Ezra 4:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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};

Complete Jewish Bible

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,

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Ezra 4:1 marks a pivotal shift in the narrative of the post-exilic community, introducing the organized and immediate opposition faced by the returned exiles as they commenced the sacred task of rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. Following the joyful foundation-laying ceremony, this verse abruptly confronts the nascent community with the reality that their divine mandate would not proceed without significant external resistance, setting the stage for prolonged conflict and demonstrating the spiritual dimension inherent in the work of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a stark transition from the joyous celebration described in [Ezra 3](/ezra/3 "Ezra 3 - The Foundation of the Temple Laid") where the foundation of the second Temple was laid amidst great rejoicing and weeping. [Ezra 3:10-13](/ezra/3-10 "Ezra 3:10-13 - Laying the Foundation") vividly portrays the mixed emotions of the people—the younger generation celebrating, while older exiles who remembered Solomon's Temple wept at the comparatively humble beginnings. Ezra 4:1 immediately shatters this moment of spiritual triumph, introducing the "adversaries" who heard of the rebuilding efforts. This abrupt shift highlights the immediate challenge that follows spiritual progress, setting the stage for the protracted opposition detailed throughout the rest of [Ezra chapter 4](/ezra/4 "Ezra 4 - Opposition to the Rebuilding").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "children of the captivity" refer to the Jewish exiles, primarily from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, who had returned to Jerusalem following the decree of [Cyrus the Great in 538 BC](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1 - Cyrus's Decree"). This return was a fulfillment of prophetic promises (e.g., [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Seventy Years of Exile")). The "adversaries of Judah and Benjamin" are widely understood to be the Samaritans, a mixed population inhabiting the former Northern Kingdom of Israel. Their lineage was a blend of the remaining Israelites who were not deported by the Assyrians and various foreign peoples settled in the land after the fall of Samaria in [722 BC](/2_kings/17-24 "2 Kings 17:24 - Assyrian Resettlement"). Their religion was syncretistic, combining elements of Yahwism with pagan practices, leading to a deep-seated animosity with the returning, religiously purist Jews. Their hostility stemmed from a desire for regional control, religious jealousy, and a perceived threat to their own status and influence.

* **Key Themes:** Ezra 4:1 introduces several crucial themes that resonate throughout the book of Ezra and beyond. The most prominent is the **opposition to God's work**, illustrating that divine initiatives often provoke resistance from spiritual and human adversaries. This verse also underscores the theme of **perseverance in faith**, as the returned exiles, despite their initial joy, are immediately confronted with challenges that test their resolve and commitment to God's command to rebuild. Furthermore, it highlights the reality of **spiritual warfare**, where the visible human opposition is often a manifestation of deeper, unseen forces working against God's redemptive plans for His people, as seen in the broader biblical narrative of conflict between good and evil. This struggle for the re-establishment of pure worship in Jerusalem is a microcosm of the ongoing battle for God's kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Adversaries (Hebrew, _tsarim'_):** This term (צָרִים) is derived from the root צָרַר (_tsarar_), meaning "to bind," "to be narrow," "to distress," or "to be hostile." It conveys the sense of those who cause distress, trouble, or act as an enemy. In this context, it vividly describes individuals or groups who seek to constrict, harass, and hinder the progress of God's people, creating a "narrow" or difficult path for the work to proceed. It implies not just disagreement, but active, intentional hostility.
* **Children of the Captivity (Hebrew, _bene hagolah'_):** This phrase (בְּנֵי הַגּוֹלָה) literally translates to "sons of the exile" or "sons of the deportation." It specifically identifies the Jewish returnees from Babylon, emphasizing their recent history of displacement and their identity as those who had endured exile and were now being restored. This term underscores their vulnerability and their dependence on divine favor for their return and rebuilding efforts.
* **Builded (Hebrew, _bonim'_):** The Hebrew word (בּוֹנִים) is a present participle, indicating an ongoing action. It means "are building" or "were building." This highlights that the opposition arose not merely at the intention to build, but as the work was actively underway, signifying that the adversaries were reacting to tangible progress rather than just a plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard":** This opening clause immediately introduces the antagonists and their awareness of the rebuilding project. The specificity of "Judah and Benjamin" identifies the primary tribes of the returned exiles, emphasizing that the opposition was directed at the core of the restored community. Their "hearing" implies that the work was visible and significant enough to draw attention.
* **"that the children of the captivity builded the temple":** This clause specifies the object of the adversaries' attention and the reason for their concern. The "children of the captivity" are the Jewish returnees, actively engaged in the sacred task of rebuilding "the temple" (הַבַּיִת, _habayit_), referring to the central place of worship in Jerusalem. The active participle "builded" (or "were building") underscores that the work was in progress, not merely a plan, which likely intensified the adversaries' reaction.
* **"unto the LORD God of Israel;":** This concluding phrase is crucial, defining the ultimate purpose and recipient of the building project. The Temple was not merely a national monument but a sacred dwelling place dedicated "unto the LORD God of Israel." This theological emphasis reveals that the opposition was not just against a physical structure or a people, but fundamentally against the worship and glory of the God of Israel, making the conflict inherently spiritual.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 4:1 employs several significant literary devices. **Juxtaposition** is immediately evident as the verse sharply contrasts the jubilant atmosphere of [Ezra 3](/ezra/3 "Ezra 3 - The Foundation of the Temple Laid"), where the foundation was laid with shouts of joy, with the sudden emergence of hostile "adversaries." This creates a dramatic shift in tone and narrative focus. The verse also establishes clear **Antagonism**, immediately defining opposing forces: the "children of the captivity" (God's people) versus the "adversaries of Judah and Benjamin." This sets up the central conflict that will dominate the subsequent chapters. Furthermore, the introduction of this opposition serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the prolonged struggles, delays, and spiritual battles that the community will endure in their efforts to complete God's work, preparing the reader for the narrative of resistance that follows.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 4:1 is a powerful theological statement about the nature of God's redemptive work in the world. It reveals that significant spiritual progress often attracts immediate and intense opposition, highlighting the reality of spiritual warfare against the kingdom of God. The adversaries' attempt to hinder the rebuilding of the Temple is not merely a political or social conflict, but an attack on the re-establishment of pure worship and God's presence among His people. This verse underscores that God's plans, though sovereign, often unfold through human perseverance in the face of adversity, and that the very act of building for God can provoke the forces aligned against Him. It reminds us that faithfulness to God's call inevitably invites resistance, but also that God's ultimate purpose cannot be thwarted by human or demonic schemes.

* [Nehemiah 4:7-8](/nehemiah/4-7 "Nehemiah 4:7-8 - Opposition to Wall Rebuilding")
* [Psalm 124:1-8](/psalm/124 "Psalm 124 - If the LORD Had Not Been on Our Side")
* [1 Peter 5:8-9](/1_peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8-9 - Resist the Devil")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 4:1 provides a timeless lesson for believers and communities engaged in God's work today. Just as the rebuilding of the physical Temple in Jerusalem faced immediate and determined opposition, so too does the spiritual building of God's kingdom—whether in personal sanctification, church growth, or mission endeavors—often encounter resistance. This resistance can come from external sources, like the "adversaries" of Ezra's day, or from internal challenges such as discouragement, apathy, or division. The verse serves as a crucial reminder that opposition is not a sign of God's disfavor, but often an indicator that significant spiritual ground is being gained. It calls us to vigilance, discernment, and steadfastness, recognizing that our ultimate adversary seeks to derail God's purposes. Our response to such opposition, rooted in faith and dependence on God, determines the progress of His work through us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life or in our community have I observed "adversaries" rising up when God's work is progressing?**
* **How does understanding the spiritual dimension of opposition (as seen in Ezra 4:1) change my perspective on challenges?**
* **What practical steps can I take to remain steadfast and courageous when faced with resistance to God's call?**

### FAQ

**Who were "the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin" mentioned in Ezra 4:1?**

Answer: The "adversaries of Judah and Benjamin" are generally identified as the Samaritans. They were a mixed population inhabiting the region of Samaria, north of Jerusalem, descended from the remaining Israelites who were not exiled by the Assyrians and various foreign peoples whom the Assyrians settled in the land after the fall of the Northern Kingdom in [722 BC](/2_kings/17-24 "2 Kings 17:24 - Assyrian Resettlement"). Their religion was a syncretistic blend of Yahwism and pagan practices, which led to deep theological and cultural animosity with the returning Jewish exiles who sought to re-establish pure worship in Jerusalem. Their opposition was rooted in a desire for regional dominance and a rejection of the exclusive claim of Jerusalem as the center of true worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 4:1, with its depiction of opposition to the rebuilding of God's physical dwelling place, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. Jesus Christ Himself is the ultimate Temple, the true dwelling place of God among humanity, as He declared in [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection as the Temple's Destruction"). Just as the physical Temple faced adversaries, so too did Christ face relentless opposition from religious and political powers throughout His earthly ministry, culminating in His crucifixion (e.g., [Matthew 26:59-66](/matthew/26-59 "Matthew 26:59-66 - Jesus Before the Sanhedrin")). However, His resurrection demonstrated God's ultimate triumph over all adversaries, even death itself ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Furthermore, the Church, as the body of Christ, is now understood as the spiritual Temple of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - The Church as God's Dwelling")). Therefore, the opposition faced by the early Church, as documented in the book of Acts (e.g., [Acts 4:1-3](/acts/4-1 "Acts 4:1-3 - Peter and John Arrested")), mirrors the struggles in Ezra, confirming that the work of building God's kingdom, whether physical or spiritual, will always draw the resistance of those opposed to His divine purposes, until Christ's final victory is fully realized.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.