153. edra
Lexical Summary
edra: Flock, Herd

Original Word: אֶדְרָע
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: edra`
Pronunciation: eh-drah
Phonetic Spelling: (ed-raw')
KJV: force
NASB: force
Word Origin: [(Aramaic) an orthographical variation for H187 (אוּזָל - Uzal)2]

1. an arm
2. (figuratively) power

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.
2. Artaxerxes I (likely the king in view) reigned during a volatile period (465–424 BC). Rehum and Shimshai leveraged accusations of insurrection to secure a decree against the Jews.
3. The construction halt lasted until the reign of Darius I, when God again stirred prophets and king alike (Ezra 5:1–2; Ezra 6:1–12). Thus, אֶדְרָע marks a temporary, not ultimate, victory of human opposition.

Theological Themes

Power of the “arm of flesh” versus the “arm of the LORD”
2 Chronicles 32:8 contrasts human strength with divine help: “With him is only an arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles!”
Isaiah 53:1 points to the redemptive “arm of the LORD,” foreshadowing the Messiah whose power lies not in coercion but in sacrificial obedience.

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.
2. Momentary setbacks do not negate divine calling. Perseverance and prophetic encouragement are essential.
3. Human power can impede but never ultimately cancel God’s plan. “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” Zechariah 4:6.

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.
2 Corinthians 10:4 reminds believers that “the weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world.” Kingdom advancement is spiritual, not militaristic.

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‘ beedRa
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Englishman'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

Strong's Hebrew 153
1 Occurrence


bə·’eḏ·rā‘ — 1 Occ.

152
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