Ezra 4
-We see the adversaries of the Jews rising up to thwart the
work in this chapter. Zerubbabel and Jeshua did the right thing in not
relenting to their desires to work with them in building the Temple with their
pagan influences. As they said, “You have nothing in common with us in building
a House to our God… (Ezra 4:3). Therefore, the enemies of God’s people, the
people of the land, discouraged the people of Judah, and frightened them from
building, and hired counselors against them to frustrate (Ezra 4:4-5). This
happened from the days of Cyrus until the days of Darius, king of Persia.
During the reign of Ahasuerus (Xerxes, Hebrew- Ahash-verosh), the enemies of
the Jews wrote an accusation against the inhabitants so that the work would be
legally halted. This letter against Jerusalem included warnings that the
builders were constantly and historically rebellious against foreign powers and
kings, and that they would not pay tribute if the walls and fortifications were
finished. They threatened them with the prospect of losing money for their
fortunes and appealed to their pride and honor in the letter. They implored
them to make search of history to verify their claims as to why the city was
laid waste (Ezra 4:8-15). In short, they convinced the king that he and his
kingdom would have no possession in the province beyond the River (Euphrates)
if they were allowed to rebuild (Ezra 4:16). The king’s reply halted the work
and agreed in principle with the enemies of God. “Then the work on the House of
God in Jerusalem ceased, and it was stopped until the second year of the reign
of Darius king of Persia (Ezra 4:17-24).”
-*Application* We can all experience times of discouragement
and setback. Resistance to God’s work and momentum should always be expected
and is allowed by the Sovereign for whatever reason at times. Don’t let the
discouraging voices in your life gain the upper hand. Stay devoted and
committed to the LORD’s design and remain strong in adversity. He will
eventually win the day and His plans will succeed in your life!
Verse to Memorize:
Ezra 4:24
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