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,

Then {H116} wrote Rehum {H7348} the chancellor {H1169}{H2942}, and Shimshai {H8124} the scribe {H5613}, and the rest {H7606} of their companions {H3675}; the Dinaites {H1784}, the Apharsathchites {H671}, the Tarpelites {H2967}, the Apharsites {H670}, the Archevites {H756}, the Babylonians {H896}, the Susanchites {H7801}, the Dehavites {H1723}, and the Elamites {H5962},

"From Rechum the district governor, Shimshai the secretary, their other colleagues, the judges, the officials, the Dina'im, the Afarsat'khim, the Tarp'lim, the Afarsim, the Ark'vim, the Bavlim, the Shushan'kayim, the Dehayim, the 'Elma'im,

From Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their associates—the judges and officials over Tripolis, Persia, Erech and Babylon, the Elamites of Susa,

then wrote Rehum the chancellor, and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions, the Dinaites, and the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Shushanchites, the Dehaites, the Elamites,

Commentary

Ezra 4:9 introduces key figures and various ethnic groups involved in actively opposing the Jewish people's efforts to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem after their return from Babylonian exile.

Context

This verse is part of a crucial section in the book of Ezra (chapters 1-6) that details the return of the Jewish exiles and their initial attempts to restore their homeland and religious practices, specifically the rebuilding of the Temple. Following their arrival under Zerubbabel and Jeshua, they began work on the altar and foundation of the Temple (Ezra 3:8-10). However, their progress was met with significant resistance from surrounding peoples, often referred to as adversaries or "Samaritans" (Ezra 4:1). Ezra 4 outlines the various strategies employed by these adversaries to hinder the work, from discouraging the people to sending formal accusations to the Persian king.

Verse 9 specifically lists the senders of a letter of accusation to King Artaxerxes, which would ultimately halt the rebuilding for a period. Rehum, the "chancellor" (a high administrative official), and Shimshai, the "scribe" (responsible for writing official documents), were the primary orchestrators of this bureaucratic obstruction. The long list of peoples that follows—the Dinaites, Apharsathchites, Tarpelites, Apharsites, Archevites, Babylonians, Susanchites, Dehavites, and Elamites—underscores the diverse, multi-ethnic composition of the population in the Persian province of Trans-Euphrates. Many of these groups had been forcibly resettled by previous Assyrian and Babylonian kings, creating a complex social and political landscape where the re-establishment of a strong Jewish presence was perceived as a threat.

Key Themes

  • Organized Opposition to God's Work: This verse vividly illustrates the concerted and organized nature of the opposition faced by God's people. It wasn't just random hostility but a calculated effort involving high-ranking officials and diverse ethnic groups united in their desire to stop the Temple's reconstruction.
  • Bureaucratic Obstruction: The roles of Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe highlight how administrative and legal channels can be used to hinder righteous endeavors. Their method was to use official communication to spread misinformation and fear.
  • Diversity of Adversaries: The extensive list of ethnic groups reveals the wide array of peoples who felt threatened by the Jewish return and restoration. This diversity also speaks to the vast reach and control of the Persian Empire, which had resettled various populations across its territories.

Linguistic Insights

The term "chancellor" (KJV) translates the Aramaic בְּעֵל טְעֵם (b'el t'e'em), which literally means "master of decree" or "master of judgment," indicating a high-ranking civil administrator responsible for legal and administrative matters. "Scribe" is סָפַר (saphar), an Aramaic term for an official secretary or writer. The names of the various peoples listed—Dinaites, Apharsathchites, etc.—are primarily ethnonyms (names for ethnic groups) of varying origins, many of whom were brought to Samaria and surrounding areas by Assyrian and Babylonian policies of deportation and resettlement. This reflects the complex demographic reality of the Persian Empire's provinces.

Practical Application

Ezra 4:9 serves as a timeless reminder that endeavors aligned with God's will often encounter significant opposition. Just as the Jews faced bureaucratic and multi-faceted resistance in rebuilding the Temple, believers today may face similar challenges when seeking to advance God's kingdom, whether in personal ministry, church projects, or societal transformation. This verse encourages us to recognize that opposition can come from diverse sources and through official channels, yet it also implicitly points to the necessity of perseverance and faith, knowing that ultimately, God's purposes will prevail. It underscores the reality that spiritual battles often manifest in practical, tangible resistance.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezra 5:6

    The copy of the letter that Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and his companions the Apharsachites, which [were] on this side the river, sent unto Darius the king:

  • Ezra 6:6

    Now [therefore], Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which [are] beyond the river, be ye far from thence:

  • 2 Kings 17:24

    ¶ And the king of Assyria brought [men] from Babylon, and from Cuthah, and from Ava, and from Hamath, and from Sepharvaim, and placed [them] in the cities of Samaria instead of the children of Israel: and they possessed Samaria, and dwelt in the cities thereof.

  • 2 Kings 17:30

    And the men of Babylon made Succothbenoth, and the men of Cuth made Nergal, and the men of Hamath made Ashima,

  • 2 Kings 17:31

    And the Avites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burnt their children in fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim.

  • Esther 1:2

    [That] in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which [was] in Shushan the palace,

  • Esther 2:3

    And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hege the king's chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given [them]:
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