Ezra 4:5

KJV

And hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.

KJV (with Strong's)

And hired {H7936} counsellors {H3289} against them, to frustrate {H6565} their purpose {H6098}, all the days {H3117} of Cyrus {H3566} king {H4428} of Persia {H6539}, even until the reign {H4438} of Darius {H1867} king {H4428} of Persia {H6539}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They also bribed officials to frustrate their plan throughout the lifetime of Koresh king of Persia and on into the reign of Daryavesh king of Persia.

Berean Standard Bible

They hired counselors against them to frustrate their plans throughout the reign of Cyrus king of Persia and down to the reign of Darius king of Persia.

American Standard Version

and hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 4:5 encapsulates the protracted and sophisticated opposition faced by the Jewish exiles who had returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the Second Temple. It details how adversaries strategically employed political and legal means, hiring influential advisors to actively undermine and halt the construction efforts, a campaign that persisted for decades, spanning the reigns of multiple Persian monarchs from Cyrus to Darius I.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 4:5 is situated within a crucial narrative shift in the book of Ezra, detailing the immediate aftermath of the initial enthusiasm for Temple rebuilding (Ezra 3) and the subsequent rise of formidable opposition. Following the rejection of the Samaritans' offer to help (Ezra 4:1-3), these adversaries escalate their tactics from mere discouragement (Ezra 4:4) to a more organized and insidious campaign. This verse specifically introduces the method of their prolonged resistance—hiring "counsellors" to frustrate the Jewish purpose—and establishes the extensive timeline of this opposition, which effectively stalls the work until the reign of Darius (Ezra 4:24). The subsequent verses in Ezra 4 then provide specific examples of this opposition, including the letter to Artaxerxes (Ezra 4:7-23), demonstrating the concrete impact of these hired advisors.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in Ezra 4:5 falls within the early Persian Empire, following Cyrus the Great's decree in 538 BC, which allowed the Jewish exiles to return to Judah and rebuild their Temple (Ezra 1). Jerusalem, though once magnificent, lay in ruins, and the returning exiles faced immense challenges in re-establishing themselves. The "counsellors" mentioned likely refer to legal experts, scribes, or administrators who understood the intricacies of Persian imperial law and bureaucracy. These individuals would have been skilled in drafting petitions, presenting accusations, and manipulating legal processes to secure imperial decrees that would halt the Temple construction. The opposition came from local inhabitants, often identified as Samaritans, who viewed the returning Jews as a threat to their regional influence and religious practices. The mention of "Cyrus king of Persia" and "Darius king of Persia" (Darius I, Hystaspes) highlights a significant historical span, encompassing the reigns of Cyrus (539-530 BC), Cambyses II (530-522 BC), and the early years of Darius I (522-486 BC), underscoring the long-term nature of this political obstruction.
* **Key Themes:** Ezra 4:5 powerfully underscores the theme of **persistent opposition** to God's work. It reveals that significant divine undertakings often face not just initial resistance but sustained, well-resourced, and strategically planned attacks. This verse also highlights the theme of **political and legal obstruction**, demonstrating how adversaries leverage governmental systems and bureaucratic processes to hinder spiritual endeavors, as seen in the later letter to Artaxerxes in [Ezra 4:11-16](/ezra/4-11 "Ezra 4:11-16 - The Adversaries' Letter to Artaxerxes"). Despite the prolonged delay, the verse implicitly sets the stage for the theme of **divine sovereignty and faithfulness**, as God's plan for the Temple's completion would ultimately prevail, even through decades of apparent defeat, culminating in its dedication under Darius's reign ([Ezra 6:15](/ezra/6-15 "Ezra 6:15 - Completion of the Temple")). This long period of waiting also emphasizes the theme of **perseverance in faith** for the returning community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Counsellors (Hebrew, _yo'atsim'_):** From the root יָעַץ (ya'ats), meaning "to advise, counsel, plan." The plural noun _yo'atsim_ refers to advisors, strategists, or counselors. In this context, it denotes individuals hired for their expertise in legal or political maneuvering, skilled at navigating the Persian administrative system to achieve their clients' objectives. This suggests a calculated, professional, and likely expensive campaign of opposition, not merely spontaneous local unrest.
* **Frustrate (Hebrew, _parar'_):** The verb פרר (_parar_) means "to break, annul, make void, frustrate, or bring to nothing." It carries a strong sense of rendering something ineffective, nullifying its purpose, or breaking its power. Here, it vividly describes the adversaries' intent: to completely dismantle and invalidate the Jewish people's efforts to rebuild the Temple, making their entire endeavor pointless.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And hired counsellors against them,"**: This clause reveals the specific, active, and strategic nature of the opposition. The adversaries did not merely complain or verbally discourage; they invested resources to engage professional "counsellors." These were likely legal or administrative experts within the Persian system, capable of drafting official complaints, presenting legal arguments, or influencing regional governors and imperial officials against the Jewish builders. This indicates a sophisticated and well-funded campaign designed to leverage the empire's own structures against the returning exiles.
* **"to frustrate their purpose,"**: This phrase clarifies the explicit objective of hiring these counsellors. Their aim was not just to slow down the work but to completely "frustrate" or annul the entire project of rebuilding the Temple. This speaks to a deep-seated animosity and a desire to utterly derail the divine mandate given to the Jewish people, rendering their efforts futile and preventing the re-establishment of their national and religious identity in Jerusalem.
* **"all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia."**: This final clause establishes the remarkable and disheartening duration of the opposition. It indicates that the campaign of frustration began early in the reign of Cyrus (after his decree allowing return) and continued through the entire reign of his successor, Cambyses (unnamed here but implied), and into the early years of Darius I. This period spans approximately 16-18 years (from around 536 BC to 520 BC), during which the Temple construction was effectively halted or severely hindered, underscoring the immense perseverance required of the Jewish community and the prolonged nature of the spiritual battle.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Chronological Scope** to emphasize the prolonged nature of the opposition, spanning "all the days of Cyrus... even until the reign of Darius." This extensive timeline highlights the immense patience and perseverance required of the returning exiles. The phrase "hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose" uses **Metonymy**, where "counsellors" stands in for the bureaucratic and legal mechanisms they employed, and "frustrate their purpose" succinctly captures the comprehensive nature of their obstructive actions. Furthermore, there is an underlying **Irony** in that the very imperial system that initially permitted the return and rebuilding (Cyrus's decree) was then manipulated by adversaries to halt the work, demonstrating the pervasive nature of spiritual opposition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 4:5 serves as a stark reminder that God's people, when engaged in His work, will inevitably face opposition. This resistance is often not merely physical but can manifest as sophisticated, strategic, and prolonged campaigns designed to undermine divine purposes. The adversaries' use of "counsellors" highlights the spiritual reality that forces hostile to God's kingdom will leverage worldly systems, including legal and political structures, to achieve their aims. Yet, this verse, in its historical context, also implicitly affirms God's ultimate sovereignty; despite decades of hindrance, His plan for the Temple's completion would eventually come to fruition, demonstrating that no human or demonic opposition can ultimately thwart His will. It calls believers to steadfastness and trust, even when the path to fulfilling God's call is fraught with delays and difficulties.

* [Nehemiah 4:7-8](/nehemiah/4-7 "Nehemiah 4:7-8 - Opposition to Rebuilding the Walls")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God's Counsel Stands Forever")
* [Philippians 1:28](/philippians/1-28 "Philippians 1:28 - Not Frightened by Adversaries")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 4:5 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It teaches us to anticipate and prepare for opposition when we commit to God's calling, whether in personal spiritual growth, family life, church ministry, or broader societal impact. This resistance may not always be overt persecution; it can often take the form of subtle discouragement, bureaucratic hurdles, legal entanglements, financial constraints, or even internal strife, much like the "hired counsellors" who worked to "frustrate their purpose." The extended timeline—"all the days of Cyrus... until Darius"—serves as a powerful reminder that God's work often requires immense patience and steadfast endurance. Delays are not necessarily denials; they are often opportunities for God to refine our faith, deepen our dependence on Him, and ultimately reveal His perfect timing and sovereign power. We are called to persevere, knowing that God's purposes will ultimately prevail, and that even the very trials designed to hinder us can become instruments in His hands for our growth and His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "counsellors" or forms of sophisticated opposition might be working to frustrate God's purpose in my life or in the ministry I am involved in today?**
* **How does the prolonged nature of the opposition in Ezra 4:5 challenge my expectations about the timeline for God's work?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate greater perseverance and trust in God's sovereignty when faced with significant delays or setbacks in pursuing His will?**

### FAQ
**What was the "purpose" that the adversaries sought to frustrate?**

Answer: The "purpose" that the adversaries sought to frustrate was the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. Following the decree of [Cyrus king of Persia](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1 - Cyrus's Decree"), the Jewish exiles had returned from Babylonian captivity with the specific mandate to reconstruct the house of God, which had been destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar. This was not merely a construction project but a central act of restoring their religious identity, covenant relationship with God, and national life. The adversaries understood the profound significance of the Temple to the Jewish people and thus targeted its reconstruction as the primary means to undermine their re-establishment in the land.

**How long did this period of opposition last, and what was its impact?**

Answer: The verse states that the opposition lasted "all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia." This period spans approximately 16-18 years, from around 536 BC (when work began) to 520 BC (when it resumed under Darius I). Specifically, it covers the remaining years of Cyrus's reign (539-530 BC), the entire reign of his successor Cambyses II (530-522 BC), and the initial years of Darius I (522-486 BC). The impact was significant: the Temple rebuilding project was effectively halted or severely hindered for nearly two decades, causing great discouragement and delay for the returned exiles, as detailed later in [Ezra 4:24](/ezra/4-24 "Ezra 4:24 - The Work Ceased").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 4:5, with its depiction of persistent, strategic opposition to God's redemptive work, finds profound resonance and ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as the rebuilding of the Temple—a physical dwelling place for God's presence—faced relentless hindrance, so too did the ultimate manifestation of God's presence, Jesus, encounter unceasing opposition. From Herod's attempt to kill Him as an infant ([Matthew 2:16](/matthew/2-16 "Matthew 2:16 - Herod's Slaughter of the Innocents")) to the Pharisees' constant scrutiny and plots ([Matthew 12:14](/matthew/12-14 "Matthew 12:14 - Pharisees Plot Against Jesus")), and ultimately the legal and political machinations that led to His crucifixion ([John 19:12-16](/john/19-12 "John 19:12-16 - Pilate Delivers Jesus to be Crucified")), Jesus faced the ultimate "counsellors" of darkness seeking to "frustrate His purpose." Yet, unlike the temporary delay in Temple construction, Christ's mission could not be frustrated. His purpose was to establish a new, spiritual Temple—His body, the Church ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection and the Temple of His Body")), and to accomplish salvation through His death and resurrection. The opposition that seemed to triumph at the cross was, in fact, the very means by which God's eternal purpose was fulfilled, demonstrating that no earthly power or spiritual adversary can ultimately thwart the divine plan for redemption ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Christ's victory ensures that the gates of hell will not prevail against His Church, the living Temple built on Him ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter's Confession and the Church")).

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

Nahum 1:11

There is [one] come out of thee, that imagineth evil against the LORD, a wicked counsellor.

Ezra 5:5

But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, that they could not cause them to cease, till the matter came to Darius: and then they returned answer by letter concerning this [matter].

Ezra 6:18

And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God, which [is] at Jerusalem; as it is written in the book of Moses.

Psalms 2:1

¶ Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

Psalms 2:2

The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, [saying],

Acts 24:1

¶ And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and [with] a certain orator [named] Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.

Acts 24:27

But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.