From Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their associates--the judges and officials over Tripolis, Persia, Erech and Babylon, the Elamites of Susa, From Rehum the commanderRehum, whose name means "compassionate" in Hebrew, is identified as a commander, indicating a position of authority and influence. In the context of Ezra, Rehum represents the opposition to the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. His role as a commander suggests a military or administrative leadership, which aligns with the historical context of Persian governance, where local leaders were often appointed to maintain order and report to the central authority. Shimshai the scribe
Shimshai, meaning "sunny" or "bright" in Hebrew, serves as a scribe, a position of significant importance in ancient times. Scribes were responsible for recording official documents and correspondence. In the context of Ezra, Shimshai's role as a scribe highlights the bureaucratic nature of the opposition, as written records and petitions were crucial in influencing the Persian king's decisions. and the rest of their associates
This phrase indicates a collective effort against the rebuilding of the temple. The term "associates" suggests a coalition of various groups with a common goal. Historically, this reflects the diverse population of the Persian Empire, where different ethnic and political groups often had competing interests. the judges and officials
Judges and officials were key figures in the administration of justice and governance. Their mention here underscores the formal and organized nature of the opposition. In the Persian Empire, such roles were vital for maintaining the rule of law and order, and their involvement indicates that the opposition was not merely a local disturbance but had official backing. over Tripolis, Persia, Erech, Babylon, Susa (that is, the Elamites)
This list of locations represents a broad geographical area within the Persian Empire, highlighting the widespread nature of the opposition. Each place has its historical significance: Tripolis
Although not much is known about this specific reference, it may indicate a region with multiple cities or a coalition of city-states. Persia
The heart of the empire, representing the central authority and power. Erech
An ancient city in Mesopotamia, known for its historical and cultural significance. Babylon
A major city and former empire, symbolizing power and influence. Susa
The administrative capital of the Persian Empire, indicating the involvement of high-level officials. Elamites
Referring to the people of Elam, an ancient civilization known for its distinct culture and history. The mention of these locations and peoples illustrates the complexity and diversity of the Persian Empire, as well as the widespread nature of the opposition to the Jewish efforts to rebuild the temple. This opposition was not just a local issue but involved various groups with vested interests in maintaining the status quo. Persons / Places / Events 1. Rehum the CommanderA leader among the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin, who opposed the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. 2. Shimshai the ScribeAn official who played a role in drafting the letter of opposition against the Jews' efforts to rebuild the temple. 3. Tripolis, Persia, Erech, Babylon, SusaRegions and cities representing the diverse origins of the people opposing the rebuilding efforts. These areas were part of the Persian Empire, indicating the widespread nature of the opposition. 4. The ElamitesA group of people from the region of Elam, which was part of the Persian Empire. Their mention highlights the ethnic diversity of the opposition. 5. The Adversaries' LetterThe event of writing a letter to King Artaxerxes to halt the rebuilding of Jerusalem's temple, showcasing the organized resistance against the Jewish people. Teaching Points Understanding OppositionRecognize that opposition to God's work is a recurring theme in Scripture. Believers should expect and prepare for resistance when pursuing God's purposes. Diverse OppositionThe opposition came from a variety of regions and peoples, illustrating that challenges can arise from multiple sources. Christians should be vigilant and discerning in identifying and addressing these challenges. Faithfulness in AdversityDespite opposition, the Jews continued their efforts to rebuild. This teaches us the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in fulfilling God's calling. The Power of UnityThe adversaries were united in their opposition, which serves as a reminder of the strength found in unity. Believers should strive for unity in their communities to effectively advance God's kingdom. Prayer and Dependence on GodIn the face of opposition, turning to God in prayer and relying on His strength is crucial. This dependence is a key aspect of overcoming challenges in our spiritual journey. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the opposition faced by the Jews in Ezra 4:9 compare to the challenges faced by believers today? 2. What can we learn from the diverse origins of the opposition in Ezra 4:9 about the nature of challenges we might face in our spiritual walk? 3. How does the response of the Jews in Ezra 4 inform our approach to handling resistance in our own lives? 4. In what ways can we foster unity within our church or community to better withstand external opposition? 5. Reflect on a time when you faced opposition in your faith journey. How did prayer and reliance on God help you navigate that situation? Connections to Other Scriptures Nehemiah 4This chapter describes similar opposition faced by Nehemiah when rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, showing a pattern of resistance against God's people. Daniel 6The account of Daniel in the lion's den, where officials conspired against him, parallels the opposition faced by the Jews in Ezra, highlighting the theme of faithfulness amidst adversity. Acts 4The early church faced opposition from religious leaders, similar to the resistance in Ezra, emphasizing the continuity of opposition against God's work throughout history. 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 Apharesattechites, Apharesites, Apharsathchites, Apharsites, Archevites, Associates, Babylon, Babylonians, Chancellor, Chief, Colleagues, Commander, Commanding, Companions, Counsellor, Dehaites, Dehavites, Dehites, Dianites, Dinaites, Dinites, Elamites, Erech, Friends, Governors, Judges, Lesser, Letter, Officer, Officials, Persia, Persians, Rehum, Rest, Ruler, Scribe, Secretaries, Secretary, Shimshai, Shim'shai, Shushanchites, Susa, Susanchites, Tarpelites, Tripolis, WroteDictionary of Bible Themes Ezra 4:9 5358 judges Ezra 4:6-16 5202 accusation, false Ezra 4:6-23 7560 Samaritans, the Ezra 4:8-9 5519 secretary 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 4:9 NIVEzra 4:9 NLTEzra 4:9 ESVEzra 4:9 NASBEzra 4:9 KJV
Ezra 4:9 Commentaries
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