The King Stops The Rebuilding of Jerusalem
October 6, 2020
Commentary
King Xerxes sent a reply to the letter written by the Samaritan leaders (v. 17). He explained that after the letter had been translated and read to him (v. 18), he ordered an official search of the records. From this research, he concluded that Jerusalem had a long history of rebellion and unrest. He learned that in earlier times the city had caused trouble for other kings and nations (v. 19). The records also showed that powerful kings once ruled from Jerusalem and controlled territories west of the Euphrates River. These rulers collected trib-ute, customs, and tolls from surrounding regions (v. 20). This information convinced the king that the accusations against Jerusalem were believable and dangerous to the stability of his kingdom.
Because of these findings, King Xerxes issued a decree ordering the peo-ple to stop rebuilding the city until further notice (vv. 21–22). He insisted that the command be carried out immediately to prevent harm to the empire. When a copy of the king’s letter was read before Governor Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their associates, they acted quickly. They went to Jerusalem and used force to make the Jews stop their work (v. 23). As a result, construc-tion on the temple and the city came to a halt. The work remained stopped until the reign of Darius, king of Persia (v. 24). This passage shows how strong and persistent opposition can delay God’s work, it also reminds us that earthly power does not have the final word, and God’s purposes continue beyond human authority and temporary setbacks, shaping faith, patience, and hope in His perfect timing, teaching believers endurance, trust, courage and humility even though long seasons of waiting and uncertainty.
Application
Delays remind me that God’s work moves on His time, not mine. I need patience when progress stops. Do I trust God when authority blocks my plans? Am I faithful while waiting? Where do I need quiet obedience instead of control? Will I believe God is still working, even when nothing seems to move, and shaping my character through patience, prayer, and steady hope?
Ezra 4:17–24 (NET)
17 The king sent the following response:
18 The letter you sent to us has been translated and read in my presence. 19 So I gave orders, and it was determined that this city from long ago has been engaging in insurrection against kings. It has continually engaged in rebellion and revolt. 20 Powerful kings have been over Jerusalem who ruled throughout the entire Trans-Euphrates and who were the beneficiaries of tribute, custom, and toll. 21 Now give orders that these men cease their work and that this city not be rebuilt until such time as I so instruct. 22 Exercise appropriate caution so that there is no negligence in this matter. Why should danger increase to the point that the king sustains damage?”
23 Then, as soon as the copy of the letter from King Artaxerxes was read in the presence of Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their colleagues, they proceeded promptly to the Jews in Jerusalem and stopped them with threat of armed force.
24 So the work on the temple of God in Jerusalem came to a halt. It remained halted until the second year of the reign of King Darius of Persia.
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