Lexical Summary edra: Flock, Herd Original Word: אֶדְרָע Strong's Exhaustive Concordance force (Aramaic) an orthographical variation for dra'; an arm, i.e. (figuratively) power -- force. see HEBREW dra' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) from the same as dera Definition a force NASB Translation force (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs אֶדְרַע (K§ 60, l)) noun [feminine] force (properly arm, ᵑ7 (rare); Biblical Hebrew אֶזְרוֺעַ); — absolute וְחָ֑יִל ׳בְּא Ezra 4:23 by force and power, forcibly. Topical Lexicon Overview אֶדְרָע (ʼedrāʿ) appears once in Scripture, Ezra 4:23, where it is rendered “force” in the Berean Standard Bible. The word portrays the physical power and coercive strength exerted by hostile authorities to halt the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple. Although a rare term, its single setting is laden with historical and theological weight, illustrating the perennial clash between the “arm of flesh” and the work of God among His covenant people. Biblical Occurrence Ezra 4:23: “As soon as the copy of King Artaxerxes’ letter was read before Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their associates, they went immediately to the Jews in Jerusalem and stopped them by force.” Here אֶדְרָע describes the intimidation and armed pressure applied by Persian officials and local adversaries. The temple project that had begun with divine sanction and prophetic encouragement (Ezra 1:1–4; Haggai 1:1) is suspended, not by superior argument but by raw muscle and political clout. Historical Setting 1. Persian imperial policy often allowed subject peoples religious liberty, yet regional officials could exploit royal edicts for personal or ethnic agendas. Theological Themes Power of the “arm of flesh” versus the “arm of the LORD” אֶדְרָע represents the best that worldly might can offer—momentary supremacy—yet it is repeatedly overruled by the sovereign purpose of God. Divine Delay and Purification The forced stoppage exposed the hearts of the returnees. Would their zeal fade without progress? Haggai later rebuked misplaced priorities (Haggai 1:2–4). God used the interval to refine motives, proving that His work thrives not merely on external permission but on inward devotion. Providence over Political Decrees Ezra 6:14 records that the elders “built and prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah.” A later Persian decree not only reversed the opposition but funded the work. אֶדְרָע, therefore, underscores Proverbs 21:1: “The king’s heart is a watercourse in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.” Lessons for Ministry Today 1. Opposition often manifests through institutional muscle. Expect resistance when advancing God’s agenda. Connections to New Testament Teaching • The apostles faced similar coercion (Acts 4:17–18; Acts 5:40). Their response—prayer, bold proclamation, and reliance on the Spirit—mirrors the post-exilic prophets. Related Concepts Arm of flesh (זְרוֹעַ בָּשָׂר) – dependence on human strength. Might (כֹּחַ) and power (גְּבוּרָה) – contrasted with the Spirit’s work. Persecution – external pressure intended to silence faithfulness. Summary אֶדְרָע encapsulates the brute force that briefly silenced temple construction, yet its solitary appearance testifies to the limited scope of human opposition. God’s purposes moved forward through prophetic exhortation, royal reversal, and the steadfastness of His people—offering enduring encouragement for every generation facing the intimidating power of the “arm of flesh.” Forms and Transliterations בְּאֶדְרָ֥ע באדרע bə’eḏrā‘ bə·’eḏ·rā‘ beedRaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 4:23 HEB: וּבַטִּ֥לוּ הִמּ֖וֹ בְּאֶדְרָ֥ע וְחָֽיִל׃ ס NAS: and stopped them by force of arms. KJV: to cease by force and power. INT: and stopped them force of arms 1 Occurrence |
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