Ezra 4:10

KJV

And the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Asnappar brought over, and set in the cities of Samaria, and the rest [that are] on this side the river, and at such a time.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the rest {H7606} of the nations {H524} whom {H1768} the great {H7229} and noble {H3358} Asnappar {H620} brought over {H1541}, and set {H3488}{H1994} in the cities {H7149} of Samaria {H8115}, and the rest {H7606} that are on this side {H5675} the river {H5103}, and at such a time {H3706}.

Complete Jewish Bible

the other nations whom the great and noble Asnapar deported and settled in Shomron, and the others who remain in the country beyond the [Euphrates] River."

Berean Standard Bible

and the rest of the peoples whom the great and honorable Ashurbanipal deported and settled in the cities of Samaria and elsewhere west of the Euphrates.

American Standard Version

and the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Osnappar brought over, and set in the city of Samaria, and in the rest of the country beyond the River, and so forth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 4:10 is a crucial verse within a letter penned by the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin to King Artaxerxes, aiming to halt the reconstruction of the Jerusalem temple. This specific passage meticulously lists the diverse ethnic groups and populations that had been forcibly resettled by Assyrian imperial policy into the cities of Samaria and the broader Trans-Euphrates region, thereby forming the multi-ethnic and often hostile demographic that opposed the returning Jewish exiles.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a formal letter of accusation (Ezra 4:7-16) sent by Rehum the commanding officer and Shimshai the scribe, along with their associates, to King Artaxerxes I of Persia. The letter's purpose is to persuade the king to stop the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem, portraying the Jews as rebellious and a threat to imperial authority. Verse 10 serves as a detailed enumeration of the diverse peoples who are signatories to this letter or represent the collective "adversaries" mentioned earlier in the chapter (e.g., [Ezra 4:1](/ezra/4-1 "Ezra 4:1 - Adversaries of Judah and Benjamin")). It follows a general statement about the opposition (e.g., [Ezra 4:4](/ezra/4-4 "Ezra 4:4 - Weakening the Hands of the People")) and precedes the specific charges leveled against Jerusalem. The inclusion of this detailed list of nations adds weight and credibility to the adversaries' claims, demonstrating the broad consensus of opposition from various segments of the empire's population in the region.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The mention of "Asnappar" (widely identified as Ashurbanipal, the last great king of Assyria, reigned c. 668-627 BC) points to a significant historical practice: the Assyrian policy of forced population transfer. This strategy was designed to break nationalistic loyalties, prevent rebellions, and integrate conquered territories by mixing diverse populations. These transplanted peoples, originating from various parts of the vast Assyrian empire, were settled in Samaria after the fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel in 722 BC (as detailed in [2 Kings 17:24-41](/2_kings/17-24 "2 Kings 17:24-41 - Origins of the Samaritans")). Over generations, these groups intermarried and developed a syncretistic culture and religion, forming the basis of what would become the Samaritan people. The phrase "on this side the river" refers to the region west of the Euphrates River, known in Aramaic as *Abar Nahara* (Trans-Euphrates), which was a major satrapy (province) of the Persian Empire. This geographical designation underscores the vast administrative reach of the Persian Empire and the imperial context in which the letter was written, highlighting the adversaries' awareness of and appeal to established imperial structures.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes within the book of Ezra and the broader post-exilic narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Diverse Opposition** faced by the Jewish returnees. The adversaries were not a monolithic group but a collection of peoples with varied origins, united in their resistance to the rebuilding efforts. This underscores the complexity of the challenges faced by those seeking to re-establish God's people and worship. Secondly, it illustrates the pervasive nature of **Imperial Administration and Control**, demonstrating how vast empires like Assyria and Persia exerted their authority through policies of population resettlement and bureaucratic oversight. This imperial backdrop is crucial for understanding the political landscape in which the Jews operated. Finally, the verse provides critical insight into the **Root of Samaritan Identity and Conflict**. By listing the nations brought by Ashurbanipal, it traces the historical origins of the mixed ethnic and religious identity that characterized the Samaritans, explaining the deep-seated rivalry and animosity between them and the Jews that persisted for centuries, as seen in later biblical accounts and historical records.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Asnappar (Aramaic, _'Asnappar'_):** This name, found only here in the biblical text, is widely accepted by scholars as a transliteration of Ashurbanipal, the last great king of the Neo-Assyrian Empire (reigned 668-627 BC). His reign was marked by extensive military campaigns, the collection of a vast library, and, crucially for this context, the policy of forcibly relocating conquered populations to maintain control and prevent rebellion. The reference to him here serves to historically ground the presence of these diverse peoples in Samaria, attributing their settlement to a well-known and powerful historical figure, thereby lending authority to the adversaries' claim.
* **on this side the river (Aramaic, _'Abar Nahara'_):** This is a direct translation of an official Persian administrative term meaning "beyond the river" (referring to the Euphrates River from the perspective of the Persian capital). It designated the satrapy encompassing Syria, Phoenicia, and Palestine, including the region of Judah. Its use here indicates the specific geographical and administrative jurisdiction from which the letter originates and to which the enumerated peoples belong, emphasizing the broad regional opposition to Jerusalem's rebuilding efforts and the imperial reach of the adversaries' influence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Asnappar brought over":** This clause identifies the core group of adversaries as the descendants of various peoples forcibly relocated by Ashurbanipal (Asnappar). The description "great and noble" is an honorific, perhaps used by the adversaries to impress Artaxerxes or simply a standard title for such a powerful historical figure, underscoring the imperial authority behind their presence in the region. This detail establishes the historical precedent for the multi-ethnic composition of Samaria.
* **"and set in the cities of Samaria":** This specifies the destination of these relocated populations. Samaria, the former capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, became a key administrative center under Assyrian and then Persian rule. The settlement of these diverse groups in its cities led to the mixed ethnic and religious identity of the Samaritans, setting the stage for future conflicts with the returning Jewish exiles.
* **"and the rest [that are] on this side the river, and at such a time":** This final clause broadens the scope of the adversaries beyond just those in Samaria to include all other peoples within the vast Trans-Euphrates satrapy who joined in the opposition. The phrase "and at such a time" is somewhat ambiguous in English but likely refers to the specific moment of the letter's writing, indicating that these groups are currently present and actively participating in the opposition. It reinforces the widespread nature of the resistance to the Jewish rebuilding efforts.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 4:10 effectively employs **Enumeration** and **Historical Reference** to bolster the credibility and weight of the adversaries' letter to King Artaxerxes. By listing "the rest of the nations" and specifically naming "Asnappar" (Ashurbanipal), the text provides a detailed, almost bureaucratic, account of the multi-ethnic composition of the region. This **Historical Reference** to a well-known Assyrian king's policy of population transfer grounds the adversaries' claims in verifiable historical fact, demonstrating that their presence in Samaria was not incidental but a result of imperial decree. Furthermore, the inclusion of the administrative term "on this side the river" (Trans-Euphrates) utilizes **Geographical Specificity**, reinforcing the official and widespread nature of the opposition within a recognized Persian satrapy. These devices collectively serve to present a formidable and legitimate front of opposition, designed to convince the king of the widespread threat posed by the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 4:10, by detailing the diverse composition of the adversaries, underscores a recurring biblical theme: the opposition to God's work and His people often comes from varied and unexpected sources. This verse highlights how imperial policies, designed for political control, inadvertently created a demographic mix that would become a persistent obstacle to the restoration of Judah. Yet, even within this narrative of resistance, the meticulous detail of the biblical record testifies to God's sovereign oversight, revealing the authenticity of the challenges faced by the exiles and the divine faithfulness that ultimately triumphs over all human opposition. It reminds us that God's plans are often fulfilled not in the absence of adversity, but through it, as His people learn perseverance and reliance on His strength.

* [Nehemiah 4:7-8](/nehemiah/4-7 "Nehemiah 4:7-8 - Opposition to Rebuilding the Wall")
* [Psalm 2:1-4](/psalm/2-1 "Psalm 2:1-4 - The Futility of Opposition to God's Anointed")
* [Isaiah 54:17](/isaiah/54-17 "Isaiah 54:17 - No Weapon Formed Against You Shall Prosper")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed listing of adversaries in Ezra 4:10 offers a profound lesson for believers today: the work of God will invariably face opposition, and this resistance often comes from a multitude of sources, some historically rooted, others seemingly spontaneous. Just as the returning exiles encountered a multi-ethnic coalition united against their divine mandate, so too might we find varied forms of resistance when pursuing God's call in our lives, whether individually or corporately. This verse encourages us to understand the nature of such opposition, recognizing that it is not merely personal but often systemic, rooted in historical grievances, cultural differences, or even imperial policies that clash with God's kingdom agenda. It calls us to discernment, to identify the true source and nature of the challenges we face, and to remember that despite the strength and diversity of the opposition, God's ultimate plan will prevail. Our task is to persevere in faith, trusting in His sovereignty even when the odds seem stacked against us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the diverse nature of the opposition in Ezra 4:10 help us to better navigate challenges in our own lives or ministries?**
* **In what ways might historical or cultural factors contribute to the opposition we face when seeking to do God's will today?**
* **What lessons can we draw from the perseverance of the Jewish exiles in the face of such widespread and deeply rooted resistance?**

### FAQ
**Who was "Asnappar" and why is his mention significant here?**

Answer: "Asnappar" is widely identified as Ashurbanipal, the last great king of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, who reigned from approximately 668 to 627 BC. His mention is highly significant because he was known for his extensive policy of forced population transfers. After conquering territories, the Assyrians would deport large segments of the population and resettle them in other parts of the empire, replacing them with peoples from different regions. This practice was designed to break nationalistic loyalties and prevent rebellion. Therefore, when Ezra 4:10 states that "Asnappar brought over" these nations and "set [them] in the cities of Samaria," it provides the historical and demographic explanation for the multi-ethnic composition of Samaria, which later formed the basis of the Samaritan people and their long-standing rivalry with the Jews. This historical detail adds weight and credibility to the adversaries' letter to King Artaxerxes, as it grounds their presence in the region in a well-known imperial policy.

**What does "on this side the river" refer to in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "on this side the river" is a direct translation of the Aramaic term *'Abar Nahara*, which literally means "beyond the river." From the perspective of the Persian imperial capital (which was east of the Euphrates), this term designated the vast satrapy (province) that lay to the west of the great Euphrates River. This administrative region encompassed Syria, Phoenicia, and Palestine, including the territory of Judah and Samaria. Its inclusion in Ezra 4:10 signifies that the opposition to the rebuilding of Jerusalem was not confined to just the immediate Samaritan region but was a widespread phenomenon across the entire Trans-Euphrates province, indicating a broader, more organized resistance that involved various peoples under Persian imperial administration. This detail highlights the significant political and geographical scope of the adversaries' influence and their appeal to the Persian king.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 4:10, with its detailed account of diverse adversaries united against the rebuilding of God's temple, serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the pervasive opposition faced by God's ultimate Temple, Jesus Christ, and His Church. Just as the returning exiles encountered a coalition of peoples rooted in historical displacement and political maneuvering, so too did Christ face a multifaceted resistance – from religious leaders, political authorities, and even the general populace at times. The "nations" brought over by Asnappar find their ultimate parallel in the world's systems and powers that array themselves against the Lord and His Anointed One, as prophesied in [Psalm 2:1-2](/psalm/2-1 "Why do the nations rage?"). Yet, the narrative of Ezra, despite the temporary halt in construction, ultimately culminates in the temple's completion, pointing to the victorious and unstoppable nature of God's redemptive plan. This finds its glorious fulfillment in Jesus, the true [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who, through His crucifixion and resurrection, triumphed over all the powers of darkness and opposition ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph over Principalities and Powers")). The Church, as the spiritual temple (e.g., [1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You are God's Temple")), continues to face opposition from diverse sources, yet like the ancient temple, it is ultimately built upon the unshakeable foundation of Christ, against whom even the gates of hell shall not prevail ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Church Built on the Rock")).

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.