Ezra 4:20

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Ezra 4:17-24

Here we have, I. The orders which the king of Persia gave, in answer to the information sent him by the Samaritans against the Jews. He suffered himself to be imposed upon by their fraud and falsehood, took no care to examine the allegations of their petition concerning that which the Jews were now doing, but took it for granted that the charge was true, and was very willing to gratify them with an order of council to stay proceedings. 1. He consulted the records concerning Jerusalem, and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ezra 4:20

There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all countries beyond the river ,.... As David and Solomon; and the account of these they had in their records, see 2 Samuel 8:1 and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto them ; as appears from the places referred to; and this served to strengthen the insinuation made to the king, that if these people were suffered to go on building, he would lose his tribute and taxes in those parts. read more

Adam Clarke

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezra 4:6-24

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezra 4:6-24

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezra 4:17-24

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezra 4:17-24

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezra 4:20

Mighty kings . David and Solomon best answer to this description, possessing as they did a kingdom which extended from the Euphrates to the borders of Egypt ( 1 Kings 4:21 , 1 Kings 4:24 ), and drawing tribute from the various petty princes or chiefs of the nations dwelling within those limits ( 2 Samuel 8:6-12 ; 1 Kings 10:14 , 1 Kings 10:25 ). Josiah had perhaps, more recently, possessed an almost equally extensive sway. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ezra 4:20

Mighty kings ... - If this reference can scarcely have been to David or Solomon (see marginal reference), of whom neither the Babylonian nor the Assyrian archives would be likely to have had any account - it would probably be to Menahem 2 Kings 15:16 and Josiah (2 Chronicles 34:6-7; 2 Chronicles 35:18). read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Ezra 4:19-20

Ezra 4:19-20. That rebellion and sedition have been found therein One instance or two of it, in latter times, had served to fasten this odious character upon them, as if they had been always guilty of these crimes. There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem And therefore the king thought it not advisable to permit them to go on with rebuilding the city, lest they should become powerful again. read more

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