Biblical Context:

The concept of bribery against the builders is primarily drawn from the book of Ezra, which details the challenges faced by the Jewish exiles returning from Babylon to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. This period, marked by both spiritual renewal and external opposition, highlights the persistent efforts of adversaries to thwart the rebuilding process through various means, including bribery.

Scriptural Reference:

Ezra 4:4-5 provides a direct account of the opposition faced by the builders: "Then the people of the land set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to build. 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."

Historical Background:

After the decree of Cyrus the Great in 538 B.C., which allowed the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple, the returning exiles faced significant opposition from the local inhabitants, including the Samaritans. These adversaries were motivated by political, religious, and economic reasons to prevent the re-establishment of a strong Jewish presence in the region.

Nature of Bribery:

The "hired counselors" mentioned in Ezra 4:5 were likely officials or influential figures who were bribed to use their positions to create legal and bureaucratic obstacles. This form of bribery was a strategic effort to delay and ultimately halt the construction efforts by manipulating the Persian administration against the Jewish builders.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the bribery against the builders can be seen as an attempt by the forces of opposition to undermine God's plan for the restoration of His people and His temple. The adversaries' use of bribery reflects a broader spiritual battle, where human schemes are employed to resist divine purposes. This narrative underscores the theme of perseverance in the face of opposition and the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises despite human interference.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:

Bribery, as depicted in this context, is a violation of justice and righteousness, principles that are foundational to biblical ethics. The use of bribery to obstruct the work of God highlights the corrupting influence of sin and the lengths to which individuals will go to achieve their own ends. It serves as a cautionary tale about the moral decay that accompanies the pursuit of power and control through unethical means.

Relevance to Contemporary Believers:

For contemporary believers, the account of bribery against the builders serves as a reminder of the challenges that can arise when pursuing God's work. It encourages vigilance against corruption and the importance of integrity in all endeavors. Moreover, it reassures believers of God's sovereignty and His ability to overcome human opposition to accomplish His divine will.