Ezra 4
Overview
4:1 The adversaries, being not accepted in the building of the temple with the Jews, endeavour to hinder it;
4:7 Their letter to Artaxerxes;
4:17 The answer and decree of Artaxerxes;
4:23 The building is hindered. Verse 1 the adversariesThese were the Samaritans, the descendants of the various nations with which the kings of Assyria had peopled Israel, when they had carried the original inhabitants captive. Ezra 7:9; 1 Kings 5:4, 5:5; 1 Chronicles 22:9, 22:10; Nehemiah 4:1-11; Daniel 9:25; 1 Corinthians 16:9 children of the captivityHeb. sons of the transportation, Ezra 1:11 *marg. 6:16, 6:19, 6:20, 10:7, 10:16; Daniel 5:13 Reciprocal 2 Kings 17:41 - unto this day; Ezra 4:10 - And the rest; Nehemiah 6:9 - Their hands; Zechariah 1:19 - scattered; Matthew 2:8 - that; Luke 9:52 - the Samaritans; John 4:9 - for Verse 2 Zerubbabel Ezra 1:5, 2:2, 3:2, 3:12 Let us Proverbs 26:23-26; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; Galatians 2:4; 2 Timothy 3:8; 2 Peter 2:1, 2:2 we do 2 Kings 17:24, 17:27-33, 17:41 Esarhaddon Ezra 4:10, Asnappar, 2 Kings 19:37 Assur Genesis 10:11; Psalm 73:8; Isaiah 37:37, Assyria, Hosea 14:3, AsshurReciprocal Numbers 24:22 - the Kenite; Joshua 22:25 - ye have; 1 Chronicles 1:17 - Asshur; Nehemiah 12:1 - Zerubbabel; Isaiah 7:8 - within; 37:38 - Esarhaddon; Obadiah 1:19 - the fields of Ephraim; Haggai 1:1 - unto; Matthew 2:8 - that; John 4:22 - ye know Verse 3 Ye have nothing Nehemiah 2:20; John 4:22, 4:23; Acts 8:21; Romans 9:4, 9:5; 3 John 1:9, 1:10 king Cyrus Ezra 1:1-3, 6:3-5; 2 Chronicles 36:22, 36:23; Isaiah 44:28, 45:1, 45:4; Matthew 10:16 Reciprocal Joshua 22:25 - ye have; Ezra 2:2 - Jeshua; 6:14 - And the elders; Daniel 10:1 - Cyrus; 2 Corinthians 6:15 - or; Ephesians 2:12 - aliens Verse 4 weakened Ezra 3:3; Nehemiah 6:9; Isaiah 35:3, 35:4; Jeremiah 38:4 troubled Nehemiah 4:7, 4:8, 4:11 Reciprocal 2 Samuel 4:1 - his hands; Nehemiah 2:10 - there was come; Daniel 10:13 - the prince; Zechariah 1:19 - scattered Verse 5 hired Psalm 2:1, 2:2; Nahum 1:11; Acts 24:1-27 Darius Ezra 4:24, 5:5-17, 6:1-18 Reciprocal Daniel 8:3 - one; 10:1 - Cyrus; 11:2 - three Verse 6 am AhasuerusHeb. Ahashverosh, This was Cambyses, son of Cyrus, who succeeded his father, am 3475, and reigned seven years and five months.wrote Matthew 27:37; Acts 24:5-9, 24:13, 25:7; Revelation 12:10 Reciprocal Genesis 26:21 - Sitnah; Esther 1:1 - Ahasuerus; Daniel 11:2 - three Verse 7 am ArtaxerxesThis Artaxerxes was one of the Magi, who usurped the throne after the death of Cambyses, for seven months, feigning himself to be Smerdis, brother of Cambyses: he is called Oropoestus by Justin, Smerdis by Herodotus, Mardus by AEschylus, and Sphendatates by Ctesias.Bishlamor, in peacecompanionsHeb. societies, Ezra 4:9, 4:17, 5:6 the Syrian tongueThat is, probably, both the language and character were Syrian or Chaldaic; and therefore, from the 4:8 of this chapter, to 7:27, the original is not Hebrew, but Chaldee, in those parts which consist of letters, decrees, etc., originally written in that language. 2 Kings 18:26; Isaiah 36:11; Daniel 2:4 Reciprocal 1 Kings 21:8 - she wrote; Ezra 8:36 - lieutenants; Jeremiah 29:25 - Because; Obadiah 1:19 - the fields of Ephraim; Zechariah 1:19 - scattered Verse 8 scribeor, secretary, Ezra 4:9; 2 Samuel 8:17, 20:25; 2 Kings 18:18 Reciprocal 1 Kings 21:8 - she wrote; Ezra 2:2 - Rehum; 4:7 - the Syrian tongue; 4:23 - Rehum Verse 9 companionsChal, societiesthe Dinaites 2 Kings 17:24, 17:30, 17:31 Apharsathchites Ezra 5:6, 6:6, ApharsachitesSusanchites Esther 1:2, 2:3; Daniel 8:2 Elamites Genesis 10:22; Isaiah 21:2; Jeremiah 25:25, 49:34; Ezekiel 32:24; Acts 2:9 Reciprocal Ezra 4:7 - companions; 4:8 - scribe; 4:17 - companions; 4:23 - Rehum; 6:13 - Tatnai; Nehemiah 4:2 - the army; Isaiah 23:13 - the Assyrian Verse 10 And the rest Ezra 4:1; 2 Kings 17:24-41 noble Asnapper Romans 13:7 at such a timeChal, Cheeneth, Ezra 4:11, 4:17, 7:12 Reciprocal 1 Kings 13:32 - in the cities; Ezra 4:2 - Esarhaddon; Nehemiah 4:2 - the army; Isaiah 8:7 - strong; 23:13 - the Assyrian Verse 11 Reciprocal 1 Kings 21:8 - she wrote; Ezra 3:3 - for fear; 4:10 - at such a time; 4:17 - at such a time; 5:6 - copy; 7:11 - the copy; 7:12 - unto Ezra Verse 12 rebellious Ezra 4:15, 4:19; 2 Kings 18:20, 24:1; 2 Chronicles 36:13; Jeremiah 52:3; Ezekiel 17:12-21; Luke 23:2-5; Acts 24:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:22; 1 Peter 2:13-15 bad city Psalm 48:1, 48:2; Isaiah 1:21-23; Luke 13:34 set upor, finished, Nehemiah 1:3; Daniel 9:25 joinedChal, sewed togetherReciprocal Nehemiah 6:6 - that thou and; Esther 3:8 - their laws; Jeremiah 38:4 - thus; Daniel 3:8 - and accused; Micah 7:11 - shall; Mark 12:14 - is it; John 18:35 - Amos I; Acts 16:20 - being; 17:7 - and these Verse 13 if this city Nehemiah 5:4; Psalm 52:2, 119:69 payChal, givetoll Ezra 7:24; Matthew 9:9, 17:25; Romans 13:6, 13:7 revenueor, strengthReciprocal Ezra 4:22 - why should; Nehemiah 5:14 - the bread; 9:37 - it yieldeth; Matthew 22:17 - is; Mark 12:14 - is it; Luke 20:22 - General Verse 14 have maintenanceetc. Chal, are salted with the salt of the palace, Salt is reckoned among the principal necessaries of life - Ecclesiastes 12:1 or verse 31
hence, by a very natural figure, salt is used for food or maintenance in general. I am well informed, says Mr. Parkhurst, that it is a common expression of the natives in the East Indies, "I eat such a one's salt," meaning, I am fed by him. Salt was also, as it still is, among eastern nations, a symbol of friendship and hospitality; and hence, to eat a man's salt, is to be bound to him by the ties of friendship.and it was Ezekiel 33:31; John 12:5, 12:6, 19:12-15 Reciprocal Nehemiah 5:14 - the bread Verse 15 madewithin the same, Chal, in the midst thereofthis city Ezra 4:12; Nehemiah 2:19, 6:6; Esther 3:5-8; Daniel 6:4-13; Acts 17:6, 17:7 movedChalfor which 2 Kings 24:20, 25:1, 25:4; Jeremiah 52:3-34 Reciprocal Ezra 4:19 - search; 5:17 - let there be; 6:1 - and search; Proverbs 25:2 - the honour; Acts 25:7 - and laid Verse 16 thou shalt have Ezra 4:20; 2 Samuel 8:3; 1 Kings 4:24 Reciprocal Ezra 6:8 - the king's; 7:21 - beyond the river; Nehemiah 2:19 - will ye rebel Verse 17 companionsChal, societies, Ezra 4:7, 4:9 Peace 5:7, 7:12; Luke 10:5; Acts 23:26; Romans 1:7 at such a time Ezra 4:10, 4:11 Reciprocal Genesis 43:23 - Peace; Ezra 4:23 - Rehum; Daniel 4:1 - Peace; 6:25 - Peace; Obadiah 1:19 - the fields of Ephraim Verse 19 I commandedChal, by me a decree is setsearch Ezra 4:15, 5:17, 6:1, 6:2; Deuteronomy 13:14; Proverbs 25:2 and it is found 2 Kings 18:7, 24:20; Ezekiel 17:13-19 made insurrectionChal, lifted up itselfReciprocal Ezra 4:12 - rebellious; 4:21 - Give ye; Luke 20:22 - General Verse 20 mighty kings 1 Kings 4:21, 4:24; 1 Chronicles 18:3; Psalm 72:8 beyond Ezra 4:16; Genesis 15:18; Joshua 1:3, 1:4 toll 1 Chronicles 18:6, 18:13, 19:19; 2 Chronicles 9:14, 9:23, 9:24, 17:11, 26:7, 26:8 Reciprocal Genesis 17:6 - kings; Numbers 24:7 - his king; Deuteronomy 15:6 - thou shalt reign; 19:8 - General; 1 Chronicles 17:8 - made thee; Ezra 6:8 - the king's; 7:21 - beyond the river; Nehemiah 5:4 - the king's tribute; Lamentations 1:1 - great; Ezekiel 16:13 - and thou didst; 19:11 - she had; Romans 13:6 - pay Verse 21 Give yeetc. Chal, Make a decree, Ezra 4:19 Reciprocal 6:8 - hindered Verse 22 why should Ezra 4:13; Esther 3:8, 3:9, 7:3, 7:4 Reciprocal Daniel 6:2 - and the Verse 23 Rehum Ezra 4:8, 4:9, 4:17 they went up Proverbs 4:16; Micah 2:1; Romans 3:15 forceChal, armReciprocal Ezra 5:6 - copy; 6:8 - hindered; 6:13 - Tatnai; Haggai 1:2 - This Verse 24 So Nehemiah 6:3, 6:9; Job 20:5; 1 Thessalonians 2:18 DariusThis was Darius Hystaspes, one of the seven princes who slew the usurper Smerdis: he ascended the throne of Persia, am 3483, bc 521, and reigned 36 years. Ezra 5:5, 6:1; Haggai 1:15 Reciprocal Ezra 4:5 - Darius; 6:14 - Cyrus; Daniel 9:25 - from; 10:13 - the prince; Haggai 1:2 - This; 2:15 - from before; Zechariah 1:1 - the eighth Verse 1 am HaggaiThese are the same Haggai and Zechariah, whose writings we have among the twelve minor prophets; and, as a great part of them refer to the events here recorded, the reader will find it very profitable to compare them with the history. Haggai 1:1-15 Zechariah Zechariah 1:1-21 the son of IddoThat is, "the grandson of Iddo;" for Zechariah was the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo.in the name Micah 5:4; Haggai 1:2-8; Zechariah 1:3, 1:4, 4:6-10 Reciprocal Exodus 31:6 - I have given; Ezra 6:14 - through; Nehemiah 2:17 - come; Haggai 1:3 - by Haggai; 2:18 - even; Zechariah 8:9 - the prophets Verse 2 rose up Ezra 3:2; Haggai 1:12-15 Jeshua Zechariah 6:11, Joshua, Josedech.the prophets Ezra 6:14; Haggai 2:4-9, 2:20-23; Zechariah 3:1-4:14; 2 Corinthians 1:24 Reciprocal Exodus 31:6 - I have given; 1 Chronicles 3:17 - Salathiel; 6:15 - Jehozadak; Ezra 2:2 - Jeshua; 5:16 - laid; 10:18 - Jeshua; Nehemiah 2:17 - come; 7:7 - Jeshua; 12:1 - Zerubbabel; Haggai 1:2 - This; 1:14 - and they; 2:18 - even; 2:21 - Zerubbabel; Zechariah 8:9 - the prophets; Matthew 1:12 - and Verse 3 TatnaiTatnai was governor of the provinces which belonged to the Persian empire west of the Euphrates, comprehending Syria, Arabia Deserta, Phoenicia, and Samaria. He seems to have been a mild and judicious man, and to have acted with great prudence and caution, and without any passion or prejudice. Ezra 5:6, 6:6, 6:13, 7:21; Nehemiah 2:7-9 Who hath commanded you Ezra 5:9, 1:3; Matthew 21:23; Acts 4:7 Reciprocal Zechariah 1:19 - scattered Verse 4 What are Ezra 5:10 make this buildingChal, build this buildingReciprocal 5:9 - Who commanded Verse 5 But the eye Ezra 7:6, 7:28, 8:22; 2 Chronicles 16:9; Psalm 32:8, 33:18, 34:15, 76:10; Philippians 1:28; 1 Peter 3:12 that they Psalm 129:2-5 then they returned Ezra 6:6-12 Reciprocal Deuteronomy 11:12 - the eyes; Ezra 4:5 - Darius; 4:24 - Darius; 6:8 - hindered; Nehemiah 2:8 - the king Verse 6 am copy Ezra 4:11, 4:23 Apharsachites 4:9, Apharsathchites, 6:6 Reciprocal 4:7 - companions; 5:3 - Tatnai; 6:13 - Tatnai; 7:11 - the copy; 8:36 - lieutenants Verse 7 whereinChal, in the midst whereofall peace Ezra 4:17; Daniel 3:9, 4:1, 6:21; John 14:27; 2 Thessalonians 3:16
Verse 8 the province Ezra 2:1; Nehemiah 7:6, 11:3; Esther 1:1, 1:22 the great God Ezra 1:2, 1:3, 6:10, 7:23; Deuteronomy 10:17, 32:31; Psalm 145:3; Daniel 2:47, 3:26; 4:2, 4:34-37, 6:26 great stonesChal, stones of rolling, Mark 13:1, 13:2 Reciprocal 2 Kings 12:12 - masons; Ezra 7:14 - thy God; Nehemiah 1:3 - the province; 4:7 - heard; Haggai 1:14 - and they Verse 9 Who commanded Ezra 5:3, 5:4
Verse 10 asked Ezra 5:4
Verse 11 We are Joshua 24:15; Psalm 119:46; Daniel 3:26; Jonah 1:9; Matthew 10:32; Luke 12:8; Acts 27:23; Romans 1:16, 6:16; Galatians 6:14 which a great 1 Kings 6:1-7:51; 2 Chronicles 3:1-5:14 Reciprocal 1 Kings 3:1 - the house; 1 Chronicles 17:12 - He shall; Nehemiah 1:4 - the God; Ezekiel 16:13 - and thou didst; 19:11 - she had; Revelation 16:11 - the God Verse 12 am But after 2 Kings 21:12-15; 2 Chronicles 34:24, 34:25, 36:16, 36:17; Nehemiah 9:26, 9:27; Isaiah 59:1, 59:2; Jeremiah 5:29; Daniel 9:5 he gave Deuteronomy 28:15-68, 29:24-28, 31:17, 32:30; Judges 2:14, 4:2, 6:1; 1 Kings 9:6-9; 2 Chronicles 7:19-22; Psalm 106:40 into the hand 2 Kings 24:2, 24:10-17, 25:1, 25:8-11, 25:12-30; 2 Chronicles 36:6-10; Jeremiah 39:1-14; Daniel 1:1, 1:2 Reciprocal 2 Chronicles 29:6 - For our fathers; Nehemiah 1:4 - the God; Revelation 16:11 - the God Verse 13 Ezra 1:1-8, 6:3-5; Isaiah 44:28, 45:1 Reciprocal Ezra 6:14 - Cyrus; 7:13 - I make; Jeremiah 27:22 - then; Daniel 10:1 - Cyrus Verse 14 the vessels Ezra 1:7-10, 6:5; 2 Chronicles 36:7, 36:18; Jeremiah 52:19; Daniel 5:2, 5:3 the king Ezra 7:27; Proverbs 21:1 Sheshbazzar Ezra 5:16, 1:11 whom Haggai 1:1, 1:14, 2:2, 2:21 governoror, deputy, Acts 13:7, 13:8, 13:12 Reciprocal Ezra 1:8 - Sheshbazzar Verse 15 let the house Ezra 1:2, 3:3, 6:3
Verse 16 Sheshbazzar Ezra 5:14 laid 5:2, 3:8, 3:10; Haggai 1:12-14, 2:18; Zechariah 4:10, am 3468-3485, bc 536-519it is not finished Ezra 6:15 Reciprocal 1:8 - Sheshbazzar; Zechariah 4:9 - have Verse 17 am let there be Ezra 4:15, 4:19, 6:1, 6:2; Proverbs 25:2 a decree Ezra 6:3-5 Reciprocal Nehemiah 2:5 - If it please