Ezra 4:1

ΒΆ Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto the LORD God of Israel;

Now when the adversaries {H6862} of Judah {H3063} and Benjamin {H1144} heard {H8085} that the children {H1121} of the captivity {H1473} builded {H1129} the temple {H1964} unto the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478};

When the enemies of Y'hudah and Binyamin heard that the people from the exile were building a temple to ADONAI the God of Isra'el,

When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were building a temple for the LORD, the God of Israel,

Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity were building a temple unto Jehovah, the God of Israel;

Commentary

Ezra 4:1 introduces a significant turning point in the post-exilic history of Israel: the emergence of organized opposition to the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. After decades in Babylonian captivity, the returned Jewish exiles, primarily from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, had begun the monumental task of restoring their spiritual and national center.

Context

This verse immediately follows the joyous laying of the temple's foundation, as described in Ezra chapter 3. The return to Jerusalem was made possible by King Cyrus's decree, which permitted the Jews to return and rebuild the house of the LORD. The "children of the captivity" refers to these Jewish exiles who had returned to their homeland under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua.

The "adversaries of Judah and Benjamin" are generally understood to be the Samaritans, a mixed population living in the northern territories of Israel. Their lineage was a blend of the remaining Israelites who were not taken into exile and various foreign peoples whom the Assyrians had settled in the land after the fall of the Northern Kingdom. They practiced a syncretistic religion, combining elements of Israelite worship with pagan customs. Their hostility stemmed from a desire to control the region and perhaps a religious jealousy or disdain for the pure worship being re-established in Jerusalem.

Key Themes

  • Opposition to God's Work: The primary theme is the immediate and direct resistance faced by those attempting to fulfill God's will. This often occurs when significant spiritual progress is being made.
  • Perseverance in Faith: Despite the joy of rebuilding, the exiles are quickly confronted with challenges, highlighting the need for steadfastness and courage in the face of adversity.
  • Spiritual Warfare: The opposition here is not merely political or social; it has a spiritual dimension, reflecting a broader pattern of resistance against God's redemptive plans.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "adversaries" (צָרִים - tsarim) carries the meaning of "those who distress" or "those who are narrow." It often implies someone who constricts, harasses, or acts as an enemy. This highlights their intent to hinder and oppress the builders, creating a difficult and narrow path for the work to proceed.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless reminder that when God's people embark on a significant work for Him, opposition is often inevitable. Whether it's personal spiritual growth, church building, or mission work, challenges can arise from various sources. Just as the returned exiles faced external resistance, we too may encounter "adversaries" seeking to discourage or halt progress. The response of the "children of the captivity" in the subsequent verses (Ezra 4:4-5) shows their initial resolve, teaching us to remain vigilant and committed to God's purposes, even when faced with significant obstacles. This narrative underscores the importance of a clear vision and unwavering faith in the face of spiritual resistance, much like the challenges faced in Nehemiah's rebuilding efforts.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezra 1:11

    All the vessels of gold and of silver [were] five thousand and four hundred. All [these] did Sheshbazzar bring up with [them of] the captivity that were brought up from Babylon unto Jerusalem.

  • 1 Kings 5:4

    But now the LORD my God hath given me rest on every side, [so that there is] neither adversary nor evil occurrent.

  • 1 Kings 5:5

    And, behold, I purpose to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God, as the LORD spake unto David my father, saying, Thy son, whom I will set upon thy throne in thy room, he shall build an house unto my name.

  • Daniel 9:25

    Know therefore and understand, [that] from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince [shall be] seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.

  • Ezra 10:16

    And the children of the captivity did so. And Ezra the priest, [with] certain chief of the fathers, after the house of their fathers, and all of them by [their] names, were separated, and sat down in the first day of the tenth month to examine the matter.

  • Ezra 7:9

    For upon the first [day] of the first month began he to go up from Babylon, and on the first [day] of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him.

  • Ezra 4:7

    And in the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of their companions, unto Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the writing of the letter [was] written in the Syrian tongue, and interpreted in the Syrian tongue.
← Back