Ezra 4:19

KJV

And I commanded, and search hath been made, and it is found that this city of old time hath made insurrection against kings, and [that] rebellion and sedition have been made therein.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I {H4481} commanded {H7761}{H2942}, and search {H1240} hath been made, and it is found {H7912} that this {H1791} city {H7149} of {H4481} old {H5957} time {H3118} hath made insurrection {H5376} against {H5922} kings {H4430}, and that rebellion {H4776} and sedition {H849} have been made {H5648} therein.

Complete Jewish Bible

I ordered a search made, and it was found that this city has a long history of revolt against kings, that rebellion and sedition have been fostered there;

Berean Standard Bible

I issued a decree, and a search was conducted. It was discovered that this city has revolted against kings from ancient times, engaging in rebellion and sedition.

American Standard Version

And I decreed, and search hath been made, and it is found that this city of old time hath made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been made therein.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 4:19 records King Artaxerxes' definitive response to the accusations leveled against the Jewish exiles rebuilding Jerusalem. Following a thorough investigation of royal archives, the king's decree confirms the historical reputation of Jerusalem as a city prone to rebellion and insurrection against previous monarchs. This historical finding, though potentially manipulated by adversaries, provided the Persian king with a basis to halt the reconstruction efforts, demonstrating the significant impact of past records on present political decisions and the persistent opposition faced by God's people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a critical section of Ezra (chapters 4-6) that details the opposition faced by the returning Jewish exiles in their efforts to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. Specifically, it follows a letter of accusation sent to King Artaxerxes by the adversaries—Rehum the commanding officer, Shimshai the scribe, and their associates (Ezra 4:8-10). Their letter, recorded in Aramaic, falsely portrayed the Jews as rebellious and warned the king that a rebuilt Jerusalem would refuse tribute and undermine his authority (Ezra 4:12-16). Ezra 4:17-18 describes Artaxerxes' receipt and reading of this letter. Verse 19 then presents the king's direct command for an investigation into the city's past, leading to the discovery of its rebellious history, which subsequently informs his decree to halt the building work (Ezra 4:21-22). This immediate literary context highlights the direct cause-and-effect relationship between the accusations, the historical findings, and the resulting royal injunction.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Ezra 4:19 unfold during the reign of Artaxerxes I (465-424 BC), a Persian king. The Persian Empire was vast and meticulously organized, relying heavily on official records and archives to govern its diverse territories. Major administrative centers like Babylon and Ecbatana (mentioned in Ezra 6:2) housed extensive historical documents that could be consulted for legal and political decisions, as demonstrated by Artaxerxes' command for a search. Jerusalem, though a small province, had a long and turbulent history, particularly during the Assyrian and Babylonian periods, characterized by numerous revolts against imperial powers. These historical rebellions, such as those against Sennacherib of Assyria or Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, were well-documented by the conquering empires and would have been readily accessible in the royal archives. The Samaritans and other peoples settled in the region, who were the primary accusers, likely knew of Jerusalem's past and skillfully leveraged this historical truth to serve their own agenda of hindering the Jewish rebuilding efforts.
* **Key Themes:** Ezra 4:19 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Ezra and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **persistent opposition to God's work** and His people. From the moment of their return, the exiles faced resistance, which escalated from discouragement to direct political interference, illustrating that divine purposes often encounter human resistance (a theme echoed in [Nehemiah 4](/nehemiah/4 "Nehemiah 4 - Opposition to Rebuilding the Wall")). Secondly, the verse highlights the **power and double-edged nature of historical records and narratives**. While records are essential for governance, they can be selectively interpreted or weaponized to create damaging narratives, even when based on factual history. The king's decision was based on "truth" from the archives, yet it served to impede God's will. Lastly, it subtly points to **God's ultimate sovereignty**, even when His plans appear to be thwarted by human decrees. Though the work was temporarily halted, the narrative of Ezra ultimately demonstrates that God would ensure the temple's completion, illustrating His control over the hearts of kings and the course of history, as seen in [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Lord's Hand").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Insurrection (Aramaic, _merad_):** This term signifies a state of rebellion or revolt, a deliberate uprising against established authority. In the context of ancient empires, it referred to a serious act of defiance that challenged the very foundation of imperial rule, often punishable by severe measures. The discovery of Jerusalem's history of "insurrection" would have immediately raised red flags for any reigning monarch concerned with maintaining control over his vast territories.
* **Rebellion (Aramaic, _nisi'ah_):** Derived from a root meaning "to lift up" or "to raise," this word denotes the act of rising up in defiance or revolt. When applied to a city, it suggests a persistent tendency or historical pattern of its inhabitants to challenge and overthrow the ruling power. Its inclusion alongside "insurrection" emphasizes the deep-seated nature of Jerusalem's perceived defiance.
* **Sedition (Aramaic, _'ashu_):** This term refers to the stirring up of strife, trouble, or revolt. It implies not just a single act of rebellion but an ongoing propensity to cause unrest and instability within the kingdom. The combination of these three strong terms paints a picture of Jerusalem as a historically problematic city, prone to internal unrest and external defiance against its overlords, making the accusers' claims highly credible in the eyes of Artaxerxes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I commanded, and search hath been made":** This opening phrase reveals the king's direct and authoritative action. Upon receiving the accusations, Artaxerxes did not immediately condemn the Jews but initiated a formal, bureaucratic process—a search of the royal archives. This highlights the administrative diligence of the Persian Empire and its reliance on documented history for governance.
* **"and it is found that this city of old time hath made insurrection against kings":** This is the core finding of the royal investigation. The search confirmed that Jerusalem had a long-standing historical pattern of rebelling against various kings, not just one. The phrase "of old time" emphasizes that this was not a recent phenomenon but a deeply ingrained characteristic of the city's past, reinforcing the credibility of the accusers' claims from a historical perspective.
* **"and [that] rebellion and sedition have been made therein":** This clause reiterates and amplifies the previous statement, using synonymous terms to underscore the severity and consistency of Jerusalem's rebellious history. The accumulation of "insurrection," "rebellion," and "sedition" paints a comprehensive picture of a city known for its defiant spirit and capacity to cause political unrest, thus justifying the king's subsequent decision to halt the rebuilding work.

#### Literary Devices
The language of Ezra 4:19 employs a **Bureaucratic Tone** and **Legal Language**, characteristic of official royal decrees in the ancient Near East. The formal declaration, "And I commanded, and search hath been made, and it is found," establishes the authority and legitimacy of the king's actions, presenting the findings as objective and irrefutable. There is an element of **Repetition** and **Emphasis** through the use of near-synonyms like "insurrection," "rebellion," and "sedition." This rhetorical device serves to underscore the gravity of Jerusalem's historical reputation and to justify the king's decisive response. Furthermore, there is a subtle **Irony** at play: Jerusalem, the city chosen by God to bear His name and be the center of His worship, is here depicted by human authorities as a persistent source of political unrest and defiance. This contrast highlights the tension between divine purpose and human perception, a recurring theme in biblical narratives.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 4:19 serves as a stark reminder that God's work often faces significant opposition, even from seemingly legitimate sources or historical facts. The adversaries skillfully leveraged Jerusalem's documented past rebellions to create a narrative that would hinder the temple's reconstruction. This illustrates that truth, when taken out of its full context or presented with malicious intent, can be weaponized against righteous endeavors. The theological implication is that those engaged in God's kingdom work should anticipate such resistance, understanding that it is part of the spiritual battle. However, the ultimate triumph of God's purposes, despite temporary setbacks, remains a foundational truth. This verse also implicitly highlights the complex identity of Jerusalem itself—a city chosen by God, yet historically prone to human sin and rebellion against earthly and heavenly kings.

* [Nehemiah 4:7-8](/nehemiah/4-7 "Nehemiah 4:7-8 - Opposition to Nehemiah's Rebuilding")
* [Acts 5:38-39](/acts/5-38 "Acts 5:38-39 - Gamaliel's Counsel")
* [Isaiah 54:17](/isaiah/54-17 "Isaiah 54:17 - No Weapon Formed Against You Shall Prosper")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The historical findings in Ezra 4:19, though true in isolation, were wielded by adversaries to halt a divinely ordained work. This situation offers a profound lesson for believers today: opposition to God's will can arise from unexpected places, sometimes even cloaked in the guise of factual accuracy or legal procedure. We must be discerning, understanding that not every "truth" presented against us is intended for good, and that malicious intent can twist even legitimate information. When facing such challenges in our ministries or personal lives, this passage calls us to perseverance and trust in God's ultimate sovereignty. Even when human authorities or circumstances seem to block the path, we are reminded that God's plans cannot ultimately be thwarted. Our response should be to pray for wisdom, to continue to seek God's will, and to patiently wait for His timing, knowing that He oversees all human affairs.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you discern between legitimate concerns and accusations designed to hinder God's work in your life or ministry?**
* **What is your typical reaction when faced with opposition or setbacks in endeavors you believe are God-ordained?**
* **In what ways might historical or past "facts" about your own life or community be used (rightly or wrongly) to create a narrative that impacts current efforts?**
* **How does the temporary halting of the temple work, followed by its eventual completion, encourage your faith in God's sovereignty?**

### FAQ
**Why was Jerusalem considered rebellious by ancient kings?**

Answer: Jerusalem had a long and documented history of political insubordination and revolt against the various empires that sought to control it. Throughout the Assyrian and Babylonian periods, its kings and people often rebelled against their overlords, leading to sieges, destruction, and exile. For example, King Hezekiah's revolt against Sennacherib of Assyria ([2 Kings 18:7](/2_kings/18-7 "2 Kings 18:7 - Hezekiah's Rebellion Against Assyria")) and King Zedekiah's rebellion against Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon ([2 Kings 24:20](/2_kings/24-20 "2 Kings 24:20 - Zedekiah's Rebellion Against Babylon")) are well-known instances. These historical precedents, recorded in imperial archives, made the accusations of the adversaries in Ezra 4:19 highly credible to King Artaxerxes, who would have viewed any potential resurgence of such behavior as a direct threat to Persian stability.

**Did the king's findings truly justify stopping the rebuilding of the temple?**

Answer: From a purely legal and political perspective within the Persian Empire, the historical findings of Jerusalem's rebellious past provided a legitimate basis for Artaxerxes' concern and his decision to halt the rebuilding of the city's walls and temple. The king was acting to protect his empire's stability, based on the evidence presented to him. However, from a divine perspective, this was a temporary setback to God's redemptive plan. The Jews were not rebuilding in rebellion but in obedience to God's command to restore His house. While the historical facts were true, their application by the adversaries was malicious, aimed at hindering God's work. Ultimately, God's purpose prevailed, and the temple was completed during the reign of Darius (as seen later in [Ezra 6:14-15](/ezra/6-14 "Ezra 6:14-15 - Completion of the Temple")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 4:19, with its depiction of Jerusalem's historical reputation for rebellion and the subsequent opposition faced by God's people, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. While the earthly Jerusalem was a city prone to insurrection against human kings, it was also the very city that would ultimately reject its true King, Jesus Christ. He came not to lead a political rebellion against Rome, but to establish a spiritual kingdom, yet He was falsely accused of sedition and treason against Caesar ([Luke 23:2](/luke/23-2 "Luke 23:2 - Accusations Against Jesus")). The opposition faced by the returning exiles foreshadows the greater opposition Christ and His church would endure from both religious and political authorities ([John 15:20](/john/15-20 "John 15:20 - Persecution of Believers")). However, unlike the earthly city whose history was marred by rebellion, Christ inaugurates a new covenant and builds a spiritual temple—His church—against which "the gates of hell shall not prevail" ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter's Confession and the Church")). His kingdom is not of this world, yet it is destined to triumph over all earthly opposition and false accusations, culminating in the establishment of the New Jerusalem, a city of perfect peace and righteousness, where "God himself will be with them and be their God" ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with His People")). Thus, the temporary setback in Ezra points to the ultimate, eternal victory secured by the Lamb of God, who truly takes away the sin of the world, including its rebellion.

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.

Cross-References

Proverbs 25:2

¶ [It is] the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings [is] to search out a matter.

2 Kings 18:7

And the LORD was with him; [and] he prospered whithersoever he went forth: and he rebelled against the king of Assyria, and served him not.

Deuteronomy 13:14

Then shalt thou enquire, and make search, and ask diligently; and, behold, [if it be] truth, [and] the thing certain, [that] such abomination is wrought among you;

Ezra 5:17

Now therefore, if [it seem] good to the king, let there be search made in the king's treasure house, which [is] there at Babylon, whether it be [so], that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.

Ezra 6:2

And there was found at Achmetha, in the palace that [is] in the province of the Medes, a roll, and therein [was] a record thus written:

2 Kings 24:20

For through the anger of the LORD it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, until he had cast them out from his presence, that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon.

Ezra 4:15

That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city [is] a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed.