Ezra
4 can be a confusing chapter if the reader doesn’t understand its structure.
Verses 1-5 & 24 are part of the historical narrative of the book. Verses
6-23, however, give a glimpse into an event nearly a century later during the
reign of King Artaxerxes I (464-423 B.C.). Ezra chapter 4 focuses on theme rather than on chronological
order. This chapter illustrates the opposition towards the Jews and the
hostility that existed among the people of the land. The author is showing the
reader that the opposition in the earlier verses was not a single occurrence;
it was a reoccurring problem for the Jewish community, a problem that has
extended for centuries since.
READ: Ezra 4:1-5 and 4:24
Here
we see opposition brewing against the returned exiles. Some of the existing
settlers ask to join in the building process. These people are the descendants
of those who settled in Samaria (the capital of the north) after Israel was
defeated by Assyria. Though they were taught the religion of Yahweh, they chose
to worship their own idols instead (see 2 Ki 17:24-33). Their request to join
the workers is one of malicious intent; really they are hoping to frustrate the
building project.
The
leaders stand firm, insisting that only the Jews will participate in the
building. This doesn’t sit well with the challengers. They start to play dirty,
increasing harassment and intensifying opposition. Through letters, bribes and
intimidation they fight the builders until finally, the temple work is stopped
in 536 B.C. and remains dormant for 15 years. The picture has changed much
since the end of the previous chapter.
READ: Ezra 4:6-23
Now
the narrative is put on pause and the reader is brought into the reign of King
Artaxerxes I. A number of Jews are apparently attempting to rebuild the walls
of Jerusalem. A large group of adversaries write a letter of flattery to the
king, seeking to tarnish the reputation of the Jews and stop the work. Their
tactics are successful and the Jews are forced to cease building.
Opposition
is not new. We must remember that we are in a spiritual battle. Since Satan fell from heaven he has been opposing
God and the people of God. Opposition should not surprise us. When people
attempt to tarnish our reputation and forcefully stop our work, we must
remember that we are not alone, that God’s people throughout history have faced
the same things. Even when we are stopped we must remember that our sovereign
Lord is in control, that He does not sleep, that His plans can never be thwarted.
We must continue to put our trust in God and not in man, because we know the
end. We know the glory that awaits at the coming of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus
Christ. It is to this end that we labour, to this end that we endure all things
for His sake.
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1. Make a list of ways that you
personally, and that the church, are experiencing opposition. Ask God to give
you His eyes to see and His heart to feel. Read 2 Timothy 4:1-8 which describes
our role as believers in the face of the godlessness around us. Ask the Holy
Spirit to speak to you personally through these verses. How does He want to
encourage you? What does He want you to do today in light of this passage?
2. The Jewish people have been opposed
all throughout history. The Holocaust of WWII was not an isolated time of
persecution. It was preceded by thousands of years of persecution towards the
Jews, and persecution did not stop with Hitler’s demise. Much of the world
looks to Israel with disdain. Let the opposition in your life stir you to pray
for the Jewish people. Pray that their eyes would be opened to the truth of
Jesus as the Messiah. Pray for God’s favour and protection upon the state of
Israel.
3. 2 Timothy 4:8 says there is a blessing
for all who long for Christ’s appearing. Ask Jesus to give you a longing for
His return. Ask Him for a glimpse of His glory and of life under His authority.
Ask Him to work in your heart so that you will be completely submissive to Him
and His direction for you.
