They hired counselors against them to frustrate their plans throughout the reign of Cyrus king of Persia and down to the reign of Darius king of Persia. They hired counselors against themThe phrase "hired counselors" indicates a deliberate and strategic effort by the adversaries of the Jews to impede their progress. The Hebrew word for "hired" (שָׂכַר, sakar) implies a transactional relationship, suggesting that these counselors were professionals, possibly skilled in legal or political maneuvering. This action reflects the persistent opposition faced by the Israelites, a theme recurrent throughout their history. The adversaries' willingness to invest resources in hiring counselors underscores the intensity of their opposition and the perceived threat of the Jewish community's restoration efforts. to frustrate their plans
The word "frustrate" (בָּטַל, batal) in Hebrew conveys the idea of nullifying or thwarting. The adversaries aimed to disrupt the rebuilding efforts, which were not merely physical but also spiritual and communal. This opposition can be seen as a broader spiritual battle, where the forces against God's people seek to hinder His purposes. The plans of the Israelites were aligned with God's will, as they were rebuilding the temple, a central place for worship and covenantal relationship with God. The frustration of these plans was an attempt to delay or derail the fulfillment of God's promises to His people. throughout the reign of Cyrus king of Persia
Cyrus the Great, king of Persia, is a significant figure in biblical history. His decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple (Ezra 1:1-4) was a fulfillment of prophecy (Isaiah 44:28, 45:1). The mention of his reign sets a historical context, highlighting the initial support the Jews had from a foreign ruler, which was unprecedented. However, despite this royal decree, the opposition persisted, illustrating the tension between divine providence and human resistance. and until the reign of Darius king of Persia
The transition from Cyrus to Darius marks a period of continued struggle and perseverance for the Jewish community. Darius I, known for his administrative genius, eventually reaffirmed the decree of Cyrus, allowing the temple's construction to continue (Ezra 6:1-12). This phrase indicates a prolonged period of opposition, yet it also foreshadows eventual victory and divine intervention. The reign of Darius represents a turning point where God's purposes prevail despite prolonged adversity. Persons / Places / Events 1. Cyrus King of PersiaThe ruler who initially allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. His reign marked the beginning of the return from exile. 2. Darius King of PersiaThe king who later reaffirmed the decree of Cyrus, allowing the continuation of the temple rebuilding project. 3. CounselorsIndividuals hired by the adversaries of the Jews to obstruct and frustrate the rebuilding efforts. 4. The JewsThe returning exiles who were attempting to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. 5. JerusalemThe city where the temple was being rebuilt, central to Jewish worship and identity. Teaching Points Opposition to God's WorkExpect resistance when undertaking God's work. Just as the Jews faced opposition, believers today may encounter challenges when pursuing God's plans. Perseverance in FaithDespite opposition, the Jews continued their efforts. Believers are encouraged to persevere in faith, trusting that God will fulfill His promises. God's SovereigntyGod used both Cyrus and Darius to accomplish His purposes. This reminds us that God is sovereign over rulers and nations, and His plans cannot be thwarted. Spiritual WarfareThe hiring of counselors to frustrate the Jews' plans is a reminder of the spiritual warfare believers face. We must be vigilant and prayerful, relying on God's strength. Community SupportThe Jews worked together to rebuild the temple. In facing opposition, believers should support and encourage one another in their faith journeys. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the opposition faced by the Jews in Ezra 4:5 compare to challenges you face in your spiritual journey today? 2. In what ways can you see God's sovereignty at work in your life, similar to how He used Cyrus and Darius in the rebuilding of the temple? 3. Reflect on a time when you faced opposition in doing what you believed was God's will. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? 4. How can the example of perseverance shown by the Jews in Ezra 4:5 inspire you to remain steadfast in your faith? 5. What practical steps can you take to support others in your community who are facing spiritual opposition or challenges? Connections to Other Scriptures Nehemiah 4This chapter describes similar opposition faced by Nehemiah when rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, highlighting a pattern of resistance against God's people. Daniel 6The account of Daniel in the lion's den during the reign of Darius, showing how God can protect and vindicate His faithful servants amidst opposition. Isaiah 44:28A prophecy about Cyrus, showing God's sovereignty in using foreign rulers to accomplish His purposes for Israel. 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 Counsel, Counsellors, Counselors, Cyrus, Darius, Designs, During, Effecting, Entire, Frustrate, Hired, Hiring, Kept, Payment, Persia, Plans, Purpose, Reign, Till, VoidDictionary of Bible Themes Ezra 4:5 5337 hiring Ezra 4:1-5 7560 Samaritans, the Ezra 4:1-8 7515 anti-semitism Ezra 4:4-5 5917 plans
8787 opposition, to God Ezra 4:4-6 7240 Jerusalem, history
8728 enemies, of Israel and Judah 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 4:5 NIVEzra 4:5 NLTEzra 4:5 ESVEzra 4:5 NASBEzra 4:5 KJV
Ezra 4:5 Commentaries
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