(This is the text of the letter they sent to him.) To King Artaxerxes, From your servants, the men west of the Euphrates: This is the text of the letter they sent to himThe phrase introduces the content of a formal communication. In the ancient Near Eastern context, letters were a primary means of official communication. The Hebrew word for "letter" (סֵפֶר, sefer) can also mean "book" or "scroll," indicating the importance and formality of the document. This introduction sets the stage for understanding the political and social dynamics at play, as the letter is a strategic move by adversaries of the Jewish people to halt the rebuilding of Jerusalem. To King Artaxerxes
Artaxerxes I was a Persian king who reigned from 465 to 424 BC. His name in Persian means "whose reign is through truth," reflecting the Persian emphasis on justice and order. The mention of Artaxerxes situates the narrative within the broader context of the Persian Empire, which was known for its administrative efficiency and tolerance of different cultures, yet also for its control over its vast territories. This highlights the political tension between the local authorities and the Jewish exiles returning to rebuild their homeland. From your servants
The term "servants" (עֲבָדִים, avadim) is used here to denote subordinates or subjects of the king. It reflects a posture of humility and submission, which was customary in addressing a monarch. This phrase underscores the hierarchical nature of the Persian Empire, where local governors and officials were expected to demonstrate loyalty to the king. It also reveals the strategic approach of the letter writers, who aim to align themselves with the king's interests. the men of Trans-Euphrates
"Trans-Euphrates" (עֵבֶר נַהֲרָה, Ever Naharah) refers to the region west of the Euphrates River, encompassing parts of modern-day Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Jordan. This geographical designation indicates the administrative district under Persian control. The men of this region were likely a coalition of local leaders and officials who felt threatened by the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem. Their opposition is rooted in historical animosities and political concerns about the re-establishment of a strong Jewish presence in the area. This phrase highlights the complex interplay of regional politics and the challenges faced by the Jewish community in re-establishing their identity and religious practices. Persons / Places / Events 1. King ArtaxerxesThe Persian king to whom the letter is addressed. He ruled over a vast empire, including the region of Judea. 2. Trans-EuphratesA region west of the Euphrates River, which included the land of Judah. It was under Persian control during this time. 3. The Men of Trans-EuphratesThese were local officials and adversaries of the Jews who opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple. 4. The LetterA formal complaint sent to King Artaxerxes to halt the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem. 5. The EventThe opposition to the rebuilding of Jerusalem, which was a significant challenge faced by the returning exiles. Teaching Points Opposition to God's WorkExpect resistance when pursuing God's plans. Just as the Jews faced opposition, believers today may encounter challenges when following God's will. The Power of Prayer and PerseveranceDespite opposition, the Jews continued their work. Believers are encouraged to persevere in prayer and action, trusting God to overcome obstacles. The Role of LeadershipLeadership is crucial in navigating opposition. Just as leaders like Zerubbabel and Nehemiah guided the people, strong spiritual leadership is vital in the church today. The Importance of CommunityThe collective effort of the Jewish community was essential in facing opposition. Similarly, the church community should unite in purpose and support. Trust in God's SovereigntyGod's plans cannot be thwarted by human opposition. Trusting in His sovereignty provides peace and assurance in the face of adversity. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the opposition faced by the Jews in Ezra 4:11 compare to challenges you face in your spiritual journey? 2. In what ways can you support your church community when it faces opposition or challenges? 3. How can the examples of leadership in Ezra and Nehemiah inspire you to take initiative in your own areas of influence? 4. Reflect on a time when you experienced resistance in doing God's work. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? 5. How can you apply the principle of trusting in God's sovereignty to a current situation in your life? Connections to Other Scriptures Nehemiah 2Nehemiah also faced opposition when he sought to rebuild Jerusalem's walls, showing a pattern of resistance against God's people. Daniel 6Daniel faced opposition from local officials who sought to undermine his position, similar to the opposition faced by the Jews in Ezra. Acts 4The early church faced opposition from religious leaders, paralleling the resistance to God's work seen 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 Across, Artaxerxes, Ar-ta-xerx'es, Beyond, Copy, Forth, Greeting, Letter, Province, Region, River, Servants, Trans-euphratesDictionary of Bible Themes Ezra 4:11 8343 servanthood, in society Ezra 4:6-16 5202 accusation, false Ezra 4:6-23 7560 Samaritans, the Ezra 4:11-12 7505 Jews, 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 4:11 NIVEzra 4:11 NLTEzra 4:11 ESVEzra 4:11 NASBEzra 4:11 KJV
Ezra 4:11 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
