When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were building a temple for the LORD, the God of Israel, When the enemiesThe term "enemies" here is significant, as it sets the stage for the opposition faced by the returning exiles. In Hebrew, the word used is "tsar," which can mean adversary or foe. Historically, these were the peoples who had settled in the land during the Jewish exile, including Samaritans and others who had mixed with the local population. Their opposition was not merely political but also spiritual, as they were resistant to the re-establishment of a pure worship of Yahweh. of Judah and Benjamin
These two tribes represent the Southern Kingdom, which had been taken into Babylonian captivity. The mention of Judah and Benjamin is crucial because it highlights the remnant of Israel that remained faithful to God's covenant. Historically, these tribes were the core of the Kingdom of Judah, and their return signifies the fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people. heard
The act of hearing in this context implies more than just receiving information; it suggests a reaction or response. The Hebrew word "shama" can mean to hear intelligently, often with the implication of attention and obedience. The enemies' hearing led to a proactive response to thwart the plans of the Israelites, indicating the threat they perceived in the rebuilding of the temple. that the exiles
The term "exiles" refers to those who had been taken captive to Babylon and were now returning. This return was a significant event in Jewish history, fulfilling prophecies such as those in Jeremiah 29:10. The exiles were not just returning physically but were also spiritually recommitting to their identity as God's chosen people. were building a temple
The construction of the temple was central to the Jewish faith, as it was the dwelling place of God among His people. The Hebrew word for temple, "bayith," can also mean house, emphasizing the personal and communal relationship between God and Israel. This rebuilding was a tangible sign of the restoration of worship and covenant relationship with God. for the LORD
The use of "LORD" in all caps indicates the Hebrew name Yahweh, the covenant name of God. This highlights the personal and relational aspect of God with His people. The temple was not just a religious structure but a place dedicated to Yahweh, signifying His presence and favor upon Israel. the God of Israel
This phrase reaffirms the identity of Yahweh as the God of the covenant people, Israel. It underscores the exclusivity of worship and the distinctiveness of Israel's relationship with God. In the historical context, this was a declaration of faith and identity amidst a pluralistic and often hostile environment. The rebuilding of the temple was a bold statement of allegiance to the God of their forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Persons / Places / Events 1. Enemies of Judah and BenjaminThese were the adversaries of the Jewish people who had returned from exile. They were likely the Samaritans and other local groups who opposed the rebuilding efforts. 2. Judah and BenjaminThese were the two tribes of Israel that made up the Southern Kingdom. After the Babylonian exile, the returning exiles primarily belonged to these tribes. 3. ExilesRefers to the Jewish people who had been taken captive to Babylon and were now returning to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. 4. Building a TempleThe central event in this passage is the reconstruction of the temple in Jerusalem, a significant act of worship and identity for the Jewish people. 5. The LORD, the God of IsraelThis emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and Israel, highlighting the religious significance of the temple. Teaching Points Opposition to God's WorkExpect resistance when undertaking God's work. The rebuilding of the temple faced opposition, reminding us that spiritual endeavors often encounter challenges. Identity and WorshipThe temple was central to Jewish identity and worship. Similarly, our identity in Christ should be central to our lives, influencing our actions and priorities. Community and CooperationThe exiles worked together to rebuild the temple. In the church, cooperation and unity are essential for accomplishing God's purposes. Faithfulness in AdversityDespite opposition, the exiles remained committed to their task. We are called to remain faithful to God's calling, even when facing difficulties. God's SovereigntyThe rebuilding of the temple was part of God's plan. Trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that He is in control of all circumstances. Bible Study Questions 1. What can we learn from the opposition faced by the exiles in Ezra 4:1 about the challenges we might face in our spiritual journey? 2. How does the rebuilding of the temple in Ezra relate to the concept of believers being a spiritual house in 1 Peter 2:5? 3. In what ways can we prioritize our identity in Christ in the same way the exiles prioritized the rebuilding of the temple? 4. How can we foster a spirit of cooperation and unity within our church community, similar to the exiles working together? 5. Reflect on a time when you faced opposition in doing God's work. How did you respond, and what did you learn about God's faithfulness and sovereignty? Connections to Other Scriptures Nehemiah 4This chapter also deals with opposition to rebuilding efforts, showing a pattern of resistance faced by the Israelites. 2 Kings 17Provides background on the Samaritans and their mixed worship practices, which helps explain their opposition. Haggai 1Encourages the rebuilding of the temple, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing God's house. 1 Peter 2:5Describes believers as a spiritual house, drawing a parallel to the physical temple and the spiritual community of faith. 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 Adversaries, Benjamin, Builded, Building, Captivity, Enemies, Exile, Exiles, Haters, Judah, News, Returned, Sons, TempleDictionary of Bible Themes Ezra 4:1-3 6213 participation, in sin
7468 temple, rebuilding
7525 exclusiveness Ezra 4:1-5 7560 Samaritans, the Ezra 4:1-8 7515 anti-semitism 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 4:1 NIVEzra 4:1 NLTEzra 4:1 ESVEzra 4:1 NASBEzra 4:1 KJV
Ezra 4:1 Commentaries
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