acts 4The early church faced opposition from authorities, paralleling the resistance encountered by the Jews in Ezra. 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 Artaxerxes, Ar-ta-xerx'es, Chancellor, Chief, Commander, Commanding, Counsellor, Follows, Follows-, Jerusalem, Letter, Officer, Rehum, Ruler, Scribe, Secretary, Shimshai, Shim'shai, Sort, Thus, Written, WroteDictionary of Bible Themes Ezra 4:8 5434 officer
7468 temple, rebuilding Ezra 4:1-8 7515 anti-semitism Ezra 4:6-16 5202 accusation, false Ezra 4:6-23 7560 Samaritans, the Ezra 4:8-9 5519 secretary 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 4:8 NIVEzra 4:8 NLTEzra 4:8 ESVEzra 4:8 NASBEzra 4:8 KJV
Ezra 4:8 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
