Ezra 4:5
Ezra 4:5 in Multiple Translations
They hired counselors against them to frustrate their plans throughout the reign of Cyrus king of Persia and down to the reign of Darius king of Persia.
And hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.
and hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.
And they gave payment to men who made designs against them and kept them from effecting their purpose, all through the time of Cyrus, king of Persia, till Darius became king.
They bribed officials to oppose them and to obstruct their plans. This continued during the whole reign of Cyrus king of Persia up until the reign of Darius king of Persia.
And they hired counsellers against them, to hinder their deuise, all the dayes of Cyrus King of Persia, euen vntill the reigne of Darius King of Persia.
and are hiring against them counsellors to make void their counsel all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even till the reign of Darius king of Persia.
They hired counselors against them to frustrate their purpose all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.
And hired counselors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.
And they hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their design all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of the Persians.
They bribed government officials to oppose what the Israelis were doing and prevent them from continuing to work on the temple. They did that all during the time that Cyrus was King of Persia. They continued to do it when Darius became the King of Persia.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezra 4:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezra 4:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/סֹכְרִ֧ים
עֲלֵי/הֶ֛ם
יוֹעֲצִ֖ים
לְ/הָפֵ֣ר
עֲצָתָ֑/ם
כָּל
יְמֵ֗י
כּ֚וֹרֶשׁ
מֶ֣לֶךְ
פָּרַ֔ס
וְ/עַד
מַלְכ֖וּת
דָּרְיָ֥וֶשׁ
מֶֽלֶךְ
פָּרָֽס
וְ/סֹכְרִ֧ים
sâkar
H7936
to hire
Conj | V-Qal
עֲלֵי/הֶ֛ם
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
יוֹעֲצִ֖ים
yâʻats
H3289
to advise
V-Qal
לְ/הָפֵ֣ר
pârar
H6565
to break
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
עֲצָתָ֑/ם
ʻêtsâh
H6098
counsel
N-fs | Suff
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
יְמֵ֗י
yôwm
H3117
day
N-mp
כּ֚וֹרֶשׁ
Kôwresh
H3566
Cyrus
N-proper
מֶ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
פָּרַ֔ס
Pâraç
H6539
Persia
N-proper
וְ/עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Conj | Prep
מַלְכ֖וּת
malkûwth
H4438
royalty
N-fs
דָּרְיָ֥וֶשׁ
Dârᵉyâvêsh
H1867
Darius
N-proper
מֶֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
פָּרָֽס
Pâraç
H6539
Persia
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezra 4:5
וְ/סֹכְרִ֧ים
sâkar
H7936
"to hire"
Conj | V-Qal
To hire someone or be hired, as seen in the story of Jacob hiring himself out to Laban in Genesis 29. This word is about working for pay. It appears in various forms, such as earning wages or rewarding someone.
Definition: 1) to hire 1a) (Qal) to hire
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: earn wages, hire (out self), reward, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 30:16; 2 Chronicles 24:12; Proverbs 26:10.
עֲלֵי/הֶ֛ם
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
יוֹעֲצִ֖ים
yâʻats
H3289
"to advise"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to advise or counsel someone, like giving guidance or planning something. It is used in the Bible to describe people seeking advice or working together to make a plan. The KJV translates it as advise or counsel.
Definition: 1) to advise, consult, give counsel, counsel, purpose, devise, plan 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to advise, counsel, give counsel, consult 1a2) counsellor (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to consult together, exchange counsel, deliberate, counsel together 1c) (Hithpael) to conspire
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: advertise, take advise, advise (well), consult, (give, take) counsel(-lor), determine, devise, guide, purpose. See also: Exodus 18:19; Job 26:3; Psalms 16:7.
לְ/הָפֵ֣ר
pârar
H6565
"to break"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
To split or break something apart is the meaning of this word, often used figuratively to mean frustrate or violate. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to break, frustrate 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to break, violate 1a2) to frustrate, make ineffectual 1b) (Hophal) 1b1) to be frustrated 1b2) to be broken 1b3) to break 1c) (Pilpel) to break to bits, shatter Also means: pur (פּוּר "to break" H6331)
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any ways, break (asunder), cast off, cause to cease, [idiom] clean, defeat, disannul, disappoint, dissolve, divide, make of none effect, fail, frustrate, bring (come) to nought, [idiom] utterly, make void. See also: Genesis 17:14; Psalms 85:5; Psalms 74:13.
עֲצָתָ֑/ם
ʻêtsâh
H6098
"counsel"
N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word means counsel or advice, implying a plan or purpose. It is used in the Bible when describing wise decision-making.
Definition: counsel, advice, purpose
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: advice, advisement, counsel(l-(or)), purpose. See also: Deuteronomy 32:28; Psalms 107:11; Psalms 1:1.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
יְמֵ֗י
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
כּ֚וֹרֶשׁ
Kôwresh
H3566
"Cyrus"
N-proper
Cyrus was a Persian king who allowed Israelite exiles to return to Jerusalem. He is first mentioned in 2 Chronicles 36:22. Cyrus means posses thou the furnace.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ch.36.22; son of: Gedaliah (H1436H) Also named: ko.resh (כּ֫וֹרֶשׁ "Cyrus" H3567) § Cyrus = "posses thou the furnace" the king of Persia and conqueror of Babylon; first ruler of Persia to make a decree allowing the Israelite exiles to return to Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Cyrus. See also: 2 Chronicles 36:22; Ezra 3:7; Isaiah 44:28.
מֶ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
פָּרַ֔ס
Pâraç
H6539
"Persia"
N-proper
This word refers to the ancient country of Persia, which included a vast territory from India to Egypt. The Bible mentions Persia in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, where it plays a significant role in the history of the Israelites.
Definition: § Persia = "pure" or "splendid" the empire Persia; encompassed the territory from India on the east to Egypt and Thrace on the west, and included, besides portions of Europe and Africa, the whole of western Asia between the Black Sea, the Caucasus, the Caspian and the Jaxartes on the north, the Arabian desert, the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean on the south Persia proper was bounded on the west by Susiana or Elam, on the north by Media, on the south by the Persian Gulf and on the east by Carmania Persian, of Persia "pure" or "splendid"
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: Persia, Persians. See also: 2 Chronicles 36:20; Esther 1:3; Daniel 11:2.
וְ/עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
מַלְכ֖וּת
malkûwth
H4438
"royalty"
N-fs
Royalty or royal power refers to the authority and dominion of a king or queen, like Solomon's reign in Israel. It can also mean the kingdom or territory ruled by a monarch. The word is used in the Bible to describe sovereign power and authority.
Definition: 1) royalty, royal power, reign, kingdom, sovereign power 1a) royal power, dominion 1b) reign 1c) kingdom, realm Aramaic equivalent: mal.khu (מַלְכוּ "kingdom" H4437)
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: empire, kingdom, realm, reign, royal. See also: Numbers 24:7; Esther 1:9; Psalms 45:7.
דָּרְיָ֥וֶשׁ
Dârᵉyâvêsh
H1867
"Darius"
N-proper
Darius was a title given to several Persian kings, including Darius the Mede, who ruled after the fall of Babylon. He is mentioned in Daniel 5:31 and Ezra 4:5, where his role in the history of the Israelites is discussed. Darius means 'lord' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Dan.5.31; son of: Ahasuerus (H0325) Also named: dar.ya.vesh (דָּֽרְיָ֫וֶשׁ "Darius" H1868H) § Darius = "lord" 1) Darius the Mede, the son of Ahasuerus, king of the Chaldeans, who succeeded to the Babylonian kingdom on the death of Belshazzar; probably the same as "Astyages" the last king of the Medes (538 BC) 2) Darius, the son of Hystaspes, the founder of the Perso-Arian dynasty (521 BC) 3) Darius II or Darius III 3a) Darius II, Nothus (Ochus) was king of Persia during the time of Nehemiah (424/3-405/4 BC). Darius II is the most probable because he is mentioned by Nehemiah and ruled during the time of Nehemiah 3b) Darius III, Codomannus was king of Persia during its last years at the time of Alexander the Great and was his opponent (336-330 BC)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Darius. See also: Ezra 4:5; Haggai 1:15; Zechariah 7:1.
מֶֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
פָּרָֽס
Pâraç
H6539
"Persia"
N-proper
This word refers to the ancient country of Persia, which included a vast territory from India to Egypt. The Bible mentions Persia in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, where it plays a significant role in the history of the Israelites.
Definition: § Persia = "pure" or "splendid" the empire Persia; encompassed the territory from India on the east to Egypt and Thrace on the west, and included, besides portions of Europe and Africa, the whole of western Asia between the Black Sea, the Caucasus, the Caspian and the Jaxartes on the north, the Arabian desert, the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean on the south Persia proper was bounded on the west by Susiana or Elam, on the north by Media, on the south by the Persian Gulf and on the east by Carmania Persian, of Persia "pure" or "splendid"
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: Persia, Persians. See also: 2 Chronicles 36:20; Esther 1:3; Daniel 11:2.
Study Notes — Ezra 4:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezra 4:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezra 4:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 4:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezra 4:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 4:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 4:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezra 4:5
- Cambridge Bible on Ezra 4:5
- Barnes' Notes on Ezra 4:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 4:5
- Sermons on Ezra 4:5
Context — Adversaries Hinder the Work
3But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the other heads of the families of Israel replied, “You have no part with us in building a house for our God, since we alone must build it for the LORD, the God of Israel, as Cyrus king of Persia has commanded us.”
4Then the people of the land set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to build.
5They hired counselors against them to frustrate their plans throughout the reign of Cyrus king of Persia and down to the reign of Darius king of Persia.
6At the beginning of the reign of Xerxes, an accusation was lodged against the people of Judah and Jerusalem. 7And in the days of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of his associates wrote a letter to Artaxerxes. It was written in Aramaic and then translated.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nahum 1:11 | From you, O Nineveh, comes forth a plotter of evil against the LORD, a counselor of wickedness. |
| 2 | Ezra 5:5–18 | But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, so that they were not stopped until a report was sent to Darius and written instructions about this matter were returned. This is the text of the letter that Tattenai the governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates, the officials in the region, sent to King Darius. The report they sent him read as follows: To King Darius: All peace. Let it be known to the king that we went into the province of Judah, to the house of the great God. The people are rebuilding it with large stones, and placing timbers in the walls. This work is being carried out diligently and is prospering in their hands. So we questioned the elders and asked, “Who authorized you to rebuild this temple and restore this structure?” We also asked for their names, so that we could write down the names of their leaders for your information. And this is the answer they returned: “We are servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the temple that was built many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and completed. But since our fathers angered the God of heaven, He delivered them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, the Chaldean who destroyed this temple and carried away the people to Babylon. In his first year, however, Cyrus king of Babylon issued a decree to rebuild this house of God. He also removed from the temple of Babylon the gold and silver articles belonging to the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar had taken and carried there from the temple in Jerusalem. King Cyrus gave these articles to a man named Sheshbazzar, whom he appointed governor and instructed, ‘Take these articles, put them in the temple in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be rebuilt on its original site.’ So this Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundation of the house of God in Jerusalem, and from that time until now it has been under construction, but it has not yet been completed.” Now, therefore, if it pleases the king, let a search be made of the royal archives in Babylon to see if King Cyrus did indeed issue a decree to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. Then let the king send us his decision in this matter. |
| 3 | Psalms 2:1–2 | Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One: |
| 4 | Acts 24:1–27 | Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, who presented to the governor their case against Paul. When Paul had been called in, Tertullus opened the prosecution: “Because of you, we have enjoyed a lasting peace, and your foresight has brought improvements to this nation. In every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with all gratitude. But in order not to burden you any further, I beg your indulgence to hear us briefly. We have found this man to be a pestilence, stirring up dissension among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes, and he even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him. By examining him yourself, you will be able to learn the truth about all our charges against him.” The Jews concurred, asserting that these charges were true. When the governor motioned for Paul to speak, he began his response: “Knowing that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I gladly make my defense. You can verify for yourself that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. Yet my accusers did not find me debating with anyone in the temple or riling up a crowd in the synagogues or in the city. Nor can they prove to you any of their charges against me. I do confess to you, however, that I worship the God of our fathers according to the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, and I have the same hope in God that they themselves cherish, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man. After several years, then, I returned to Jerusalem to bring alms to my people and to present offerings. At the time they found me in the temple, I was ceremonially clean and was not inciting a crowd or an uproar. But there are some Jews from the province of Asia who ought to appear before you and bring charges, if they have anything against me. Otherwise, let these men state for themselves any crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin, unless it was this one thing I called out as I stood in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’” Then Felix, who was well informed about the Way, adjourned the hearing and said, “When Lysias the commander comes, I will decide your case.” He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard, but to allow him some freedom and permit his friends to minister to his needs. After several days, Felix returned with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul expounded on righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became frightened and said, “You may go for now. When I find the time, I will call for you.” At the same time, he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe. So he sent for Paul frequently and talked with him. After two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison. |
| 5 | Ezra 4:24 | Thus 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. |
Ezra 4:5 Summary
In Ezra 4:5, we see that the enemies of the Israelites hired counselors to give them bad advice and cause trouble. This is a reminder that, as believers, we will face spiritual opposition and that we need to trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Romans 8:28. We can apply this lesson to our own lives by being aware of the potential for bad counsel and by trusting in God's Word, as encouraged in Psalm 119:105 and Proverbs 3:5-6. By doing so, we can overcome spiritual opposition and fulfill God's plans for our lives, as described in Jeremiah 29:11 and Philippians 2:13.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to hire counselors against someone?
In Ezra 4:5, hiring counselors against the Israelites means that their enemies paid advisors to give bad advice and cause trouble for them, as seen in the book of Proverbs 26:24-26, where it warns against deceitful counsel.
Who were the counselors hired against the Israelites?
The Bible doesn't specify the names of the counselors, but it's clear that they were working against God's people, similar to the way that Satan works against believers, as described in 1 Peter 5:8.
What time period is being described in Ezra 4:5?
The verse mentions the reign of Cyrus king of Persia and down to the reign of Darius king of Persia, which is a time of transition and potential uncertainty for the Israelites, as also seen in the book of Isaiah 44:28 and 45:1, where God speaks about Cyrus and his role in history.
How can we apply the lesson of Ezra 4:5 to our own lives?
As believers, we can learn from this verse to be aware of the potential for spiritual opposition and to trust in God's sovereignty, as encouraged in Romans 8:28 and 31, where Paul reminds us that God works all things for our good and that we are more than conquerors in Him.
Reflection Questions
- How do I recognize and respond to spiritual opposition in my own life, and what are some biblical principles that can guide me?
- What are some ways that I can trust in God's sovereignty, even when faced with challenges and uncertainties, and how can I apply the lesson of Ezra 4:5 to my own situation?
- How can I distinguish between good and bad counsel, and what role should Scripture play in my decision-making process, as seen in Psalm 119:105 and Proverbs 3:5-6?
- What are some ways that I can support and encourage fellow believers who may be facing opposition or discouragement, and how can I be a source of biblical comfort and strength to them, as described in Galatians 6:2 and 1 Thessalonians 5:11?
Gill's Exposition on Ezra 4:5
And hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose,.... Either to advise and persuade the king of Persia's officers in those parts not to supply them with money, or to influence the great
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 4:5
And hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezra 4:5
Hired counsellors against them; who by their artifices and interests in the Persian court should give some stop to their work. All the days of Cyrus king of Persia; for though Cyrus still favoured the Jews, yet he was then diverted by his wars, and his son Cambyses was left his viceroy, who was a very wicked prince, and an enemy to the Jews and their religion. Even until the reign of Darius, Heb. and until, &c., i.e. not only in the reign of Cyrus, but also of Cambyses, and of the magician, after whom was this Darius; of whom see Ezra 5$ 6$.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 4:5
Ezra 4:5 And hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.Ver. 5. And hired counsellors against them] But good counsellors would not have been hired, either to bolster out a bad cause, or to outface a good; to justify the wicked for a reward, or to take away the righteousness of the righteous from him. There is a notable instance of this in Papinian, a Pagan counsellor. Thou mayest (said he to Antoninus, the fratricide) command my neck to the block, but not my tongue to the bar. I prize not my life to the pleading of an ill cause. These sordida poscinummia in the text were none such. Some think they were courtiers and counsellors to the king; such as by whom the king was even bought and sold, as Aurelian, the good emperor was, who might know nothing but as his counsellors informed him. This made Alphonsus, king of Aragon, say, that kings were herein most miserable, that whereas they abounded with all things else, the truth of matters they could seldom come by. All the days of Cyrus king of Persia] Who, warring abroad, committed the government of his kingdom to his son Cambyses, a light and lewd lowly, easily prevailed with to hinder so good a work. Even until the reign of Darius] i.e.
Of Darius Nothus, say some, the son of Artaxerxes Longimanus, the father of Artaxerxes Mnemon. But they do better, in my opinion, that understand the text of Darius Hystaspis, who succeeded Cambyses, and married his sister; seeking to ingratiate with the people by ratifying whatsoever Cyrus had decreed, and this of the temple among the rest, see Ezra 6:1.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 4:5
(5) And hired counsellors against them.—They adopted a systematic course of employing paid agents at the court: continued for eight years, till B.C. 529. Cambyses, his son, succeeded Cyrus; he died B.C. 522; then followed the pseudo-Smerdis, a usurper, whose short reign Darius did not reckon, but dated his own reign from B.C. 522. A comparison of dates shows that this was the first Darius, the son of Hystaspes.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezra 4:5
Verse 5. Hired counsellors] They found means to corrupt some of the principal officers of the Persian court, so that the orders of Cyrus were not executed; or at least so slowly as to make them nearly ineffectual. Until the reign of Darius] This was probably Darius the son of Hystaspes.
Cambridge Bible on Ezra 4:5
5. This verse describes one effectual method of opposition, ‘hired counsellors against them’. This will not necessarily imply that bribes were given to the king’s ministers referred to elsewhere (Ezra 7:28, Ezra 8:25) as ‘his counsellors’. We should in that case have had the word more definitely expressed as ‘the counsellors’ or ‘the king’s counsellors’. It rather means that ‘the people of the land’ paid officials (probably connected with the satrapy of Syria) to make unfavourable reports at the king’s Court respecting ‘the people of Judah’. hired] Cf. the application of Samaritan money within the Jewish community, Nehemiah 6:12-13. The word used with special reference to Balaam in Deuteronomy 23:4; Nehemiah 13:2. to frustrate their purpose] i.e. to render fruitless their cherished scheme of rebuilding the Temple. ‘Frustrate’ = ‘break’, Ezra 9:14. ‘Purpose’ = ‘counsel’ Ezra 10:3; Ezra 10:8; Nehemiah 4:15. The two words occur together Psalms 33:10 ‘The Lord bringeth the counsel of the nations to nought’. all the days of Cyrus, &c.] Cyrus died in 529. even until the reign of Darius king of Persia] Cyrus was succeeded by Cambyses, who died in 522. Pseudo-Smerdis then reigned for 7 months, and was succeeded by Darius Hystaspes 522. (Upon the disputed question of chronology raised in this verse, see the note on Ezra 4:7.) Darius, Darayavus, ‘the Preserver’ (Herod. VI. 98 translates ἑρξείης) gave order and system to the Persian Empire, of which he was the second founder.
Darius consolidated the successes of Cyrus. Like Augustus following upon Julius Cζsar, he gave, as a statesman, system and cohesion to the Empire, which he had inherited from his predecessor’s military genius.
Barnes' Notes on Ezra 4:5
Hired counselors - Rather, “bribed” officials at the Persian court to interpose delays and create difficulties, in order to hinder the work. Darius - i. e., Darius, the son of Hystaspes
Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 4:5
5. Hired counsellors against them — This is to be understood of such men as Bishlam and his companions, (Ezra 4:7,) who were commissioned and employed by the enemies of Judah to work with the
Sermons on Ezra 4:5
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Our Daily Homily - Ezra by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the divine stirring of Cyrus as a fulfillment of prophecy, highlighting the importance of prayer and obedience in responding to God's call. He reflects on the |
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The Eye of Their God Was Upon by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the comforting truth that God's watchful eye is upon His people, particularly in times of opposition and hardship, as illustrated by the Jews during their tem |
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(Revelation - Part 6): Reign of Christ a Divine Imperative by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the current state of the world and the need for deliverance from oppression and sin. He emphasizes the importance of a perfect leader who can |
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Bringing the Power of God Into Prayer by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of speaking and the impact it can have on someone's life. He shares a story from the Old Testament about three lepers who made a c |
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Pray Big and Pray Bold by Sundar Krishnan | This sermon emphasizes the power of intercessory prayer in shaping the future and creating a better world. It explores the concept of spiritual defiance through prayer, believing i |
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Articles of Engagement for Spiritual Warfare by Darrell Champlin | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of encountering a witch doctor and witnessing the power of God. The speaker describes how the witch doctor attempted to har |
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Abimelech by Charles Alexander | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the anointing of Saul as the first king of Israel. Samuel, the prophet, pours the royal anointing oil on Saul's head, declaring him to be the |