Until another commandment shall be given from me - The rebuilding was only provisionally suspended. The decree was, Let it cease for the present; nor let it proceed at any time without an order express from me. read more
Made them to cease by force and power - Commanded them on pain of the king's displeasure not to proceed, obliging all to remit their labors, and probably bringing an armed force to prevent them from going forward. read more
Three thoughts from old documents. The determined attempts made by the Samaritans to prevent the Jews from building the temple and the walls of Jerusalem are well illustrated in the correspondence between them and the king of Persia. Documents passed between the two of which we have the superscription and contents in these verses. They remind us— I. THAT MEN MAY TAKE AN IMMENSITY OF TROUBLE TO DO OTHER PEOPLE HARM AND MAKE THEMSELVES INFAMOUS . These... read more
Three thoughts from old documents. The determined attempts made by the Samaritans to prevent the Jews from building the temple and the walls of Jerusalem are well illustrated in the correspondence between them and the king of Persia. Documents passed between the two of which we have the superscription and contents in these verses. They remind us— I. THAT MEN MAY TAKE AN IMMENSITY OF TROUBLE TO DO OTHER PEOPLE HARM AND MAKE THEMSELVES INFAMOUS . These... read more
Then sent the king an answer. The complaint made was of such importance that an answer was returned without delay. It was addressed both to Rehum and Shimshai, since they were independent authorities.. Peace, and at such a time . "Peace" ( sheldm ) is the ordinary Oriental salutation. The other word, uk'eth , is taken by our translators to refer to the date; but it really means, like uk'eneth ( Ezra 4:10 ), "and so forth," or "et cetera." read more
The work stopped. The ostensible object of the letter to Artaxerxes ( Ezra 4:11-16 ) was to stop the building of the walls of Jerusalem. Its real object was to put a stop to the building of God's house. In this for a time it succeeded, as our present passage records. Two things are to be especially noticed in the story of this grievous success. The weapon obtained was most efficient; the use made of it was most effectual. I. As EFFICIENT AID IS AS EVIL PLAN . This the... read more
Man hindering the work of God. I. THAT MEN ARE CAPABLE OF HINDERING THE WORK OF GOD . "Give ye now commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this city be not builded" ( Ezra 4:21 ). 1. Presumptuous. "Then ceased the work of the house of God." How could presumption be greater than to stop the work of God; let men pluck the stars from the heavens, but let them not injure the Church of Christ. 2. Perplexing. Is it not a mystery that the Eternal will... read more
The letter hath been plainly read before me . Despatches are read to , not by , Oriental sovereigns, who have often no literary education. (Compare Esther 6:1 .) read more
I commanded, and search has been made . The Pseudo-Smerdis, who was a fanatical adherent of Magism, which disallowed temples altogether (Herod; 1.130), and who had already destroyed the temples of Ormuzd in Persia ('Behistun Ins.,' col. 1. par. 14, 5), was naturally willing enough to do as the Samaritans desired, and stop the restoration of the Jewish temple. Accordingly, he had a search made among the state records, and found, as they had expected he would, evidence of insurrections on the... read more
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Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ezra 4:20
Beyond the river - That is, the Euphrates. Both David and Solomon carried their conquests beyond this river. See 2 Samuel 8:3 , etc., and 1 Kings 4:21 , where it is said, Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river (Euphrates) unto the land of the Philistines; and unto the borders of Egypt. read more