Ezra 4:23

Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes' letter [was] read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power.

Now {H116} when {H4481}{H1768} the copy {H6573} of king {H4430} Artaxerxes {H783}' letter {H5407} was read {H7123} before {H6925} Rehum {H7348}, and Shimshai {H8124} the scribe {H5613}, and their companions {H3675}, they went up {H236} in haste {H924} to Jerusalem {H3390} unto {H5922} the Jews {H3062}, and made them {H1994} to cease {H989} by force {H153} and power {H2429}.

When the text of King Artach'shashta's letter was read before Rechum, Shimshai the secretary and their colleagues, they hurried to Yerushalayim to the Judeans and stopped their work by force of arms.

When the text of the letter from King Artaxerxes was read to Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their associates, they went immediately to the Jews in Jerusalem and forcibly stopped them.

Then when the copy of king Artaxerxes’ letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went in haste to Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power.

Context of Ezra 4:23

Ezra 4:23 describes a pivotal moment in the post-exilic history of the Jewish people as they attempted to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. Following the decree of King Cyrus (see Ezra 1:2-3), the returned exiles began this monumental task. However, they faced significant opposition from local adversaries, particularly those mentioned earlier in the chapter, such as Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe. These officials had sent a letter to King Artaxerxes, filled with false accusations and warnings that a rebuilt Jerusalem would rebel against the Persian Empire (as detailed in Ezra 4:11-16). Verse 23 marks the immediate, forceful consequence of Artaxerxes' negative response, which ordered the cessation of the work.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Opposition to God's Work: This verse starkly illustrates the persistent and often powerful resistance faced by those attempting to carry out God's will. The adversaries were not content with mere complaints; they actively sought to halt the spiritual and physical restoration of Jerusalem.
  • The Power of Imperial Decrees: King Artaxerxes' letter carried absolute authority, and its command to "make them to cease by force and power" was executed without hesitation. This highlights the immense power of earthly rulers and their decrees, which can significantly impact God's people, even if temporarily.
  • Cessation by Force: The phrase "made them to cease by force and power" emphasizes the aggressive and undeniable nature of the halt. It wasn't a persuasion but a direct, authoritative intervention, leaving the Jews no option but to comply. This period of forced cessation lasted for many years, delaying the Temple's completion until the time of King Darius (see Ezra 5:1-2).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "made them to cease by force and power" vividly conveys the immediate and overwhelming nature of the intervention. The Hebrew words behind "force" (חֵיל, chayil) and "power" (חֹקֶף, choqef) denote military might and decisive authority, respectively. This wasn't a gentle request but an official, government-backed imposition, underscoring the severity of the command from Artaxerxes.

Practical Application and Reflection

Ezra 4:23 serves as a sobering reminder that pursuing God's purposes often encounters significant opposition. This opposition can come from various sources – political, social, or even spiritual. Like the Jews in Jerusalem, believers today may face obstacles that seem insurmountable, causing delays or even temporary halts to good works. However, the broader narrative of Ezra shows that such setbacks are not permanent. God's ultimate plan will prevail, even if it requires a period of waiting or renewed effort inspired by prophets like Haggai and Zechariah (as seen in Haggai 1:1). This verse encourages perseverance and faith, reminding us that God's timing and methods may differ from our expectations, but His promises are sure.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ezra 4:17

    ¶ [Then] sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and [to] Shimshai the scribe, and [to] the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and [unto] the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time.

  • Ezra 4:8

    Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king in this sort:

  • Ezra 4:9

    Then [wrote] Rehum the chancellor, and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions; the Dinaites, the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Susanchites, the Dehavites, [and] the Elamites,

  • Romans 3:15

    Their feet [are] swift to shed blood:

  • Micah 2:1

    ¶ Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand.

  • Proverbs 4:16

    For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause [some] to fall.

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