The King Stops The Rebuilding of Jerusalem

During the wedding rehearsal, the groom pulled the minister aside and made him an offer. He said “Look, I’ll give you $100 if you’ll change the wedding vows. When you get to me and the part where I’m to promise to ’love, honor and obey,’ I’d appreciate it if you’d just leave … More

Command

King Xerxes answers the letter written to him by the Samaritan leaders (v. 17). He states that after their letter had been translated to him (v. 18) he did some research and found out it was true that for years Jerusalem has rebelled and caused trouble for other kings and nations (v. 19). Also there has been  mighty kings over Jerusalem who have ruled over all countries west of the Euphrates River, and tribute, custom, and toll were paid to them (v. 20).

Because of this King Xerxes issued a decree that the people stop rebuilding the city until he gives further notice, and this command is to go into effect immediately so that no harm will come to the kingdom (vv.  21-22). When the copy of the Kings’ letter was read before Governor Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem to the Jews and by force made them cease (v. 23). As a result of this the Jews were forced to stop work on the temple and were not able to do any more building until the year after Darius became king of Persia (v. 24). This passage highlights the persistent opposition that has come to God’s people over the years and to God’s ability to overcome it.

Application

Lord, help me to be quick to obey your commandments and not have my ideas about what I want to do and what I don’t want to do.

Ezra 4:17-24 (English Standard Version)


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