The King Stops The Rebuilding of Jerusalem
November 1, 2021
Commentary
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 (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.
Illustration: Groom Offers The Pastor 100 to Change Vows
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 that part out.” He gave him a $100 bill and walked away. The day of the wedding the bride and groom were to that part of the ceremony where the vows are exchanged. When it came time for the groom’s vows, The minister looked at the young man and said “Will you promise to bow down before her, obey her every command and wish, serve her breakfast in bed every morning of your life and swear eternally before God and your lovely wife that you will not ever even look at another woman, as long as you both shall live” The groom gulped and looked around, and said in a tiny voice, “Yes.” Then He leaned in and asked “what happened I thought we had a deal.” So the minister gave him his 100 dollars back and told him that she had made a better offer. (Erik Snyder, Sermon Central).