Ezra 4:21

KJV

Give ye now commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this city be not builded, until [another] commandment shall be given from me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Give {H7761} ye now {H3705} commandment {H2942} to cause {H989} these {H479} men {H1400} to cease {H989}, and that this {H1791} city {H7149} be not {H3809} builded {H1124}, until {H5705} another commandment {H2941} shall be given {H7761} from me {H4481}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"So now, order that these men stop work and that this city not be rebuilt until I order it.

Berean Standard Bible

Now, therefore, issue an order for these men to stop, so that this city will not be rebuilt until I so order.

American Standard Version

Make ye now a decree to cause these men to cease, and that this city be not builded, until a decree shall be made by me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 4:21 records the decisive royal decree issued by King Artaxerxes, commanding the immediate cessation of all rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem. This pivotal moment underscores the formidable political and bureaucratic opposition faced by the returned Jewish exiles as they endeavored to restore their homeland, revealing the temporary triumph of adversaries who successfully leveraged imperial power to halt a divinely ordained project.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 4:21 is situated within a section (Ezra 4:6-23) that details the ongoing opposition to the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem. While the surrounding chapters (Ezra 1-3, 5-6) primarily focus on the temple's reconstruction, Ezra 4 specifically addresses the broader rebuilding of the city, particularly its walls. This verse is the direct consequence of a letter sent to King Artaxerxes by Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe, detailed in [Ezra 4:11-16](/ezra/4-11 "Ezra 4:11-16 - The Letter to King Artaxerxes"). This letter falsely accused the Jews of rebellious intentions, claiming that a rebuilt Jerusalem would once again become a threat to Persian authority and revenue. The king's response, following an investigation of historical records (as mentioned in [Ezra 4:19-20](/ezra/4-19 "Ezra 4:19-20 - Artaxerxes' Investigation")), confirms his fear of a resurgent, rebellious city, leading directly to the decree in this verse. The verse is immediately followed by the swift enforcement of this decree, causing the work to cease, as stated in [Ezra 4:23-24](/ezra/4-23 "Ezra 4:23-24 - The Enforcement and Cessation of Work"). It's important to note the chronological jump in Ezra 4, where events from Artaxerxes' reign are presented out of strict chronological order to group all opposition to rebuilding together, before returning to the temple's completion under Darius in [Ezra 5](/ezra/5 "Ezra 5 - Temple Rebuilding Resumes").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Ezra 4:21 unfold during the post-exilic period, specifically in the reign of Artaxerxes I (465-424 BC), following the initial return of Jewish exiles under Cyrus the Great. The Persian Empire was the dominant world power, maintaining control over vast territories through a highly organized administrative system, including regional governors and scribes. The "adversaries of Judah and Benjamin" were local inhabitants, often Samaritans, who had settled in the land during the exile and felt their influence and security threatened by the re-establishment of a strong Jewish presence. Their accusations to the king tapped into legitimate Persian concerns about maintaining order and collecting tribute from their provinces. Jerusalem had a historical reputation as a rebellious city, having defied Babylonian and Assyrian empires in the past, a fact that Artaxerxes' officials would have confirmed through imperial archives. The king's primary motivation was political stability and economic control, viewing any fortification of Jerusalem as a potential challenge to imperial authority and a threat to tax revenues, as explicitly stated in [Ezra 4:13](/ezra/4-13 "Ezra 4:13 - The Adversaries' Warning to Artaxerxes").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several enduring themes within the book of Ezra and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **persistent opposition to God's work** and His people. The rebuilding of Jerusalem, a divine mandate, was met with fierce resistance from those who sought to undermine the restoration of Judah. This opposition often takes the form of political maneuvering, slander, and deception, as seen in the adversaries' letter. Secondly, the verse underscores the **immense power of royal decrees** in the ancient Near East. A king's "commandment" was absolute and immediately binding, capable of halting major national projects and impacting the lives of entire populations. Thirdly, it speaks to the theme of **divine timing and human delay**. While God's ultimate plan for Jerusalem's restoration was certain, this decree led to a significant pause in the rebuilding of the city walls, which would not be fully resumed until the time of Nehemiah, decades later. This demonstrates that God's purposes unfold according to His perfect timing, which may involve periods of waiting and apparent setbacks. Finally, the verse implicitly touches on the **sovereignty of God over human authorities**, even powerful kings like Artaxerxes. Though the king's decree seemed to thwart God's plan, ultimately, God's will would prevail, as seen in later chapters of Ezra and Nehemiah.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Commandment (Aramaic, _ṭaʿam'_):** This word refers to an official royal edict, a binding judgment, or a decree. It conveys the absolute authority and finality of the king's word. In this context, it is not merely an instruction but a legal, administrative order that must be enforced without question. The term emphasizes the weight and power behind Artaxerxes' decision, making it a formidable obstacle to the rebuilding efforts.
* **Cease (Aramaic, _baṭṭēlû'_):** This verb means to stop, to nullify, to make void, or to bring to an end. It implies a complete and immediate cessation of activity. The king's order was not for a slowdown or a temporary pause for review, but for the work to be entirely halted and rendered ineffective, reflecting the severity of his concern and the effectiveness of the adversaries' accusations.
* **Builded (Aramaic, _yiṯbᵉnē'_):** This passive verb means "to be built" or "to be constructed." While the temple rebuilding was the primary focus of the initial returnees, this specific command refers to the city itself, particularly its fortifications and walls. The king's fear was of a re-fortified Jerusalem becoming a center of rebellion, and thus his decree specifically targeted the construction that would enhance its defensive capabilities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Give ye now commandment to cause these men to cease":** This is King Artaxerxes' direct and authoritative instruction to his officials, Rehum and Shimshai, who had sent the accusatory letter. The "ye" refers to these Persian administrators in the province, empowering them to enforce the royal will. The phrase "cause these men to cease" is a clear directive to halt the Jewish builders' work immediately and completely.
* **"and that this city be not builded":** This clause specifies the object of the prohibition: the city of Jerusalem. The king's concern was not just about the specific individuals building but about the very act of rebuilding the city, especially its defensive structures, which he perceived as a threat to imperial control and revenue.
* **"until [another] commandment shall be given from me":** This phrase indicates that the cessation is not necessarily permanent, but it is entirely dependent on the king's future will. It reinforces Artaxerxes' absolute authority; only he can reverse or modify this decree. This conditional clause highlights the precarious position of the Jewish exiles, whose future depended on the whims of a foreign monarch, and it foreshadows the long delay that would ensue before the work could resume.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 4:21 employs several literary devices. The most prominent is the **Decree/Edict**, a common form of communication in ancient empires, which highlights the absolute and binding nature of the king's word. This formal, legal language underscores the gravity of the situation and the formidable power wielded by Artaxerxes. There is also an element of **Antithesis** or **Contrast** at play: the fervent desire of the Jewish exiles to rebuild their sacred city stands in stark opposition to the king's stern command to cease all construction. This creates narrative tension, emphasizing the external forces working against God's people. Furthermore, the phrase "until [another] commandment shall be given from me" functions as a subtle form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting that this setback is not the final word. While it signifies a delay, it also implies the possibility of future divine intervention that would ultimately lead to the resumption and completion of the work, as seen later in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Finally, there is a degree of **Irony** in the situation: the king's decree, intended to secure his empire and prevent rebellion, inadvertently serves God's larger, sovereign plan by delaying the work until a more opportune time, demonstrating that even human rulers are ultimately instruments in God's hands.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 4:21 serves as a stark reminder that the work of God's kingdom often faces formidable opposition. Just as the rebuilding of Jerusalem was met with political maneuvering, false accusations, and a powerful royal decree, so too throughout biblical history do we see God's people and purposes encountering resistance. This opposition is not merely human but often has a spiritual dimension, as forces hostile to God's redemptive plan seek to hinder His work. Yet, the narrative of Ezra, even in this moment of setback, implicitly points to God's overarching sovereignty. Despite the king's absolute authority, God's ultimate purpose for Jerusalem would not be thwarted but would unfold according to His perfect timing. This verse, therefore, becomes a testament to the enduring truth that while human decrees can cause delays and difficulties, they cannot ultimately derail the divine will.

* [Nehemiah 4:7-9](/nehemiah/4-7 "Nehemiah 4:7-9 - Opposition to Rebuilding the Walls")
* [Psalm 127:1](/psalms/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - The Lord Builds the House")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 4:21 offers profound lessons for believers today, particularly regarding the nature of God's work in the world and our participation in it. When we commit ourselves to God's purposes, whether in personal spiritual growth, family life, church ministry, or broader societal engagement, we should anticipate opposition. This opposition may not always be overt persecution but can manifest as bureaucratic hurdles, slander, financial setbacks, or unexpected delays. This verse calls us to cultivate patience and perseverance, reminding us that apparent setbacks are not necessarily defeats but may be part of God's larger, often inscrutable, timing. It challenges us to trust in God's ultimate sovereignty, knowing that even when human authorities or circumstances seem to hinder His work, His plans will ultimately prevail. Our faith is refined in these periods of waiting and resistance, teaching us to rely more deeply on God's power rather than our own efforts or external circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you typically respond when your efforts for God's kingdom face unexpected opposition or delays?**
* **In what ways might God be teaching you patience or refining your trust through periods of waiting and apparent setbacks?**
* **How can we discern whether opposition is from human sources, spiritual forces, or simply part of God's sovereign timing for a particular work?**

### FAQ
**Why did King Artaxerxes issue this decree to stop the rebuilding?**

Answer: King Artaxerxes issued this decree primarily due to a misleading and fear-mongering letter sent by the "adversaries of Judah and Benjamin," specifically Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe, as detailed in [Ezra 4:11-16](/ezra/4-11 "Ezra 4:11-16 - The Adversaries' Letter to Artaxerxes"). They accused the Jews of rebellious intentions, claiming that if Jerusalem's walls were rebuilt, the city would become a center of defiance against Persian authority, refusing to pay tribute, custom, and toll, thereby diminishing the king's revenue. Artaxerxes, after consulting historical records that confirmed Jerusalem's past as a powerful and rebellious city ([Ezra 4:19-20](/ezra/4-19 "Ezra 4:19-20 - Artaxerxes' Historical Review")), acted out of political and economic concern to prevent any potential uprising and loss of control.

**How long did the cessation of rebuilding last due to this decree?**

Answer: The decree in Ezra 4:21 led to a significant and prolonged cessation of the rebuilding work on Jerusalem's city walls. According to [Ezra 4:24](/ezra/4-24 "Ezra 4:24 - Work Ceases Until Darius"), the work ceased "unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia." This refers to Darius I (Darius the Great), under whom the temple rebuilding resumed and was completed (Ezra 5-6). However, the rebuilding of the city walls, which was the specific focus of Artaxerxes' decree, would not fully resume until the time of Nehemiah, decades later, during the reign of Artaxerxes himself (Nehemiah 2). Thus, for the city walls, the delay was substantial, lasting many years.

**Does this decree mean God's plan for Jerusalem was thwarted?**

Answer: No, God's ultimate plan for Jerusalem was not thwarted, only delayed according to His sovereign timing. While Artaxerxes' decree imposed a significant setback and caused frustration for the Jewish exiles, it did not ultimately prevent the fulfillment of God's promises. The temple was eventually completed under Darius (Ezra 6), and the city walls were rebuilt under Nehemiah, with God's direct intervention and favor, even from Artaxerxes himself ([Nehemiah 2:8](/nehemiah/2-8 "Nehemiah 2:8 - Artaxerxes' Letter to Nehemiah")). This episode serves as a powerful reminder that God's purposes are unshakeable, even when faced with formidable human opposition and apparent delays. As [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - Many Plans in a Man's Heart") states, "Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 4:21, with its depiction of a royal decree halting the rebuilding of God's chosen city due to powerful opposition, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the life, death, and ongoing work of Jesus Christ and His Church. Just as the physical city of Jerusalem faced adversaries who sought to prevent its restoration, so too did Christ, the true builder of God's eternal kingdom, encounter relentless opposition. From the very beginning, forces of darkness and human sin conspired to "cause Him to cease" His redemptive work ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")). The crucifixion itself appeared to be the ultimate decree to stop God's plan, a moment when the "building" of salvation seemed utterly demolished. However, like the "until another commandment" in Ezra, the cross was not the final word. God's ultimate "commandment" came through the resurrection, demonstrating that no human or demonic decree can thwart His divine purpose ([Acts 2:23-24](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23-24 - God Raised Him Up")). Furthermore, the Church, as the spiritual "city of God" and Christ's body, continues to face opposition in its mission to build the kingdom of God on earth ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail")). Yet, the promise remains that the gates of hell will not prevail against it. The temporary cessation in Ezra foreshadows the temporary triumph of evil, which ultimately serves to highlight God's greater victory and the establishment of an eternal kingdom that "shall never be destroyed" ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Kingdom Shall Stand Forever")). Christ's finished work ensures that the spiritual Jerusalem, the New Jerusalem, will be fully built and descend from heaven, a testament to God's unyielding purpose and Christ's ultimate triumph ([Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem Descends")).

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.