Ezra 4:11

KJV

This [is] the copy of the letter that they sent unto him, [even] unto Artaxerxes the king; Thy servants the men on this side the river, and at such a time.

KJV (with Strong's)

This {H1836} is the copy {H6573} of the letter {H104} that {H1768} they sent {H7972} unto him {H5922}, even unto Artaxerxes {H783} the king {H4430}; Thy servants {H5649} the men {H606} on this side {H5675} the river {H5103}, and at such a time {H3706}.

Complete Jewish Bible

(This is the text of the letter they sent him.) "To Artach'shashta the king from his servants the people beyond the River:

Berean Standard Bible

(This is the text of the letter they sent to him.) To King Artaxerxes, From your servants, the men west of the Euphrates:

American Standard Version

This is the copy of the letter that they sent unto Artaxerxes the king: Thy servants the men beyond the River, and so forth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 4:11 serves as the formal introduction to a pivotal letter dispatched by the adversaries of Judah to King Artaxerxes of Persia. This verse initiates a detailed account of the organized opposition's efforts to halt the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem, framing their communication as a respectful yet strategically hostile appeal to the highest imperial authority. It underscores the bureaucratic and political nature of the formidable challenges faced by the returning Jewish exiles, setting the stage for the king's subsequent decree that temporarily paused the sacred work.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 4:11 is strategically placed within a narrative that meticulously details the persistent and escalating opposition to the post-exilic rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. The preceding verses [Ezra 4:1-5](/ezra/4-1-5 "Ezra 4:1-5 - Initial Opposition to Temple Rebuilding") describe the initial, more direct attempts by "the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin" to hinder the work through discouragement, bribery, and intimidation. When these local tactics proved ineffective, the opposition escalated their efforts, briefly mentioning a letter sent to King Ahasuerus [Ezra 4:6](/ezra/4-6 "Ezra 4:6 - Opposition During Ahasuerus's Reign"). Ezra 4:7 then introduces a new phase of more formal opposition during the reign of Artaxerxes, involving specific influential officials such as Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, Rehum the commanding officer, and Shimshai the scribe. Ezra 4:8-10 lists the various ethnic and administrative groups involved in this formal complaint, emphasizing their collective identity as "the men on this side the River." Verse 11, therefore, functions as the precise opening of this crucial letter, marking a significant shift from local harassment to a formal, imperial appeal designed to legally obstruct the restoration project. It signals the beginning of the Aramaic section of Ezra (Ezra 4:8-6:18), indicating the official nature of the correspondence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in Ezra 4:11 unfold during the zenith of the Persian Empire's dominion over the Near East, specifically during the reign of Artaxerxes I Longimanus (465-424 BC). Following the benevolent decree of Cyrus the Great (538 BC), Jewish exiles had returned to Judah to rebuild their Temple, a project initially sanctioned and even funded by the Persian crown. The phrase "on this side the river" (Aramaic: `ʻabar naharaʼ`) refers to the Trans-Euphrates satrapy, a vast and strategically vital administrative region west of the Euphrates River that encompassed Syria, Phoenicia, Samaria, and Judah. The adversaries were local officials and inhabitants of this region—often of mixed Samaritan and other ethnic origins—who perceived the resurgence of Jewish autonomy and the rebuilding of Jerusalem as a direct threat to their own influence, economic interests, and regional security. Sending a formal letter to the king was the highest and most legitimate form of appeal within the sophisticated Persian administrative system, demonstrating their understanding of imperial bureaucracy and their intent to leverage royal authority to achieve their objectives. Such letters were meticulously crafted, often beginning with a formal address from "thy servants" to establish deference and loyalty before presenting their grievance.
* **Key Themes:** Ezra 4:11 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Ezra and the broader post-exilic narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **systematic and organized opposition** faced by God's people in fulfilling His purposes. This was not mere random hostility but a sophisticated, bureaucratic, and politically savvy campaign to undermine the rebuilding efforts, echoing the challenges faced later by Nehemiah in [rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem](/nehemiah/4 "Nehemiah 4 - Opposition to Rebuilding the Wall"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **abuse of authority** and the insidious use of misinformation. The adversaries, by identifying themselves as "thy servants," sought to present their biased case as a legitimate concern for royal interests, demonstrating how human power and political maneuvering can be wielded against divine plans. Thirdly, it implicitly underscores the **sovereignty of God** amidst human resistance. While the letter temporarily halted the work, God's ultimate plan for the Temple's completion would prevail, a theme consistent with the overarching message of divine faithfulness in the face of adversity, as seen in the later completion of the Temple in [Ezra 6](/ezra/6 "Ezra 6 - The Temple Completed"). This struggle also foreshadows the ongoing spiritual battle against the establishment of God's kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Copy (Aramaic, _parshegen'_):** This term (H6573) refers to a transcript or a duplicate of an official document. Its use here emphasizes that the communication to Artaxerxes was not an informal complaint but a meticulously prepared, legally framed document intended to carry significant weight and demand a royal response. It highlights the bureaucratic and formal nature of the opposition's strategy, indicating they were operating within the established legal and administrative channels of the Persian Empire.
* **Artaxerxes (Aramaic, _ʼArtachshashtâʼ'_):** This is the throne name (H783) for the Persian king. The Artaxerxes referenced here is widely identified as Artaxerxes I Longimanus, who reigned from 465 to 424 BC. His reign is historically significant as it also saw the missions of Ezra (in his seventh year, [Ezra 7:7](/ezra/7-7 "Ezra 7:7 - Ezra Arrives in Jerusalem")) and Nehemiah (in his twentieth year, [Nehemiah 2:1](/nehemiah/2-1 "Nehemiah 2:1 - Nehemiah's Prayer and Request")). The adversaries strategically appealed to a powerful monarch whose decree would carry absolute authority across the vast empire, demonstrating their understanding of the highest level of imperial power.
* **This side (Aramaic, _ʻăbar'_):** This word (H5675) signifies a region across or beyond, but in this context, when combined with "the river" (`nᵉhar`, H5103), it forms the administrative designation "Trans-Euphrates" or "Beyond the River." By identifying themselves as "the men on this side the river," the adversaries were asserting their collective identity and perceived jurisdiction within this significant Persian satrapy. This indicates that the opposition was not merely local but represented a broader regional concern among officials and peoples who felt their interests were threatened by the Jewish rebuilding efforts and the re-establishment of a strong Jewish presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This [is] the copy of the letter that they sent unto him, [even] unto Artaxerxes the king;":** This opening clause formally introduces the document that follows, signaling to the reader that the subsequent text is the exact content of the official communication. It immediately establishes the high stakes and the royal recipient, Artaxerxes, underscoring the gravity of the adversaries' appeal. The use of "copy" (Aramaic: `parshegen`) suggests that this was a record kept for official purposes, emphasizing its authenticity and formal nature, rather than a mere informal complaint. It highlights the deliberate and calculated nature of the opposition.
* **"Thy servants the men on this side the river,":** This phrase identifies the senders of the letter, framing their address. By beginning with "Thy servants," they adopt a posture of humility and submission to the king, a standard and expected protocol for addressing royalty in the ancient Near East. This deferential language was a rhetorical strategy to gain the king's favor and lend credibility to their subsequent accusations. The specific identification as "the men on this side the river" pinpoints their geographical and administrative location within the Trans-Euphrates satrapy, thereby asserting their collective authority and perceived right to address the king on matters concerning their region.
* **"and at such a time.":** This archaic KJV translation of the Aramaic `u-kᵉʻeneth` (H3706) is better understood as "and now" or "and so forth" or "and so on." It functions as a standard introductory phrase in ancient Near Eastern correspondence, serving as a formal transition from the salutation and identification of the senders to the actual body of the letter, which would detail their accusations and requests. It marks the commencement of the substantive content of the letter, indicating that the formal pleasantries are concluded and the core message is about to be delivered.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 4:11 employs several significant literary devices to set the stage for the unfolding conflict. It primarily functions as an **Epistolary Introduction**, serving as the formal opening to the letter that the adversaries sent to King Artaxerxes. This device immediately immerses the reader into the official correspondence, setting a serious and formal tone for the detailed accusations that follow. The verse also acts as a **Framing Device**, introducing the specific legal and political maneuver that the opponents employed to halt the Temple's reconstruction. By presenting the letter's opening, the author prepares the reader for the subsequent content, which details the false charges and the king's consequential response. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates **Formal Address**, typical of ancient royal correspondence. The phrase "Thy servants" establishes the hierarchical relationship between the senders and the king, emphasizing their subservience while simultaneously asserting their right and perceived authority to petition the monarch. This formal and respectful tone is a rhetorical strategy designed to gain the king's favor and lend credibility to their subsequent, often misleading, accusations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 4:11, by introducing the formal opposition to God's work, resonates with a profound theological truth: the advancement of God's kingdom often encounters fierce resistance from worldly powers. This resistance is not always overtly violent but can manifest through bureaucratic hurdles, political machinations, and the manipulation of legal systems. The adversaries' appeal to Artaxerxes highlights a recurring biblical theme where human authorities and systems, often unknowingly or willingly, set themselves against divine purposes. Yet, this verse also implicitly points to God's ultimate sovereignty, reminding us that no human decree or opposition can ultimately thwart His perfect plan, even if it causes temporary delays. It underscores the spiritual battle behind earthly events, where the forces of darkness seek to impede the building of God's dwelling place, whether it be a physical temple or His spiritual church. This opposition is a test of faith and perseverance for God's people, urging them to trust in His overarching control despite apparent setbacks.

* [Nehemiah 4:7-8](/nehemiah/4-7-8 "Nehemiah 4:7-8 - Opposition to Rebuilding the Wall")
* [Psalm 2:1-4](/psalms/2-1-4 "Psalm 2:1-4 - The Futility of Human Opposition to God")
* [Acts 5:38-39](/acts/5-38-39 "Acts 5:38-39 - Gamaliel's Counsel and God's Work")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of opposition in Ezra 4:11 offers timeless lessons for believers today. Just as the returning exiles faced organized, politically astute, and seemingly legitimate resistance to their God-given task, so too can followers of Christ expect opposition when seeking to advance God's kingdom in various spheres—whether in ministry, community engagement, or personal spiritual growth. This verse reminds us that such resistance may not always come from obvious enemies but can emerge from bureaucratic channels, legal challenges, or influential figures who perceive God's work as a threat to their established order or interests. It calls us to a posture of discernment, recognizing the spiritual forces at play behind earthly opposition, and to a spirit of perseverance, trusting that God's purposes will ultimately prevail, even if His plans are temporarily delayed by human decree. Our faith is not in the absence of obstacles, but in the God who sovereignly works through and beyond them, often using the very opposition to refine His people and demonstrate His power. We are called to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves, navigating complex situations with integrity and unwavering reliance on divine wisdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you identify and respond to "official" or "legitimate" forms of opposition to God's work in your life or community today?**
* **What lessons can we draw from the adversaries' strategic use of bureaucracy and power, and how can believers navigate similar challenges with wisdom, integrity, and prayer?**
* **In what ways does the temporary halting of the Temple's rebuilding remind us of God's timing and our need for patient perseverance in faith, even when immediate results are not seen?**

### FAQ

**Who were "the men on this side the river"?**

Answer: "The men on this side the river" refers to the inhabitants and officials of the Trans-Euphrates satrapy, a large administrative region of the Persian Empire located west of the Euphrates River. This region included Judea, Syria, Phoenicia, and Samaria. These individuals, often of mixed ethnic and religious backgrounds, viewed the rebuilding of Jerusalem and its Temple by the returning Jewish exiles as a direct threat to their regional influence, control, and security. They were local adversaries who sought to undermine the Jewish community's re-establishment and autonomy, fearing a resurgence of Jewish power could disrupt the existing political and economic balance in the province.

**Why did they oppose the rebuilding of the Temple?**

Answer: Their opposition stemmed from a complex mix of political, economic, and deeply rooted animosity. Politically, they likely feared the re-emergence of a strong, independent Jewish state in their midst, which could challenge their authority or lead to unrest and potential rebellion against Persian rule. Economically, a thriving Jerusalem might divert trade or resources away from their own cities. Furthermore, there was a historical and religious animosity, clearly seen in [Ezra 4:1-3](/ezra/4-1-3 "Ezra 4:1-3 - Adversaries Offer to Help, Are Refused"), where the Jews refused their offer to help rebuild, viewing them as ritually unclean and spiritually compromised. This refusal likely fueled their resentment, leading them to actively seek the cessation of the building project. Their letter to Artaxerxes specifically accused the Jews of rebuilding a rebellious city that would refuse tribute and ultimately harm the king's interests [Ezra 4:12-16](/ezra/4-12-16 "Ezra 4:12-16 - The Adversaries' Accusation to King Artaxerxes"), demonstrating their calculated effort to align their opposition with imperial concerns.

**What was the significance of sending a letter to Artaxerxes?**

Answer: Sending a formal letter to Artaxerxes was the highest and most legitimate means of appeal within the vast Persian imperial system. It signified that the adversaries had exhausted local methods of opposition (like discouragement and bribery, as in [Ezra 4:4-5](/ezra/4-4-5 "Ezra 4:4-5 - Adversaries Discourage the People")) and were now escalating their efforts to the supreme authority. A royal decree from the king was absolute and binding across the entire empire. By framing their complaint as a matter of imperial security and revenue, they sought to leverage the king's power to legally and definitively halt the rebuilding of the Temple. This action demonstrates their sophisticated understanding of Persian bureaucracy and their determination to thwart God's work through official channels, highlighting the formidable and organized nature of the opposition.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 4:11, with its depiction of organized opposition to the rebuilding of God's physical dwelling place, powerfully foreshadows the spiritual opposition faced by Christ, the ultimate Temple, and His ongoing work of building His Church. Just as the adversaries sought to halt the construction in Jerusalem through political machinations and false accusations, so too did the religious and political powers of Jesus' day conspire against Him, ultimately leading to His crucifixion. Yet, Jesus declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking of the temple of His body [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus' Body as the Temple"). His resurrection stands as the ultimate triumph over all earthly and spiritual opposition, proving that no human decree or power can thwart God's eternal plan. Furthermore, Jesus promised, "I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Jesus Builds His Church"). The temporary delay in Ezra's time reminds us that while God's work may face resistance and setbacks, Christ's kingdom ultimately triumphs over all principalities and powers [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers"), ensuring that His church will be built and His reign will extend over all the earth [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Christ"). The opposition in Ezra is a type of the ongoing spiritual warfare against the establishment of God's kingdom, which finds its ultimate victory in Christ.

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.