Ezra 4:23
Ezra 4:23 in Multiple Translations
When the text of the letter from King Artaxerxes was read to Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their associates, they went immediately to the Jews in Jerusalem and forcibly stopped them.
¶ Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes’ letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power.
Then when the copy of king Artaxerxes’ letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went in haste to Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power.
Then, after reading the king's letter, Rehum and Shimshai the scribe and their friends went quickly to Jerusalem, to the Jews, and had them stopped by force.
As soon as this letter from King Artaxerxes was read to Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their fellow officers, they rushed to the Jews in Jerusalem and used their power to forcibly make them stop work.
When the copie of king Artahshashtes letter was read before Rehum and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went vp in all the haste to Ierusalem vnto the Iewes, and caused them to cease by force and power.
Then from the time that a copy of the letter of king Artaxerxes is read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they have gone in haste to Jerusalem, unto the Jews, and caused them to cease by force and strength;
Then when the copy of King Artaxerxes’ letter was read before Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went in haste to Jerusalem to the Jews, and made them to cease by force of arms.
Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem to the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power.
Now the copy of the edict of king Artaxerxes was read before Reum Beelteem, and Samsai the scribe, and their counsellors: and they went up in haste to Jerusalem to the Jews, and hindered them with arm and power.
Messengers took that letter to Rehum and Shimshai and their colleagues and read it to them. Then Rehum and the others went quickly to Jerusalem, and they forced the Jews to stop rebuilding the city wall.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezra 4:23
BAB
Word Study
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Ezra 4:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֱדַ֗יִן
מִן
דִּ֞י
פַּרְשֶׁ֤גֶן
נִשְׁתְּוָנָ/א֙
דִּ֚י
ארתחששתא
אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֣שְׂתְּ
מַלְכָּ֔/א
קֱרִ֧י
קֳדָם
רְח֛וּם
וְ/שִׁמְשַׁ֥י
סָפְרָ֖/א
וּ/כְנָוָתְ/ה֑וֹן
אֲזַ֨לוּ
בִ/בְהִיל֤וּ
לִ/ירֽוּשְׁלֶם֙
עַל
יְה֣וּדָיֵ֔/א
וּ/בַטִּ֥לוּ
הִמּ֖וֹ
בְּ/אֶדְרָ֥ע
וְ/חָֽיִל
אֱדַ֗יִן
ʼĕdayin
H116
then
Adj
מִן
min
H4481
from
Adj
דִּ֞י
dîy
H1768
that
Adj
פַּרְשֶׁ֤גֶן
parshegen
H6573
copy
Adj
נִשְׁתְּוָנָ/א֙
nishtᵉvân
H5407
document
Adj | Art
דִּ֚י
dîy
H1768
that
Adj
ארתחששתא
ʼArtachshashtâʼ
H783
Artaxerxes
Adj
אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֣שְׂתְּ
ʼArtachshashtâʼ
H783
Artaxerxes
Adj
מַלְכָּ֔/א
melek
H4430
king
Adj | Art
קֱרִ֧י
qᵉrâʼ
H7123
to read
Adj
קֳדָם
qŏdâm
H6925
before
Adj
רְח֛וּם
Rᵉchûwm
H7348
Rehum
Adj
וְ/שִׁמְשַׁ֥י
Shimshay
H8124
Shimshai
Adj | N-proper
סָפְרָ֖/א
çâphêr
H5613
scribe
Adj | Art
וּ/כְנָוָתְ/ה֑וֹן
kᵉnâth
H3675
associate
Adj | N-mp | Suff
אֲזַ֨לוּ
ʼăzal
H236
to go
Adj
בִ/בְהִיל֤וּ
bᵉhîylûw
H924
hastely
Adj | N-fs
לִ/ירֽוּשְׁלֶם֙
Yᵉrûwshâlêm
H3390
Jerusalem
Adj | N-proper
עַל
ʻal
H5922
since
Adj
יְה֣וּדָיֵ֔/א
Yᵉhûwdâʼîy
H3062
Jew
Adj | Art
וּ/בַטִּ֥לוּ
bᵉṭêl
H989
to cease
Adj | V-Piel-Perf-3mp
הִמּ֖וֹ
himmôw
H1994
they
Adj
בְּ/אֶדְרָ֥ע
ʼedrâʻ
H153
force
Adj | N-fs
וְ/חָֽיִל
chayil
H2429
strength
Adj | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezra 4:23
אֱדַ֗יִן
ʼĕdayin
H116
"then"
Adj
Then or at that time, referring to a specific point in the past or future, like in the story of creation when God said 'then' the earth was formed. It is used to show a sequence of events. The KJV translates it as 'then' or 'now'.
Definition: then, afterwards, thereupon, from that time Aramaic of az (אָז "then" H0227A)
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: now, that time, then. See also: Ezra 4:9; Daniel 4:16; Daniel 7:19.
מִן
min
H4481
"from"
Adj
This word is used to show where something comes from, like from a place or at a certain time, and is often translated as from or out of.
Definition: 1) from, out of, by, by reason of, at, more than 1a) from, out of (of place) 1b) from, by, as a result of, by reason of, at, according to, (of source) 1c) from (of time) 1d) beyond, more than (in comparisons)
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: according, after, [phrase] because, [phrase] before, by, for, from, [idiom] him, [idiom] more than, (out) of, part, since, [idiom] these, to, upon, [phrase] when. See also: Ezra 4:12; Daniel 3:22; Jeremiah 10:11.
דִּ֞י
dîy
H1768
"that"
Adj
This word is used as a relative conjunction, like 'that' or 'which', to connect ideas in sentences. It appears in Genesis and Exodus to describe relationships between people and things. The KJV translates it as 'that' or 'which'.
Definition: part of relation 1) who, which, that mark of genitive 2) that of, which belongs to, that conj 3) that, because
Usage: Occurs in 186 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] as, but, for(-asmuch [phrase]), [phrase] now, of, seeing, than, that, therefore, until, [phrase] what (-soever), when, which, whom, whose. See also: Ezra 4:9; Daniel 3:7; Jeremiah 10:11.
פַּרְשֶׁ֤גֶן
parshegen
H6573
"copy"
Adj
This Aramaic word is also a copy or transcript, similar to its Hebrew counterpart. It refers to a written document or record, often used in official or important contexts. The term is used to describe a precise duplication.
Definition: copy Aramaic of pat.she.gen (פַּתְשֶׁ֫גֶן "copy" H6572B)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: copy. See also: Ezra 4:11; Ezra 4:23; Ezra 5:6.
נִשְׁתְּוָנָ/א֙
nishtᵉvân
H5407
"document"
Adj | Art
This word means a written document, like a letter or official paper. It is used in Daniel 4:1, where King Nebuchadnezzar writes a letter to his people. The word is similar to H5406, also meaning a letter or epistle.
Definition: letter Aramaic of nish.te.van (נִשְׁתְּוָן "letter" H5406)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: letter. See also: Ezra 4:18; Ezra 4:23; Ezra 5:5.
דִּ֚י
dîy
H1768
"that"
Adj
This word is used as a relative conjunction, like 'that' or 'which', to connect ideas in sentences. It appears in Genesis and Exodus to describe relationships between people and things. The KJV translates it as 'that' or 'which'.
Definition: part of relation 1) who, which, that mark of genitive 2) that of, which belongs to, that conj 3) that, because
Usage: Occurs in 186 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] as, but, for(-asmuch [phrase]), [phrase] now, of, seeing, than, that, therefore, until, [phrase] what (-soever), when, which, whom, whose. See also: Ezra 4:9; Daniel 3:7; Jeremiah 10:11.
ארתחששתא
ʼArtachshashtâʼ
H783
"Artaxerxes"
Adj
Artaxerxes was a title given to several Persian kings, including the one who ruled during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah. He played a significant role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.4.7 Also named: ar.tach.shash.ta (אַרְתַּחְשַׁשְׂתְּא "Artaxerxes" H0783B) § Artaxerxes = "I will make the spoiled to boil: I will stir myself (in) winter" son and successor of Xerxes as emperor of Persia, 465-424 BC
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: Artaxerxes. See also: Ezra 4:7; Ezra 7:11; Nehemiah 13:6.
אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֣שְׂתְּ
ʼArtachshashtâʼ
H783
"Artaxerxes"
Adj
Artaxerxes was a title given to several Persian kings, including the one who ruled during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah. He played a significant role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.4.7 Also named: ar.tach.shash.ta (אַרְתַּחְשַׁשְׂתְּא "Artaxerxes" H0783B) § Artaxerxes = "I will make the spoiled to boil: I will stir myself (in) winter" son and successor of Xerxes as emperor of Persia, 465-424 BC
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: Artaxerxes. See also: Ezra 4:7; Ezra 7:11; Nehemiah 13:6.
מַלְכָּ֔/א
melek
H4430
"king"
Adj | Art
Melek means king, referring to a ruler or monarch, used in the Bible to describe kings like David and Solomon. It is translated as king or royal in the KJV.
Definition: king Aramaic of me.lekh (מֶ֫לֶךְ "king" H4428) § 1) king
Usage: Occurs in 131 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Ezra 4:8; Daniel 3:1; Daniel 7:24.
קֱרִ֧י
qᵉrâʼ
H7123
"to read"
Adj
This word means to read or call out loud, often used to describe reading scripture or proclaiming a message. In the book of Nehemiah, the priest Ezra reads the law aloud to the people.
Definition: 1) to call, read aloud, read out, shout 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to call, proclaim 1a2) to read aloud, read out 1b)(Ithp'el) to be summoned, be called
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: call, cry, read. See also: Ezra 4:18; Daniel 5:8; Daniel 5:17.
קֳדָם
qŏdâm
H6925
"before"
Adj
Before something or someone, like in the book of Isaiah where it talks about things that happened before. It can also mean in front of or from the presence of, as seen in the story of Moses and the burning bush in Exodus.
Definition: 1) before, in front of 1a) before 1b) from before
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: before, [idiom] from, [idiom] I (thought), [idiom] me, [phrase] of, [idiom] it pleased, presence. See also: Ezra 4:18; Daniel 5:13; Daniel 7:20.
רְח֛וּם
Rᵉchûwm
H7348
"Rehum"
Adj
Rehum was a Persian and Israelite name, meaning compassion. One notable Rehum was a commander who opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem and wrote a letter to King Artaxerxes, as mentioned in Nehemiah 10:25.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.10.25 § Rehum = "compassion" a commander who wrote a letter to the king Artaxerxes in which he opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Rehum. See also: Ezra 2:2; Ezra 4:23; Nehemiah 12:3.
וְ/שִׁמְשַׁ֥י
Shimshay
H8124
"Shimshai"
Adj | N-proper
Shimshai was a Samaritan scribe who worked for the Persian government during the Exile and Return period, as seen in Ezra 4:8. His name means sunny. He assisted Rehum, the satrap of Judea.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.4.8 § Shimshai = "sunny" the scribe for Rehum, the satrap of Judea for the Persian government
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Shimshai. See also: Ezra 4:8; Ezra 4:17; Ezra 4:23.
סָפְרָ֖/א
çâphêr
H5613
"scribe"
Adj | Art
A scribe was a person who wrote or copied documents, often serving as a secretary or record-keeper. In biblical times, scribes played a crucial role in preserving sacred texts. They are mentioned in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.
Definition: scribe, secretary Aramaic of so.pher (סֹפֵר "secretary" H5608B)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: scribe. See also: Ezra 4:8; Ezra 4:23; Ezra 7:21.
וּ/כְנָוָתְ/ה֑וֹן
kᵉnâth
H3675
"associate"
Adj | N-mp | Suff
This word is similar to H3674, also meaning a companion or associate, and is used in Aramaic sections of the Bible. It refers to someone who is a colleague or friend, sharing a common bond or title.
Definition: companion, associate Aramaic of ke.nat (כְּנָת "associate" H3674)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: companion. See also: Ezra 4:9; Ezra 5:3; Ezra 6:13.
אֲזַ֨לוּ
ʼăzal
H236
"to go"
Adj
The Hebrew word for to go or depart, often translated as go up. It appears in various contexts, including when someone leaves a place or moves upward. This verb is used in several books, including Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: 1) to go, to go off 1a) (P'al) to go, go off
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: go (up). See also: Ezra 4:23; Daniel 2:17; Daniel 6:20.
בִ/בְהִיל֤וּ
bᵉhîylûw
H924
"hastely"
Adj | N-fs
Behilu is an adverb meaning hastily or in haste, used to describe acting quickly or urgently, often in response to a situation.
Definition: haste, hastily Aramaic of ba.hal (בָּהַל "to dismay" H0926)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: in haste. See also: Ezra 4:23.
לִ/ירֽוּשְׁלֶם֙
Yᵉrûwshâlêm
H3390
"Jerusalem"
Adj | N-proper
Jerusalem means teaching of peace, the chief city of Palestine and Judah. It is mentioned in the Bible as the capital of the united kingdom. In the KJV, it is translated as Jerusalem.
Definition: Aramaic of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389) § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: {Jerusalem} See also: Ezra 4:8; Ezra 6:5; Daniel 6:11.
עַל
ʻal
H5922
"since"
Adj
Similar to H5921, this word means on, above, or because of something. It is often used to describe a reason or a direction, like in Genesis 18:5 where Abraham is asked to walk before God.
Definition: 1) upon, over, on account of, above, to, against 1a) upon, over, on account of, regarding, concerning, on behalf of 1b) over (with verbs of ruling) 1c) above, beyond (in comparison) 1d) to, against (of direction)
Usage: Occurs in 86 OT verses. KJV: about, against, concerning, for, (there-) fore, from, in, [idiom] more, of, (there-, up-) on, (in-) to, [phrase] why with. See also: Ezra 4:8; Daniel 4:2; Daniel 7:28.
יְה֣וּדָיֵ֔/א
Yᵉhûwdâʼîy
H3062
"Jew"
Adj | Art
A Jew is someone from the tribe of Judah, first mentioned in 2 Kings 25:25. The term is used to describe people who are descended from Judah and other tribes.
Definition: Someone descended from Judah (H3063) and possibly other tribes, first mentioned at 2Ki.25.25 Aramaic of ye.hu.di (יְהוּדִי "Jew" H3064)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Jew. See also: Ezra 4:12; Ezra 6:7; Daniel 3:12.
וּ/בַטִּ֥לוּ
bᵉṭêl
H989
"to cease"
Adj | V-Piel-Perf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to stop or cease, and is used in various contexts, including making something stop or come to an end. It appears in the Bible to describe hindering or ceasing from an action. In the KJV, it is translated as cease or hinder.
Definition: 1) (P'al) to cease 1a) to cease 1b) to make to cease
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: (cause, make to), cease, hinder. See also: Ezra 4:21; Ezra 4:24; Ezra 6:8.
הִמּ֖וֹ
himmôw
H1994
"they"
Adj
This Hebrew word is another way to say 'they' or 'them', referring to a group of people. It is used as a subject or object in sentences, and appears in various books of the Bible, including Leviticus and Numbers.
Definition: 1) they, them 1a) they (subject) 1b) them (object)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] are, them, those. See also: Ezra 4:10; Ezra 5:14; Daniel 3:22.
בְּ/אֶדְרָ֥ע
ʼedrâʻ
H153
"force"
Adj | N-fs
The word for force or power refers to the arm or strength of someone, used figuratively to describe God's might.
Definition: strong, force, arm, power Aramaic of ze.ro.a (זְרוֹעַ "arm" H2220)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: force. See also: Ezra 4:23.
וְ/חָֽיִל
chayil
H2429
"strength"
Adj | N-ms
This word also means strength or power, often referring to a large army or force. It's used in the Bible to describe the might of God or a powerful nation, as seen in Psalm 68:35.
Definition: 1) strength, army, power 1a) power 1b) force, army
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: aloud, army, [idiom] most (mighty), power. See also: Ezra 4:23; Daniel 4:11; Daniel 5:7.
Study Notes — Ezra 4:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezra 4:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezra 4:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 4:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 4:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezra 4:23
- Cambridge Bible on Ezra 4:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 4:23
- Sermons on Ezra 4:23
Context — The Decree of Artaxerxes
21Now, therefore, issue an order for these men to stop, so that this city will not be rebuilt until I so order.
22See that you do not neglect this matter. Why allow this threat to increase and the royal interests to suffer?
23When the text of the letter from King Artaxerxes was read to Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their associates, they went immediately to the Jews in Jerusalem and forcibly stopped them.
24Thus the construction of the house of God in Jerusalem ceased, and it remained at a standstill until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 3:15 | “Their feet are swift to shed blood; |
| 2 | Micah 2:1 | Woe to those who devise iniquity and plot evil on their beds! At morning’s light they accomplish it because the power is in their hands. |
| 3 | Ezra 4:17 | 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. |
| 4 | Proverbs 4:16 | For they cannot sleep unless they do evil; they are deprived of slumber until they make someone fall. |
| 5 | Ezra 4:8–9 | Rehum the commander and Shimshai the scribe wrote the letter against Jerusalem to King Artaxerxes as follows: From Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their associates—the judges and officials over Tripolis, Persia, Erech and Babylon, the Elamites of Susa, |
Ezra 4:23 Summary
In Ezra 4:23, we see that the king's order to stop the construction of the temple was carried out by Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their associates, who forcibly stopped the Jews from building. This event teaches us that even when we face opposition or adversity, God is still with us and in control, as promised in Joshua 1:9, where it says 'Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.' We can trust in God's sovereignty and continue to prioritize His work in our lives, even when faced with challenges or setbacks, just as the Israelites did in their efforts to rebuild the temple, and as encouraged in Haggai 2:4, where it says 'Be strong, all you people of the land,' declares the Lord, 'and work, for I am with you,' declares the Lord Almighty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the role of Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their associates in Ezra 4:23?
Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their associates were the ones who carried out the order from King Artaxerxes to stop the construction of the temple in Jerusalem, as seen in Ezra 4:23 and also referenced in Ezra 4:21, where the king initially gives the order to stop the work.
How did the actions of Rehum and the others affect the construction of the temple?
The actions of Rehum and the others resulted in the immediate stoppage of the construction of the house of God in Jerusalem, which remained at a standstill until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia, as stated in Ezra 4:24, and this interruption was a fulfillment of the king's order in Ezra 4:21-22.
What can we learn from the opposition faced by the Jews in Ezra 4:23?
The opposition faced by the Jews in Ezra 4:23 teaches us that even in the face of adversity and opposition, God is still sovereign and in control, as seen in Psalm 23:4, where it says 'Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me.'
How does this event relate to the overall story of the Israelites' return from exile?
This event in Ezra 4:23 is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' return from exile, as prophesied in Ezekiel 37:21-22, where God says 'I will take the Israelites out of the nations where they have gone. I will gather them from all around and bring them back into their own land.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can apply the lesson of perseverance in the face of opposition, as seen in Ezra 4:23, to my own life?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty, even when faced with difficult circumstances, as the Jews were in this verse?
- What are some ways that I can be a source of encouragement and support to others who may be facing opposition or adversity, just as the prophets encouraged the Israelites to continue rebuilding the temple?
- In what ways can I prioritize the work of God in my life, even when faced with challenges or setbacks, just as the Israelites did in their efforts to rebuild the temple?
Gill's Exposition on Ezra 4:23
Now when the copy of King Artaxerxes letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions,.... By him or them to whom it was particularly directed: they went up in haste to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 4:23
The letter which ye sent unto us hath been plainly read before me. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 4:23
Ezra 4:23 Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes’ letter [was] read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power.Ver. 23. They went up in haste] Perurgente diabolo, the devil driving them, and their own malicious dispositions egging them thereunto (Bern.). So, when Queen Mary lay a dying, Harpsfeild, arch-deacon of Canterbury, being at London, made all post-haste home to dispatch those martyrs whom he had then in his cruel custody (Acts and Mon. 1562). So ambitious are wicked men of hell, they take long strides, and mend their pace, as if they feared lest it should be taken up before they come thither.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezra 4:23
Verse 23. Made them to cease by force and power.] Commanded them on pain of the king's displeasure not to proceed, obliging all to remit their labours, and probably bringing an armed force to prevent them from going forward.
Cambridge Bible on Ezra 4:23
23. Now] R.V. Then, i.e. Thereupon. read before] cf. 18. they went up in haste] R.V. they went in haste.—Far from being slack in executing the king’s decree: gratified malice made them prompt as well as desirous to stay the work. made them to cease by force and power] Literally ‘with an arm and with troops’. Vulg. ‘in brachio et robore’, cf. Ezekiel 17:9, ‘without great power’ (lit. arm); Daniel 11:15; Daniel 11:31 (‘arms’ = strength). The LXX. render ‘with horses and force’ (ἐνἵπποιςκαὶδυνάμει). The Samaritans stopped the Jews from building “by main force”. If the Jews resisted, resistance was useless in the face of the royal decree. Perhaps we may see in the reference to the ruinous condition of the walls and defences of Jerusalem, Nehemiah 1:3, the results of the forcible means taken by the Samaritans to cause the work to cease.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 4:23
23. Went up in haste — The haste was the more necessary that the Jews might have no opportunity to learn and expose their misrepresentations of their work.
Sermons on Ezra 4:23
| Sermon | Description | |
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Ezra) ch.5 & 6 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being spiritually violent in pursuing God's purposes. He references Matthew 11:12, where Jesus says that the kingdom of he |
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Samson - Physically Strong, Morally Weak by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a river that went dry and a man who tried to cover up a dead body in the riverbed. However, the body was eventually discovered and |
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The Futility of One Nation Above God by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the futility of prioritizing a nation above God, particularly in the context of Memorial Day, urging remembrance of the sacrifices made for freedoms that a |
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Are We Preaching the Gospel? by K.C. Moser | The preacher delves into the dual meanings of 'oxus' in the Bible, highlighting its representation of rapid motion and sharpness, particularly in the book of Revelation. This sharp |
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Holiness: It's Fruit by G. Campbell Morgan | G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes that being 'in Christ' transforms a person into a new creation, where the old self and its desires pass away, making way for a life centered on God. H |
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Marks of a Saving Change by William Guthrie | William Guthrie preaches about the marks by which a person may know if they are in covenant with God and have a special interest in Christ. He discusses the preparatory work of the |
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The Context of the Coming Kingdom by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing God as the revelation of Jesus as king and the beauty of the kingdom. He criticizes the superficiality of worship a |