And in the days of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of his associates wrote a letter to Artaxerxes. It was written in Aramaic and then translated. And in the days of ArtaxerxesThe mention of "Artaxerxes" situates this verse in a specific historical context. Artaxerxes I was a Persian king who reigned from 465 to 424 BC. His reign is significant in the biblical narrative as it marks a period of opposition to the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem. The name "Artaxerxes" itself is of Persian origin, meaning "righteous ruler," which is somewhat ironic given the opposition faced by the Israelites during his reign. This phrase sets the stage for understanding the political and social challenges that the Jewish people faced during this time. Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel
These names represent individuals who were likely local officials or leaders in the Persian Empire. "Bishlam" could be derived from a root meaning "peace" or "welfare," suggesting a possible role as a mediator or someone concerned with the welfare of the region. "Mithredath" is a name of Persian origin, meaning "given by Mithra," a deity in the Zoroastrian religion, indicating the cultural and religious diversity of the Persian Empire. "Tabeel" might be a name of Aramaic origin, meaning "God is good," which could reflect a syncretism of religious beliefs. These individuals were part of the opposition to the rebuilding of Jerusalem, highlighting the complex interplay of politics and religion. and the rest of his associates
This phrase indicates that there were more individuals involved in the opposition than just those named. It suggests a coalition of local leaders who were united in their efforts to hinder the progress of the Jewish people. The use of "associates" implies a network of influence and power, which would have been formidable for the returning exiles to contend with. This opposition serves as a reminder of the persistent challenges faced by God's people throughout history. wrote a letter to Artaxerxes
The act of writing a letter to the king underscores the formal and serious nature of the opposition. In the ancient Near East, written communication was a powerful tool for influencing political decisions. This letter was likely crafted to persuade Artaxerxes to halt the rebuilding efforts, reflecting the strategic and calculated approach of the opposition. It also highlights the importance of written records in the administration of the vast Persian Empire. The letter was written in Aramaic
Aramaic was the lingua franca of the Persian Empire, used for official communication across diverse regions. The use of Aramaic indicates the formal and official nature of the correspondence. It also reflects the cultural and linguistic diversity of the empire, as well as the adaptability of the Jewish people who had to navigate these complexities. The choice of language underscores the seriousness of the opposition's intent to communicate effectively with the Persian administration. and then translated
The translation of the letter suggests that it was intended for a broader audience, possibly including those who did not speak Aramaic. This could imply that the opposition wanted to ensure that their message was clearly understood by all relevant parties, including the king and his court. The act of translation also highlights the importance of clear communication in matters of state and the lengths to which the opposition went to achieve their goals. This serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the Jewish people in maintaining their identity and mission amidst external pressures. Persons / Places / Events 1. ArtaxerxesThe king of Persia during this period, likely Artaxerxes I, who reigned from 465-424 BC. His reign was marked by various administrative reforms and interactions with the Jewish people returning from exile. 2. Bishlam, Mithredath, TabeelThese individuals were officials or leaders who opposed the rebuilding efforts of the Jews in Jerusalem. Their names suggest they were likely of Persian or Babylonian origin, involved in the administration of the region. 3. The LetterA formal complaint written to King Artaxerxes, expressing opposition to the rebuilding of Jerusalem. This letter was initially composed in Aramaic, the diplomatic language of the Persian Empire, and then translated. 4. Aramaic LanguageThe language used for the letter, indicating the official and formal nature of the communication. Aramaic was widely used in the Persian Empire for administrative purposes. 5. The Opposition to RebuildingThis event highlights the ongoing resistance faced by the Jewish people as they attempted to rebuild their city and temple after returning from Babylonian exile. Teaching Points Understanding OppositionJust as the Jews faced opposition in rebuilding, Christians today may face resistance when pursuing God's work. Recognize that opposition can be a part of fulfilling God's purposes. The Power of Prayer and PerseveranceDespite opposition, the Jewish people continued their efforts. Christians are encouraged to persevere in prayer and action, trusting in God's timing and provision. The Importance of Language and CommunicationThe use of Aramaic for official communication underscores the importance of clear and effective communication in advancing God's work. Christians should strive for clarity and integrity in their interactions. God's Sovereignty in Political AffairsThe involvement of Persian kings in the affairs of the Jewish people reminds us that God is sovereign over political leaders and events. Trust in God's ultimate control over world affairs. Community and LeadershipThe opposition was addressed by a community of leaders. This highlights the importance of godly leadership and community support in overcoming challenges. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the opposition faced by the Jews in Ezra 4:7 compare to challenges faced by Christians today in fulfilling God's work? 2. In what ways can we apply the perseverance shown by the Jewish people in the face of opposition to our own lives? 3. How does understanding the historical and cultural context of the Persian Empire enhance our interpretation of Ezra 4:7? 4. What role does effective communication play in advancing God's kingdom, and how can we improve our communication skills in ministry? 5. How can we trust in God's sovereignty when facing political or societal challenges that seem to hinder our faith or mission? Connections to Other Scriptures Nehemiah 2Nehemiah also faced opposition when he sought to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. This connection shows a pattern of resistance against the restoration efforts of the Jewish people. Daniel 6The use of Aramaic in official documents is also seen in the book of Daniel, where parts of the text are written in Aramaic, reflecting the language of the Babylonian and Persian courts. Esther 3The account of Haman's plot against the Jews during the reign of another Persian king, Xerxes, shows the recurring theme of opposition and deliverance for the Jewish people. 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 Aramaean, Aramaic, Artaxerxes, Ar-ta-xerx'es, Associates, Bishlam, Character, Colleagues, Companions, Forth, Friends, Interpreted, Language, Letter, Mithredath, Mith'redath, Persia, Rest, Script, Syrian, Tabeel, Tab'eel, Text, Tongue, Translated, Writing, Written, WroteDictionary of Bible Themes Ezra 4:7 5374 languages
5391 letters Ezra 4:1-8 7515 anti-semitism Ezra 4:6-16 5202 accusation, false 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 4:7 NIVEzra 4:7 NLTEzra 4:7 ESVEzra 4:7 NASBEzra 4:7 KJV
Ezra 4:7 Commentaries
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