See that you do not neglect this matter. Why allow this threat to increase and the royal interests to suffer? See that you do not neglect this matterThis phrase is a direct command, emphasizing the urgency and importance of the task at hand. The Hebrew root for "neglect" is "שָׁלַח" (shalach), which can also mean to let go or to dismiss. In the context of Ezra, this is a stern warning against complacency. Historically, the rebuilding of Jerusalem was a politically sensitive issue, and any neglect could lead to significant setbacks. The phrase underscores the necessity of vigilance and diligence in fulfilling God's purposes, reminding believers of the importance of being proactive in their spiritual and communal responsibilities. Why allow this threat to increase
The "threat" refers to the potential resurgence of Jerusalem as a fortified city, which neighboring regions perceived as a danger to their own power and influence. The Hebrew word for "threat" is "סַכָּנָה" (sakanah), indicating a peril or danger. This reflects the historical tension between the returning exiles and the surrounding peoples. From a spiritual perspective, it serves as a metaphor for the threats that can arise when God's work is opposed or hindered. It calls believers to be aware of the spiritual battles they face and to take decisive action to prevent any escalation of opposition. and the royal interests to suffer?
The "royal interests" pertain to the Persian Empire's control and taxation of its territories. The Hebrew term for "interests" is "מַלְכוּת" (malkuth), which can also mean kingdom or dominion. This highlights the political and economic stakes involved in the rebuilding of Jerusalem. For the Persian king, any unrest or rebellion could lead to a loss of revenue and authority. In a broader spiritual sense, this phrase can be seen as a reminder of the importance of aligning one's actions with the interests of God's kingdom. It encourages believers to consider how their actions impact the broader mission of advancing God's rule and reign on earth. Persons / Places / Events 1. EzraA scribe and priest who led the second group of exiles back to Jerusalem. He was instrumental in the spiritual and religious restoration of the Jewish people. 2. ArtaxerxesThe Persian king during the time of Ezra. He issued decrees that affected the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple. 3. Opponents of the JewsLocal adversaries who opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple, fearing the loss of their influence and power. 4. JerusalemThe city central to Jewish identity and worship, which was in the process of being rebuilt after the Babylonian exile. 5. Royal InterestsRefers to the interests of the Persian Empire, which could be threatened by the resurgence of a strong Jerusalem. Teaching Points Vigilance in FaithJust as the Jews were instructed not to neglect the matter at hand, Christians are called to be vigilant in their faith and not allow spiritual threats to grow. Discernment in LeadershipLeaders must discern threats to their mission and take proactive steps to protect their community and interests. The Cost of NeglectNeglecting spiritual duties can lead to increased threats and suffering, emphasizing the importance of diligence in our walk with God. Opposition as a Test of FaithOpposition can serve as a test of faith and commitment, encouraging believers to rely on God's strength and wisdom. Balancing Earthly and Divine InterestsWhile earthly authorities have their interests, believers must prioritize God's kingdom and seek His guidance in balancing these interests. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the opposition faced by the Jews in Ezra 4:22 compare to the challenges faced by Christians today? 2. In what ways can we apply the principle of vigilance from Ezra 4:22 to our personal spiritual lives? 3. How can leaders in the church discern and address threats to their community's spiritual well-being? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we do not neglect our spiritual responsibilities? 5. How can we balance the demands of earthly authorities with our commitment to God's kingdom, as seen in the context of Ezra 4:22? Connections to Other Scriptures Nehemiah 4This chapter describes similar opposition faced by Nehemiah when rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, highlighting the persistent challenges from adversaries. Daniel 6Daniel faced opposition from those who sought to undermine his position, similar to the opposition faced by the Jews in Ezra. 1 Peter 5:8This verse warns believers to be vigilant against the adversary, drawing a parallel to the vigilance required in Ezra 4:22. 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 Beware, Care, Carrying, Damage, Detriment, Fail, Grow, Harm, Heed, Herein, Hurt, Increase, Increased, Interests, Kings, King's, Loss, Matter, Neglect, Negligence, Negligent, Royal, Slack, Threat, 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 4:22 NIVEzra 4:22 NLTEzra 4:22 ESVEzra 4:22 NASBEzra 4:22 KJV
Ezra 4:22 Commentaries
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