In this chapter, the enemies of Judah send a convincing letter to the king of Persia, and as a result, the rebuilding of the Temple is stopped. The chapter begins, “The enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were rebuilding a Temple to the Lord, the God of Israel. So they approached Zerubbabel and the other leaders and said, “Let us build with you, for we worship your God just as you do. We have sacrificed to him ever since King Esarhaddon of Assyria brought us here.”
But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the other leaders of Israel replied, “You may have no part in this work, for we have nothing in common. We alone will build the Temple for the Lord, the God of Israel, just as King Cyrus of Persia commanded us.”
Then the local residents tried to discourage and frighten the people of Judah to keep them from their work. They bribed agents to work against them and to frustrate their aims. (Wow! Who is trying to discourage and frustrate you, and keep you down?) This went on during the entire reign of King Cyrus of Persia and lasted until King Darius of Persia took the throne.” (Ezra 4:1-5)
Later Opposition under King Artaxerxes
As time went on the enemies of Judah sent a letter to King Artaxerxes, the king of Persia, to influence him to prohibit the construction of the Temple of God in Jerusalem. “This is a copy of the letter they sent him:
“To Artaxerxes, from your loyal subjects in the province west of the Euphrates River. Please be informed that the Jews who came here to Jerusalem from Babylon are rebuilding this rebellious and evil city. They have already laid the foundation for its walls and will soon complete them. But we wish you to know that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are completed, it will be much to your disadvantage, for the Jews will then refuse to pay their tribute, costumes, and tolls to you.
Since we are loyal to you as your subjects and we do not want to see you dishonored in this way, we have sent you this information. We suggest that you search your ancestors’ records, where you will discover what a rebellious city this has been in the past. In fact, it was destroyed because of its long history of sedition against the kings and countries who attempted to control it. We declare that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are completed, the province west of the Euphrates River will be lost to you.”
Then Artaxerxes made this reply:
“To Rehum the governor, Shimshai the court secretary, and their colleagues living in Samaria and throughout the province west of the Euphrates River.
Greetings, The letter you sent has been translated and read to me. I have ordered a search to be made of the records and have indeed found that Jerusalem has in times past been a hotbed of insurrection against many kings. In fact, rebellion and sedition are normal there! Powerful kings have ruled over Jerusalem and the entire province west of the Euphrates River and have received vast tribute, customs, and tolls. Therefore, issue orders to have these people stop their work. That city must not be rebuilt except at my express command. Do not delay, for we must not permit the situation to get out of control.”
When this letter from King Artaxerxes was read to Rehum, Shimshai, and their colleagues, they hurried to Jerusalem and forced the Jews to stop building. (This is an example of people plotting against you and wanting you to fail. This will happen many times throughout our life, but the bible says, “If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” (Romans 8:31) Some may succeed in bringing you down, but they won’t keep you down because the Lord is on our side!)
The Rebuilding Resumes
The work on the Temple of God in Jerusalem had stopped, and it remained at a standstill until the second year of the reign of King Darius of Persia.” (Ezra 4:11-24)
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Help us be bold in our commitment and loyalty to you, as many before us have done. And help us remain faithful, knowing that God is on our side. We love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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