We advise the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are restored, you will have no dominion west of the Euphrates. We advise the kingThis phrase indicates a formal communication to the king, reflecting the political dynamics of the time. The advisors are likely local officials or governors who have vested interests in maintaining their power and influence. Historically, this reflects the tension between the returning Jewish exiles and the established local authorities. The Hebrew root for "advise" (יְוֹעֲצִים, yo'atzim) implies counsel or consultation, suggesting a strategic move to influence the king's decision. that if this city is rebuilt
The "city" refers to Jerusalem, the spiritual and political center for the Jewish people. The rebuilding of Jerusalem was a significant event, symbolizing the restoration of the Jewish nation and their covenant relationship with God. The Hebrew word for "rebuilt" (תִּבָּנֶה, tibaneh) conveys the idea of restoration and renewal, which is a recurring theme in the prophetic literature, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises. and its walls are restored
Walls in ancient times were crucial for a city's defense and autonomy. The restoration of Jerusalem's walls would signify not only physical security but also the re-establishment of the city's identity and independence. The Hebrew root for "restored" (תִּשְׁתַּכְּמוּ, tishtakmu) suggests a return to a former state of completeness and strength, highlighting the importance of protection and sovereignty for the Jewish community. you will have no dominion
This phrase underscores the political implications of Jerusalem's restoration. The local officials warn the king that a rebuilt Jerusalem could challenge his authority. The Hebrew word for "dominion" (חֵלֶק, chelek) can also mean portion or territory, indicating a loss of control or influence over the region. This reflects the broader geopolitical concerns of the Persian Empire in maintaining stability and control over its vast territories. west of the Euphrates
The Euphrates River was a significant geographical marker in the ancient Near East, often representing the boundary of empires. The phrase "west of the Euphrates" situates the narrative within the broader context of Persian imperial administration. This area, known as "Beyond the River" (עֵבֶר הַנָּהָר, Ever HaNahar), was a critical region for trade and military strategy. The mention of this boundary highlights the strategic importance of Jerusalem and the potential threat its restoration posed to Persian interests. Persons / Places / Events 1. King ArtaxerxesThe Persian king to whom the letter is addressed, expressing concern over the rebuilding of Jerusalem. 2. JerusalemThe city whose reconstruction is being opposed by local adversaries. 3. Adversaries of Judah and BenjaminThese are the people who wrote to King Artaxerxes to halt the rebuilding efforts. 4. Euphrates RiverA geographical marker indicating the extent of the Persian Empire's control. 5. Rebuilding of JerusalemThe central event being opposed, which involves the restoration of the city and its walls. Teaching Points Opposition to God's WorkExpect resistance when undertaking God's work. The adversaries of Judah and Benjamin sought to stop the rebuilding of Jerusalem, a pattern seen throughout Scripture. Faithfulness in AdversityDespite opposition, remain faithful to God's calling. The Jews' determination to rebuild despite the letter to the king is a testament to their commitment. God's SovereigntyTrust in God's ultimate control over earthly powers. Though the adversaries sought to influence King Artaxerxes, God's plans for Jerusalem were not thwarted. Community and SupportThe importance of community in facing opposition. The Jews worked together to rebuild, highlighting the strength found in unity. Prayer and PerseveranceEngage in prayer and perseverance when facing challenges. The Jews' persistence in rebuilding despite opposition is a model for enduring faith. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the opposition faced by the Jews in Ezra 4:16 compare to the challenges faced by believers today in fulfilling God's work? 2. In what ways can we remain faithful to God's calling when we encounter resistance or discouragement? 3. How does understanding God's sovereignty help us navigate opposition from worldly powers? 4. What role does community play in overcoming obstacles in our spiritual journey, as seen in the rebuilding efforts in Ezra? 5. How can we apply the principles of prayer and perseverance from this passage to our own lives when facing trials? Connections to Other Scriptures Nehemiah 2Nehemiah also faces opposition when he seeks to rebuild Jerusalem's walls, showing a recurring theme of resistance against God's people. Daniel 6Daniel experiences opposition from those who seek to undermine his faithfulness to God, similar to the opposition faced by the Jews in Ezra. Isaiah 54:17This verse speaks of no weapon formed against God's people prospering, offering hope amidst opposition. Acts 4The early church faces opposition from religious leaders, paralleling the resistance faced by the Jews in rebuilding efforts. 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, Announce, Beyond, Builded, Building, Built, Certify, Complete, Completed, Finished, Hast, Inform, Making, None, Nothing, Portion, Possession, Power, Province, Rebuilt, Restored, Result, River, Thereof, Town, Trans-euphrates, Walls, WiltDictionary of Bible Themes Ezra 4:6-16 5202 accusation, false Ezra 4:6-23 7560 Samaritans, the Ezra 4:15-16 8800 prejudice 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 4:16 NIVEzra 4:16 NLTEzra 4:16 ESVEzra 4:16 NASBEzra 4:16 KJV
Ezra 4:16 Commentaries
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