What is the meaning of Ezra 4:7? In the days of Artaxerxes king of Persia • Ezra situates this episode during the reign of Artaxerxes: “And in the days of Artaxerxes king of Persia …” (Ezra 4:7). The same monarch appears later when Ezra himself travels to Jerusalem (Ezra 7:1) and when Nehemiah seeks permission to rebuild the wall (Nehemiah 2:1). • Scripture records Artaxerxes as a real, ruling king. His decisions affect God’s people in tangible ways, showing the Lord’s sovereign control over earthly governments (Proverbs 21:1). • By noting the king’s reign, the text anchors the narrative in verifiable history, assuring readers that what follows is not myth but documented fact (Luke 1:1–4). Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of his associates • These names identify leaders of the local population opposed to the returning Jews. Earlier verses describe “the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin” (Ezra 4:1), people transplanted to the land after Assyria’s conquest (2 Kings 17:24). • Their inclusion by name underscores their intentional, organized resistance. Similar lists of opposition appear when Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem hinder Nehemiah (Nehemiah 4:1–3). • God allows such opposition to refine His people’s faith, just as later believers are told, “Do not be surprised at the fiery trial” (1 Peter 4:12). wrote a letter to Artaxerxes • The enemies escalate their tactics from local harassment (Ezra 4:4–5) to political maneuvering: “Bishlam … wrote a letter to Artaxerxes.” • This mirrors the earlier letter written in the reign of Ahasuerus (Ezra 4:6) and anticipates later accusations against Daniel (Daniel 6:4–9). • Their goal is to halt the rebuilding of Jerusalem by casting the Jews as rebellious subjects (Ezra 4:12–13), a strategy Satan has employed since Eden—questioning and accusing (Revelation 12:10). • Yet God turns even hostile correspondence into part of His larger plan, eventually leading to the king’s decree that fully funds the temple’s restoration (Ezra 6:1–12). It was written in Aramaic and then translated • “It was written in Aramaic and then translated” explains why the narrative from Ezra 4:8 through 6:18 switches to Aramaic, the diplomatic language of the Persian empire—much like Daniel 2:4–7:28. • Including the original Aramaic preserves the exact content of the letter, underscoring Scripture’s precision (Psalm 12:6). • The mention of translation assures Hebrew readers of the message’s integrity, foreshadowing the clarity promised to the church: “I would rather speak five words with my mind … than ten thousand words in a tongue” (1 Corinthians 14:19). • That the Spirit inspired both the Aramaic original and its Hebrew setting reminds us of God’s desire for every generation to understand His works (Nehemiah 8:8). summary Ezra 4:7 records a real moment when Jerusalem’s opponents sought imperial power to stop God’s work. The verse roots the conflict in the reign of Artaxerxes, names the conspirators, details their political strategy, and even notes the administrative language used. Each element testifies to Scripture’s historical accuracy and God’s faithful oversight: earthly kings, foreign letters, and linguistic details all serve His redemptive plan, assuring believers that no scheme against His purposes will ultimately prevail (Isaiah 54:17). |
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