Then the king sent this reply: To Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of your associates living in Samaria and elsewhere in the region west of the Euphrates: Greetings. Then the king sent this reply:Artaxerxes answered through the established channels of Persian administration, where provincial accusations could reach the throne. The complaint concerned Jerusalem’s rebuilding as a fortified and potentially rebellious city, rather than the temple work itself. God’s purposes for His people continued even when imperial authority temporarily restrained their work. Ezr 6:6 Therefore Darius decreed: To Tattenai, governor of… To Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, Rehum held authority among the regional officials, while Shimshai prepared and transmitted official documents. Their titles reveal that the opposition had become an organized governmental effort, not merely a local dispute. 2Ki 18:18 Then they called for the king. And Eliakim son of Hilkiah… and the rest of your associates living in Samaria Samaria had become the center of a Persian province after the Assyrian conquest of the northern kingdom. Its mixed population and competing religious claims produced enduring hostility toward the restored Jewish community and its worship in Jerusalem. 2Ki 17:24 Then the king of Assyria brought people from… and elsewhere in the region west of the Euphrates: The territory beyond the Euphrates was a major Persian administrative district that included Judah and its surrounding peoples. The king’s address recognized the broad network of officials involved in monitoring the region and preserving Persian control. Ezr 7:25 And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God,… Greetings. The formal salutation introduced an authoritative royal decree. The courteous form of the letter did not lessen the serious consequences that followed for Jerusalem’s rebuilding. Act 23:26 Claudius Lysias, To His Excellency, Governor Felix… Persons / Places / Events 1. The KingRefers to Artaxerxes, the Persian king who received a letter from the adversaries of Judah and Jerusalem, expressing concern over the rebuilding of Jerusalem. 2. Rehum the Commander A local official who, along with others, opposed the rebuilding efforts of the Jews in Jerusalem. 3. Shimshai the Scribe An official who assisted Rehum in drafting the letter to King Artaxerxes, opposing the rebuilding of Jerusalem. 4. Samaria A region north of Judah, where some of the adversaries of the Jews resided. It was part of the Persian Empire at the time. 5. Region West of the Euphrates This refers to the area of the Persian Empire that included Judah and Samaria, indicating the broader context of opposition to the Jewish rebuilding efforts. Teaching Points Opposition to God's WorkExpect resistance when undertaking God's work. Just as the Jews faced opposition, believers today may encounter challenges when following God's call. God's Sovereignty Despite opposition, God remains in control. The Jews' account in Ezra reminds us that God's plans cannot be thwarted by human schemes. Perseverance in Faith The Jews' perseverance in rebuilding despite opposition encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith and mission. Role of Leadership Effective leadership is crucial in overcoming opposition. Leaders like Ezra and Nehemiah demonstrate the importance of godly leadership in advancing God's purposes. Community Support The importance of community in facing opposition is evident. Believers should support one another in prayer and action when facing challenges. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the opposition faced by the Jews in Ezra 4:17 compare to the challenges faced by believers today in fulfilling God's work?2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the midst of opposition, both in Ezra's time and in our own lives? 3. How can the perseverance of the Jews in rebuilding Jerusalem inspire us to remain faithful in our own spiritual journeys? 4. What qualities of leadership are demonstrated by Ezra and Nehemiah that we can apply in our roles within the church or community? 5. How can we as a church community better support each other when facing opposition or challenges in our faith? Connections to Other Scriptures Nehemiah 2Nehemiah also faced opposition when he sought to rebuild Jerusalem's walls, showing a pattern of resistance against God's people. Daniel 6 Daniel faced opposition from local officials who sought to undermine his position, similar to the opposition faced by the Jews in Ezra. Acts 4 The early church faced opposition from religious leaders, paralleling the resistance to God's work seen in Ezra.
People Ahasuerus, Apharesattechites, Apharesites, Apharsathchites, Apharsites, Archevites, Artaxerxes, Asnapper, Babylonians, Benjamin, Bishlam, Cyrus, Darius, Dehaites, Dehavites, Dehites, Dianites, Dinaites, Dinites, Elamites, Esarhaddon, Jeshua, Mithredath, Persians, Rehum, Shimshai, Shushanchites, Tabeel, Tarpelites, ZerubbabelPlaces Assyria, Beyond the River, Erech, Jerusalem, Persia, Samaria, SusaTopics Across, Associates, Beyond, Chancellor, Chief, Colleagues, Commander, Commanding, Companions, Counsellor, Dwell, Dwelling, Elsewhere, Forth, Friends, Greeting, Greetings, Officer, Peace, Places, Province, Provinces, Rehum, Rest, River, Ruler, Samaria, Sama'ria, Saying, Scribe, Secretary, Shimshai, Shim'shai, Trans-euphratesDictionary of Bible Themes Ezra 4:17 5328 greeting Library Building in Troublous Times'Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto the Lord God of Israel; 2. Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said unto them, Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as ye do; and we do sacrifice unto Him since the days of Esar-haddon king of Assur, which brought us up hither. 3. But Zerubbabel, and Joshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel, said unto them, Ye have nothing to do … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Original Text and Its History. The Last Days of the Old Eastern World A Reformer's Schooling The Historical Books. Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House Officers, Taxation, Publicans Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories The Ninth Commandment Ezra-Nehemiah Links Ezra 4:17 NIVEzra 4:17 NLT Ezra 4:17 ESV Ezra 4:17 NASB Ezra 4:17 KJV Ezra 4:17 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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