Bishlam
Bishlam is a figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Ezra. He is identified as one of the officials who opposed the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem during the time of Zerubbabel. In Ezra 4:7, Bishlam, along with Mithredath and Tabeel, is noted for writing a letter to King Artaxerxes of Persia, seeking to halt the reconstruction efforts initiated by the Jewish exiles who had returned from Babylon. The letter was written in Aramaic and was part of a broader campaign by local adversaries to frustrate the plans of the returning exiles. The opposition from Bishlam and his associates reflects the broader theme of resistance faced by the Israelites as they sought to restore their religious and national identity.

Mithredath
Mithredath is another official mentioned in the Book of Ezra, associated with the opposition to the rebuilding of the temple. His name appears alongside Bishlam and Tabeel in Ezra 4:7. Mithredath's involvement in the letter to King Artaxerxes signifies his role in the political maneuvering against the Jewish community's efforts to reestablish their place of worship. The name Mithredath, of Persian origin, suggests that he may have been a Persian official or had connections to the Persian administration, which was ruling over the region at the time. His actions, as recorded in the biblical narrative, highlight the complex interactions between the Jewish exiles and the surrounding peoples, as well as the challenges faced by the Israelites in fulfilling their divine mandate to rebuild the temple.

Tabeel
Tabeel is the third figure mentioned in the triad of officials opposing the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem. Like Bishlam and Mithredath, Tabeel is noted in Ezra 4:7 for his participation in the letter to King Artaxerxes. The name Tabeel, which may have Aramaic or Hebrew roots, is also found in Isaiah 7:6, where it refers to a different individual involved in a plot against the house of David. In the context of Ezra, Tabeel's opposition is part of the broader narrative of resistance that the Jewish exiles encountered from their neighbors. This resistance was not merely political but also had religious implications, as the rebuilding of the temple was central to the restoration of Jewish worship and identity.

Biblical Context and Significance
The opposition from Bishlam, Mithredath, and Tabeel is set within the larger narrative of the post-exilic period, a time when the Jewish people were returning from Babylonian captivity and seeking to reestablish their community and religious practices in Jerusalem. The Book of Ezra documents the challenges they faced, both from external adversaries and internal struggles. The actions of these officials underscore the persistent enmity between the Israelites and the surrounding peoples, a theme that recurs throughout the Old Testament. Their opposition serves as a reminder of the spiritual and physical battles that God's people have historically faced in fulfilling their covenantal obligations. The narrative encourages faithfulness and perseverance in the face of adversity, trusting in God's providential care and ultimate victory over opposition.