The term "Adversaries of Judah and Benjamin" refers to the groups and individuals who opposed the efforts of the Jewish exiles returning from Babylon to rebuild the temple and reestablish their community in Jerusalem and the surrounding regions. This opposition is prominently recorded in the Book of Ezra, which details the challenges faced by the returning exiles during the early Second Temple period.

Historical Context

Following the decree of Cyrus the Great, king of Persia, in 538 BC, the Jewish exiles were allowed to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple (Ezra 1:1-4). The initial group of returnees, led by Zerubbabel and Jeshua, began the work of reconstruction. However, they soon encountered resistance from the local inhabitants, who are collectively referred to as the "adversaries of Judah and Benjamin."

Identity of the Adversaries

The adversaries were primarily the peoples who had settled in the region during the Jewish exile. These included the Samaritans, a mixed population of Israelites and foreigners brought in by the Assyrians after the fall of the Northern Kingdom in 722 BC. The Samaritans and other local groups had established themselves in the land and were wary of the returning exiles' intentions and the potential shift in power dynamics.

Opposition Tactics

The adversaries employed various tactics to hinder the rebuilding efforts. Initially, they approached Zerubbabel and the heads of the families, offering to assist in the construction of the temple, claiming, "Let us build with you, for like you, we seek your God and have been sacrificing to Him since the time of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us here" (Ezra 4:2). However, their offer was rejected, as the Jewish leaders wanted to maintain the purity of their worship and community.

Following this rejection, the adversaries resorted to more direct forms of opposition. They "set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to build" (Ezra 4:4). They hired counselors to work against the Jews and frustrate their plans throughout the reign of Cyrus and into the reign of Darius.

Political Maneuvering

The adversaries also engaged in political maneuvering, writing accusations against the Jews to the Persian kings. During the reign of Ahasuerus (Xerxes I), they lodged a formal complaint, and later, during the reign of Artaxerxes, they sent a letter accusing the Jews of rebellion and insurrection (Ezra 4:6-16). This resulted in a royal decree to halt the construction, which remained in effect until the second year of Darius's reign.

Resumption of Work

The work on the temple resumed under the prophetic encouragement of Haggai and Zechariah, and the support of Darius, who issued a decree allowing the construction to continue (Ezra 6:1-12). Despite the adversaries' efforts, the temple was completed in 516 BC, marking a significant milestone in the restoration of Jewish worship and community life.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin represent the broader theme of opposition to God's purposes and the perseverance of His people. The narrative underscores the importance of faithfulness, reliance on divine guidance, and the fulfillment of God's promises despite external challenges. The rebuilding of the temple serves as a testament to God's sovereignty and the resilience of His covenant people in the face of adversity.