Ezra 4:12 - Matthew Henry

Ezra 4:12

10 ^aand the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Osnapper took captive and settled in the cities of Samaria and the remainder beyond¹ the River —^band so forth.

11 (This is a copy of the letter that they sent him)
To King Artaxerxes from your servants, the men of the region beyond the River,¹ and so forth:

12 Let it be known to the king that the Jews who came up from you have come to us at Jerusalem, and are building the ^arebellious and evil city, and are finishing its ^bwalls and repairing the foundations.

13 Let it now be known to the king that, if this city is built and the walls completed, they will not pay ^atax, tribute, or custom, and the king’s treasury will be diminished.

14 Now because we receive support from the palace, it was not proper for us to see the king’s dishonor; therefore we have sent and informed the king,

15 that search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers. And you will find in the book of the records and know that this city is a rebellious city, harmful to kings and provinces, and that they have incited sedition within the city in former times, for which cause this city was destroyed.

Commentaries:

Matthew Henry

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Ezra 4:1-24

The adversaries of the temple. (1-5) The building of the temple is hindered. (6-24)

Verses 1-5 Every attempt to revive true religion will stir up the opposition of Satan, and of those in whom he works. The adversaries were the Samaritans, who had been planted in the II Kings unite in the worship of the Lord, according to his word. Let those who discourage a good work, and weaken them that are employed in it, see whose pattern they follow.

Verses 6-24 It is an old slander, that the prosperity of the church would be hurtful to kings and princes. Nothing can be more false, for true godliness teaches us to honour and obey our sovereign. But where the command of God requires one thing and the law of the land another, we must obey God rather than man, and patiently submit to the consequences. All who love the gospel should avoid all appearance of evil, lest they should encourage the adversaries of the church. The world is ever ready to believe any accusation against the people of God, and refuses to listen to them. The king suffered himself to be imposed upon by these frauds and falsehoods. Princes see and hear with other men's eyes and ears, and judge things as represented to them, which are often done falsely. But God's judgment is just; he sees things as they are.

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Ezra 4:13 >>

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