Ezra 4:22

KJV

Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?

KJV (with Strong's)

Take heed {H1934}{H2095} now that ye fail {H7960} not to do {H5922}{H5648} this {H1836}: why {H4101} should damage {H2257} grow {H7680} to the hurt {H5142} of the kings {H4430}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Take care not to neglect your duty; otherwise the harm may increase, to the damage of the king."

Berean Standard Bible

See that you do not neglect this matter. Why allow this threat to increase and the royal interests to suffer?

American Standard Version

And take heed that ye be not slack herein: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 4:22 records the emphatic command from King Artaxerxes of Persia to halt the rebuilding of Jerusalem, conveyed to Rehum the commander and Shimshai the scribe. This verse underscores the Persian king's urgent concern for his royal interests, perceiving the restoration of Jerusalem as a direct threat that could lead to significant "damage" and "hurt" to the empire's authority and revenue. It highlights the immediate and binding nature of imperial decrees and the successful manipulation of royal fears by the adversaries of God's people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 4:22 stands as the forceful conclusion to King Artaxerxes' decree, which orders the immediate cessation of the rebuilding work in Jerusalem. The chapter details the persistent opposition faced by the returned exiles as they sought to restore the Temple and the city. Following the initial efforts under Zerubbabel and Jeshua, adversaries, primarily Samaritans, wrote a deceptive letter to King Artaxerxes (documented from [Ezra 4:11-16](/ezra/4-11 "Ezra 4:11-16 - The Adversaries' Letter to King Artaxerxes")). This letter falsely accused the Jews of rebellious intentions, exaggerating Jerusalem's past as a defiant city and warning that its fortification would lead to a loss of tribute and control for the Persian Empire. Artaxerxes, after consulting historical records, accepted these claims and issued his decree, which is then swiftly executed by Rehum and Shimshai in [Ezra 4:23](/ezra/4-23 "Ezra 4:23 - The King's Decree is Executed"). Thus, verse 22 serves as the king's final, urgent, and non-negotiable instruction within this imperial edict.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This period falls within the Achaemenid Persian Empire, which was known for its vast administrative system and the absolute authority of its kings. Persian kings governed through satraps and local officials, demanding tribute and loyalty. Jerusalem, though a small province, had a history of rebellion against previous empires (Assyrian, Babylonian), making the adversaries' claims of potential insubordination plausible to Artaxerxes. The king's concern for "damage" and "hurt" reflects the practical realities of imperial governance: maintaining control, ensuring revenue flow, and preventing uprisings that could destabilize the empire. The speed and effectiveness with which the decree was carried out (Ezra 4:23) illustrate the pervasive reach of Persian royal authority, even based on misinformation.
* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully illustrates the theme of **Opposition to God's Work**, showing how divine purposes often encounter strong, often politically motivated, resistance. The adversaries skillfully manipulated the king's fears to temporarily halt God's plan for the restoration of Jerusalem. Another prominent theme is **Royal Authority**, highlighting the absolute power of the Persian king, whose decree, once issued, was binding and had immediate, tangible consequences, even when founded on deceit. The king's explicit concern for "damage" and "hurt" signifies the theme of **Fear of Loss and Detriment**, referring to the perceived political and financial threats to the Persian Empire if Jerusalem were to regain its strength and independence. Crucially, this temporary cessation, though a setback, was not an ultimate defeat, foreshadowing the eventual [resumption of the work](/ezra/5 "Ezra 5 - The Work Resumes") later in Ezra and Nehemiah, thereby underscoring the overarching theme of **God's Ultimate Sovereignty** over human decrees and opposition.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"Take heed" (Aramaic, _sûm ṭeʿēm_):** This phrase translates literally to "set an order" or "give attention." Here, it functions as an emphatic imperative, conveying the king's urgency and the absolute necessity of compliance. It's a stern warning against any failure to execute the command.
* **"damage" (Aramaic, _nezek'_):** This term refers to injury, harm, or loss, particularly in a material or financial sense. In legal contexts, it often denotes a penalty or fine for causing loss. Here, it points to the potential financial drain or loss of tribute that the king feared if Jerusalem were to become a fortified, rebellious city.
* **"hurt" (Aramaic, _cheser'_):** This word signifies deficiency, lack, or detriment. It implies a reduction in something valuable, often authority or revenue. Coupled with "damage," it reinforces the king's apprehension about a significant and enduring negative impact on his treasury and imperial control.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Take heed now that ye fail not to do this":** This is a direct, forceful, and urgent command from King Artaxerxes to his officials, Rehum and Shimshai. It stresses the imperative nature of his order to stop the rebuilding work immediately and completely. The phrase "fail not" emphasizes that any deviation or delay would be considered a serious dereliction of duty, with implied severe consequences.
* **"why should damage grow":** This is a rhetorical question, designed not to elicit an answer but to underscore the perceived absurdity and danger of allowing the rebuilding to continue. The king implies that allowing the work to proceed would inevitably lead to detrimental consequences, specifically financial and political losses. The word "grow" suggests a progressive, escalating threat if not immediately contained.
* **"to the hurt of the kings?":** This final clause specifies the ultimate beneficiaries of the feared "damage" and "hurt"—namely, the Persian monarchy itself. The plural "kings" could refer to the current king and his successors, or it could be a majestic plural emphasizing the royal institution. It highlights Artaxerxes' primary concern: the preservation of his authority, the stability of his empire, and the continued flow of tribute from his provinces.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 4:22 employs several literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question** ("why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?"). This device is used not to seek information but to emphasize the obviousness of the king's concern and the perceived folly of allowing the work to continue. It serves to underscore the king's conviction that halting the work is the only logical and necessary course of action to protect royal interests. There is also an element of **Irony** present in the broader narrative context; the king's decree, based on false accusations and a misunderstanding of God's people's intentions, temporarily halts a divinely ordained work. The "damage" and "hurt" the king fears are a misdirection, as the true "hurt" is to God's people and their mission, though ultimately God's plan cannot be thwarted. Furthermore, the adversaries' letter, which precipitates this decree, uses **Hyperbole** to exaggerate Jerusalem's rebellious past and its potential threat, effectively manipulating the king's fears to achieve their own ends.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 4:22 serves as a stark reminder that the work of God's kingdom often faces formidable opposition from worldly powers. The king's decree, though absolute in its human authority, represents a temporary hindrance to God's eternal purposes. This passage highlights the tension between human will and divine sovereignty, demonstrating that even when human rulers, motivated by fear or misinformation, attempt to thwart God's plans, they ultimately cannot prevail. God's people are called to persevere in faith, understanding that setbacks are part of the spiritual battle, but God's ultimate design will be accomplished. The temporary nature of this decree foreshadows the eventual triumph of God's people and the completion of the Temple, affirming that God's word and promises will always accomplish their intended purpose.

* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Lord's Hand")
* [Acts 5:38-39](/acts/5-38 "Acts 5:38-39 - Gamaliel's Counsel: If it is of God, you cannot overthrow it")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 4:22 offers profound lessons for believers today, reminding us that pursuing God's will often invites opposition, sometimes from powerful secular authorities or through the cunning schemes of adversaries. This passage encourages us to cultivate a steadfast faith, trusting in God's ultimate sovereignty even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles or temporary setbacks. It calls us to discern the spiritual warfare at play when good works are hindered, recognizing that such opposition is often rooted in a fear of God's kingdom advancing. While human decrees and plans can cause delays and difficulties, they cannot ultimately thwart God's perfect and eternal purposes. Our response should be one of patient endurance, prayer, and continued faithfulness, knowing that God works all things for His glory and the good of those who love Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you respond when your efforts for God's kingdom are met with unexpected opposition or setbacks from external forces?**
* **In what ways might we, like the adversaries in Ezra, inadvertently or knowingly misrepresent situations to achieve our own ends, and how can we guard against this?**
* **How does the ultimate triumph of God's plan, despite temporary hindrances like the one in Ezra 4:22, strengthen your faith in the face of current personal or communal challenges?**

### FAQ
**Why was King Artaxerxes so easily convinced by the adversaries' claims?**

Answer: King Artaxerxes was likely convinced for several reasons. Firstly, he relied on the reports from his regional officials, Rehum and Shimshai, who presented the adversaries' letter. Secondly, the letter was cleverly crafted to appeal to common royal fears: loss of tribute, potential rebellion, and a challenge to imperial authority. Jerusalem did have a historical reputation for rebellion against previous empires (Assyrian and Babylonian), making the claims of its potential for insubordination seem plausible and even urgent to the king. Kings of that era were highly sensitive to anything that could undermine their control or financial interests. The adversaries' appeal to historical records (Ezra 4:15) also lent credibility to their exaggerated claims.

**Did this decree permanently stop the rebuilding of Jerusalem?**

Answer: No, the decree from Artaxerxes in Ezra 4:22 led to a temporary cessation of the rebuilding work, specifically on the Temple, which lasted for about 15 years. However, it was not a permanent halt to God's plan for Jerusalem's restoration. The work on the Temple eventually resumed under the prophetic ministries of Haggai and Zechariah, as recorded in [Ezra 5](/ezra/5 "Ezra 5 - The Resumption of Temple Building") and [Ezra 6](/ezra/6 "Ezra 6 - The Completion of the Temple"). Furthermore, the city walls, which were also a point of contention, were later rebuilt under the leadership of Nehemiah, as detailed in the Book of Nehemiah, particularly from [Nehemiah 1](/nehemiah/1 "Nehemiah 1 - Nehemiah's Prayer") to [Nehemiah 6](/nehemiah/6 "Nehemiah 6 - Opposition to the Wall Building"). This demonstrates God's ultimate sovereignty over human decrees and His faithfulness to His covenant promises.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The temporary halting of God's work in Ezra 4:22, driven by the fear of "damage" and "hurt" to earthly kings, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the profound truth that no earthly power, no decree, and no amount of opposition can ultimately thwart the sovereign plan of God, especially as it culminates in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as the rebuilding of Jerusalem was temporarily hindered but ultimately completed, so too the kingdom of God, inaugurated by Christ, faces opposition but is destined to triumph. The "damage" and "hurt" that Artaxerxes feared for his earthly kingdom are utterly insignificant compared to the cosmic victory achieved by the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") on the cross. It seemed, at the crucifixion, that the powers of darkness and human authority had dealt an irreparable "hurt" to God's ultimate plan, leading to the death of the Messiah. Yet, this apparent defeat was precisely God's ordained path to redemption, culminating in Christ's glorious resurrection, which utterly disarmed all [principalities and powers](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers"). The kingdom that Christ establishes is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), yet it is a kingdom that will have no end ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - The Eternal Kingdom of Christ")). Therefore, the fear of "damage" to earthly kings is rendered moot by the eternal reign of the King of kings, Jesus Christ, who builds His Church, and [the gates of hell shall not prevail against it](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter's Confession and the Church's Foundation").

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

Ezra 4:13

Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the walls set up [again, then] will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom, and [so] thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings.

Esther 3:8

And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws [are] diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it [is] not for the king's profit to suffer them.

Esther 3:9

If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring [it] into the king's treasuries.

Esther 7:3

Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request:

Esther 7:4

For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my tongue, although the enemy could not countervail the king's damage.