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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ezra 4:1 When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were building a temple for the LORD, the God of Israel,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ezra/4-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/15_Ezr_04_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ezra 4:1 - Adversaries Hinder the Work" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were building a temple for the LORD, the God of Israel," /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ezra/3-13.htm" title="Ezra 3:13">◄</a> Ezra 4:1 <a href="/ezra/4-2.htm" title="Ezra 4:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/ezra/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/ezra/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were building a temple for the LORD, the God of Israel,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ezra/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were rebuilding a Temple to the LORD, the God of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ezra/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the returned exiles were building a temple to the LORD, the God of Israel,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ezra/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were building a temple for the LORD, the God of Israel,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ezra/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto the LORD God of Israel;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ezra/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the descendants of the captivity were building the temple of the LORD God of Israel,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ezra/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now when the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the people of the exile were building a temple to the LORD God of Israel,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ezra/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Now when the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the people of the exile were building a temple to the LORD God of Israel,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ezra/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Now when the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the people of the exile were building a temple to the LORD God of Israel,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ezra/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the people of the exile were building a temple to Yahweh, the God of Israel,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ezra/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now when [the Samaritans] the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles from the captivity were building a temple to the LORD God of Israel,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ezra/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the returned exiles were building a temple for the LORD, the God of Israel,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ezra/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the returned exiles were building a temple for Yahweh, the God of Israel, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ezra/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity were building a temple unto Jehovah, the God of Israel;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ezra/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The enemies of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin heard that the people had come back to rebuild the temple of the LORD God of Israel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ezra/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded a temple unto the LORD, the God of Israel;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ezra/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the people who returned from exile were building a temple for the LORD God of Israel,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ezra/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The enemies of the people of Judah and Benjamin heard that those who had returned from exile were rebuilding the Temple of the LORD, the God of Israel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ezra/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin learned that the descendants of the Babylonian captivity had built their Temple to the LORD, the God of Israel, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ezra/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were building a temple for the LORD, the God of Israel,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ezra/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin learned that the former exiles were building a temple for the LORD God of Israel,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ezra/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the people from the exile were building a temple to the LORD, the God of Israel;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ezra/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity were building the temple to the LORD God of Israel;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ezra/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity were building a temple to Yahweh, the God of Israel, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ezra/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And adversaries of Judah and Benjamin hear that the sons of the captivity are building a temple to YHWH, God of Israel,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ezra/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And adversaries of Judah and Benjamin hear that the sons of the captivity are building a temple to Jehovah, God of Israel,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ezra/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin will hear that the sons of the captivity were building the temple to Jehovah God of Israel;<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ezra/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Now the enemies of Juda and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity were building a temple to the Lord the God of Israel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ezra/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Now the enemies of Judah and of Benjamin heard that the sons of the captivity were building a temple to the Lord, the God of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ezra/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were building a temple for the LORD, the God of Israel,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ezra/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the returned exiles were building a temple to the LORD, the God of Israel,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ezra/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />NOW when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the people of the captivity were building the temple to the LORD God of Israel,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ezra/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the haters of Yehuda and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity were building the temple to LORD JEHOVAH God of Israel.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ezra/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity were building a temple unto the LORD, the God of Israel;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ezra/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And they that afflicted Juda and Benjamin heard, that the children of the captivity were building a house to the Lord God of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ezra/4-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sh6ec6iQe9M?start=783" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ezra/4.htm">Adversaries Hinder the Work</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6862.htm" title="6862: ṣā·rê (N-mpc) -- Narrow, a tight place, a pebble, an opponent. Or tsar; from tsarar; narrow; a tight place; also a pebble; an opponent.">When the enemies</a> <a href="/hebrew/3063.htm" title="3063: yə·hū·ḏāh (N-proper-fs) -- From yadah; celebrated; Jehudah, the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory.">of Judah</a> <a href="/hebrew/1144.htm" title="1144: ū·ḇin·yā·min (Conj-w:: N-proper-fs) -- From ben and yamiyn; son of right hand; Binjamin, youngest son of Jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory.">and Benjamin</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: way·yiš·mə·‘ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">heard</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ḇə·nê (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">the exiles</a> <a href="/hebrew/1473.htm" title="1473: hag·gō·w·lāh (Art:: N-fs) -- Exiles, exile. Or golah; active participle feminine of galah; exile; concretely and collectively exiles."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1129.htm" title="1129: bō·w·nîm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To build. A primitive root; to build.">were building</a> <a href="/hebrew/1964.htm" title="1964: hê·ḵāl (N-ms) -- A palace, temple. Probably from yakol; a large public building, such as a palace or temple.">a temple</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">for the LORD,</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hê (N-mpc) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">the God</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-fs) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">of Israel,</a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>they approached Zerubbabel and the heads of the families, saying, “Let us build with you because, like you, we seek your God and have been sacrificing to Him since the time of King Esar-haddon of Assyria, who brought us here.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/4-1.htm">Nehemiah 4:1-3</a></span><br />Now when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he was furious and filled with indignation. He ridiculed the Jews / before his associates and the army of Samaria, saying, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Can they restore the wall by themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they complete it in a day? Can they bring these burnt stones back to life from the mounds of rubble?” / Then Tobiah the Ammonite, who was beside him, said, “If even a fox were to climb up on what they are building, it would break down their wall of stones!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/2-19.htm">Nehemiah 2:19-20</a></span><br />But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard about this, they mocked us and ridiculed us, saying, “What is this you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?” / So I answered them and said, “The God of heaven is the One who will grant us success. We, His servants, will start rebuilding, but you have no portion, right, or claim in Jerusalem.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/6-1.htm">Nehemiah 6:1-2</a></span><br />When Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall and not a gap was left—though to that time I had not yet installed the doors in the gates— / Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: “Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono.” But they were planning to harm me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/17-24.htm">2 Kings 17:24-33</a></span><br />Then the king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath, and Sepharvaim and settled them in the towns of Samaria to replace the Israelites. They took possession of Samaria and lived in its towns. / Now when the settlers first lived there, they did not worship the LORD, so He sent lions among them, which killed some of them. / So they spoke to the king of Assyria, saying, “The peoples that you have removed and placed in the cities of Samaria do not know the requirements of the God of the land. Because of this, He has sent lions among them, which are indeed killing them off.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/17-41.htm">2 Kings 17:41</a></span><br />So these nations worshiped the LORD but also served their idols, and to this day their children and grandchildren continue to do as their fathers did.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/17-34.htm">2 Kings 17:34</a></span><br />To this day they are still practicing their former customs. None of them worship the LORD or observe the statutes, ordinances, laws, and commandments that the LORD gave the descendants of Jacob, whom He named Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/17-29.htm">2 Kings 17:29-30</a></span><br />Nevertheless, the people of each nation continued to make their own gods in the cities where they had settled, and they set them up in the shrines that the people of Samaria had made on the high places. / The men of Babylon made Succoth-benoth, the men of Cuth made Nergal, the men of Hamath made Ashima,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/17-32.htm">2 Kings 17:32</a></span><br />So the new residents worshiped the LORD, but they also appointed for themselves priests of all sorts to serve in the shrines of the high places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/17-25.htm">2 Kings 17:25-28</a></span><br />Now when the settlers first lived there, they did not worship the LORD, so He sent lions among them, which killed some of them. / So they spoke to the king of Assyria, saying, “The peoples that you have removed and placed in the cities of Samaria do not know the requirements of the God of the land. Because of this, He has sent lions among them, which are indeed killing them off.” / Then the king of Assyria commanded: “Send back one of the priests you carried off from Samaria, and have him go back to live there and teach the requirements of the God of the land.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/17-35.htm">2 Kings 17:35-39</a></span><br />For the LORD had made a covenant with the Israelites and commanded them, “Do not worship other gods or bow down to them; do not serve them or sacrifice to them. / Instead, worship the LORD, who brought you out of the land of Egypt with great power and an outstretched arm. You are to bow down to Him and offer sacrifices to Him. / And you must always be careful to observe the statutes, ordinances, laws, and commandments He wrote for you. Do not worship other gods. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-10.htm">Matthew 5:10-12</a></span><br />Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. / Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-22.htm">Matthew 10:22</a></span><br />You will be hated by everyone because of My name, but the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-18.htm">John 15:18-21</a></span><br />If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. / If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. / Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/4-1.htm">Acts 4:1-3</a></span><br />While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, / greatly disturbed that they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. / They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in custody until the next day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/13-45.htm">Acts 13:45-50</a></span><br />But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy, and they blasphemously contradicted what Paul was saying. / Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “It was necessary to speak the word of God to you first. But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. / For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’” ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity built the temple to the LORD God of Israel;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezra/7-9.htm">Ezra 7:9</a></b></br> For upon the first <i>day</i> of the first month began he to go up from Babylon, and on the first <i>day</i> of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/5-4.htm">1 Kings 5:4,5</a></b></br> But now the LORD my God hath given me rest on every side, <i>so that there is</i> neither adversary nor evil occurrent… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/22-9.htm">1 Chronicles 22:9,10</a></b></br> Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days… </p><p class="hdg">children of the captivity.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezra/1-11.htm">Ezra 1:11</a></b></br> All the vessels of gold and of silver <i>were</i> five thousand and four hundred. All <i>these</i> did Sheshbazzar bring up with <i>them of</i> the captivity that were brought up from Babylon unto Jerusalem.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezra/6-16.htm">Ezra 6:16,19,20</a></b></br> And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezra/10-7.htm">Ezra 10:7,16</a></b></br> And they made proclamation throughout Judah and Jerusalem unto all the children of the captivity, that they should gather themselves together unto Jerusalem; … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_chronicles/12-17.htm">Adversaries</a> <a href="/ezra/1-5.htm">Benjamin</a> <a href="/ezra/3-2.htm">Builded</a> <a href="/ezra/2-68.htm">Building</a> <a href="/ezra/3-8.htm">Captivity</a> <a href="/ezra/3-1.htm">Children</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/32-22.htm">Enemies</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/36-20.htm">Exile</a> <a href="/ezra/1-11.htm">Exiles</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/20-27.htm">Haters</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/34-27.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/ezra/3-13.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/ezra/3-11.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/ezra/3-9.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/32-31.htm">News</a> <a href="/ezra/3-10.htm">Temple</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/nehemiah/4-11.htm">Adversaries</a> <a href="/ezra/10-9.htm">Benjamin</a> <a href="/ezra/4-13.htm">Builded</a> <a href="/ezra/4-3.htm">Building</a> <a href="/ezra/6-16.htm">Captivity</a> <a href="/ezra/6-16.htm">Children</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-11.htm">Enemies</a> <a href="/ezra/6-21.htm">Exile</a> <a href="/ezra/6-16.htm">Exiles</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-27.htm">Haters</a> <a href="/nehemiah/1-6.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/ezra/9-3.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/ezra/4-3.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/ezra/4-4.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/ezra/4-12.htm">News</a> <a href="/ezra/5-3.htm">Temple</a><div class="vheading2">Ezra 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezra/4-1.htm">The adversaries, being not accepted in the building of the temple with the Jews, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezra/4-4.htm">endeavor to hinder it</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezra/4-7.htm">Their letter to Artaxerxes</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezra/4-17.htm">The answer and decree of Artaxerxes</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezra/4-23.htm">The building is hindered</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezra/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezra/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ezra/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin</b><br>The term "enemies" refers to the adversaries of the returning Jewish exiles. These were primarily the people who had settled in the land during the Babylonian exile, including Samaritans and other groups. Historically, these groups had mixed religious practices and were often at odds with the returning Jews who sought to reestablish pure worship of Yahweh. The tribes of Judah and Benjamin were the primary tribes that returned from exile, representing the southern kingdom of Judah. This context highlights the ongoing tension between the returning exiles and the inhabitants of the land.<p><b>heard that the exiles were building a temple</b><br>The exiles, led by figures such as Zerubbabel and Jeshua, had returned to Jerusalem with the primary goal of rebuilding the temple, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC. The rebuilding of the temple was a significant event, as it symbolized the restoration of proper worship and the reestablishment of the Jewish community in their ancestral land. The act of rebuilding was not just a physical task but a spiritual renewal, fulfilling prophecies such as those found in Isaiah and Jeremiah about the return from exile.<p><b>for the LORD, the God of Israel</b><br>The phrase emphasizes the covenant relationship between Yahweh and the people of Israel. The temple was to be dedicated to the LORD, distinguishing the worship of Yahweh from the syncretistic practices of the surrounding peoples. This dedication underscores the theological significance of the temple as the dwelling place of God among His people, a theme that runs throughout the Old Testament. The focus on the "God of Israel" reaffirms the identity of the returning exiles as the chosen people, set apart for God's purposes. This also foreshadows the New Testament understanding of Jesus Christ as the true temple, where God's presence dwells among humanity.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/e/enemies_of_judah_and_benjamin.htm">Enemies of Judah and Benjamin</a></b><br>These were the adversaries of the Jewish people who had returned from exile. They were likely the Samaritans and other local groups who opposed the rebuilding efforts.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/judah_and_benjamin.htm">Judah and Benjamin</a></b><br>These were the two tribes of Israel that made up the Southern Kingdom. After the Babylonian exile, the returning exiles primarily belonged to these tribes.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/exiles.htm">Exiles</a></b><br>Refers to the Jewish people who had been taken captive to Babylon and were now returning to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/b/building_a_temple.htm">Building a Temple</a></b><br>The central event in this passage is the reconstruction of the temple in Jerusalem, a significant act of worship and identity for the Jewish people.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord,_the_god_of_israel.htm">The LORD, the God of Israel</a></b><br>This emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and Israel, highlighting the religious significance of the temple.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/o/opposition_to_god's_work.htm">Opposition to God's Work</a></b><br>Expect resistance when undertaking God's work. The rebuilding of the temple faced opposition, reminding us that spiritual endeavors often encounter challenges.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/identity_and_worship.htm">Identity and Worship</a></b><br>The temple was central to Jewish identity and worship. Similarly, our identity in Christ should be central to our lives, influencing our actions and priorities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_cooperation.htm">Community and Cooperation</a></b><br>The exiles worked together to rebuild the temple. In the church, cooperation and unity are essential for accomplishing God's purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_adversity.htm">Faithfulness in Adversity</a></b><br>Despite opposition, the exiles remained committed to their task. We are called to remain faithful to God's calling, even when facing difficulties.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>The rebuilding of the temple was part of God's plan. Trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that He is in control of all circumstances.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ezra_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ezra 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_ezra_4_1-2_align_with_archaeology.htm">In Ezra 4:1–2, how can we reconcile the reference to “the enemies of Judah and Benjamin” with archaeological evidence that suggests more complex local alliances? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_christian_women_differ_from_divas.htm">What is Judea's significance in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_isaiah_49_8_align_with_history.htm">Isaiah 49:8 depicts a grand restoration—how does this align with historical records of Israel’s exiles and returns that appear less triumphant? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/key_themes_in_ezra.htm">What are the key themes in the Book of Ezra?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ezra/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(1) <span class= "bld">The adversaries.</span>--The Samaritans, so termed by Nehemiah (<a href="/ezra/4-11.htm" title="This is the copy of the letter that they sent to him, even to Artaxerxes the king; Your servants the men on this side the river, and at such a time.">Ezra 4:11</a>). These were a mixed race, the original Israelite element of which was nearly lost in the tribes imported into the northern part of the land by Sargon, Sennacherib, and Esar-haddon. (See <a href="/context/2_kings/17-24.htm" title="And the king of Assyria brought men from Babylon, and from Cuthah, and from Ava, and from Hamath, and from Sepharvaim, and placed them in the cities of Samaria instead of the children of Israel: and they possessed Samaria, and dwelled in the cities thereof.">2Kings 17:24-34</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ezra/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The adversaries</span>. Notwithstanding the friendly guise in which they came, the historian sees from the first that the Samaritans are in reality "adversaries," or "persecutors" (<span class="accented">tsazey</span>), identical in spirit with Sanballat and his followers, whom Nehemiah designates by the same word (<a href="/ezra/4-11.htm">Ezra 4:11</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ezra/4-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">When the enemies</span><br /><span class="heb">צָרֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(ṣā·rê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6862.htm">Strong's 6862: </a> </span><span class="str2">Narrow, a tight place, a pebble, an opponent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Judah</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוּדָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(yə·hū·ḏāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3063.htm">Strong's 3063: </a> </span><span class="str2">Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and Benjamin</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבִנְיָמִ֑ן</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇin·yā·min)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1144.htm">Strong's 1144: </a> </span><span class="str2">Benjamin -- 'son of the right hand', youngest son of Jacob, also the name of two other Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">heard</span><br /><span class="heb">וַֽיִּשְׁמְע֔וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiš·mə·‘ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the exiles</span><br /><span class="heb">בְנֵ֤י</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">were building</span><br /><span class="heb">בּוֹנִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(bō·w·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1129.htm">Strong's 1129: </a> </span><span class="str2">To build</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a temple</span><br /><span class="heb">הֵיכָ֔ל</span> <span class="translit">(hê·ḵāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1964.htm">Strong's 1964: </a> </span><span class="str2">A large public building, palace, temple</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for the LORD,</span><br /><span class="heb">לַיהוָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the God</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Israel,</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ezra/4-1.htm">Ezra 4:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ezra/4-1.htm">Ezra 4:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ezra/4-1.htm">Ezra 4:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ezra/4-1.htm">Ezra 4:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ezra/4-1.htm">Ezra 4:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ezra/4-1.htm">Ezra 4:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ezra/4-1.htm">Ezra 4:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ezra/4-1.htm">Ezra 4:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ezra/4-1.htm">Ezra 4:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ezra/4-1.htm">Ezra 4:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ezra/4-1.htm">OT History: Ezra 4:1 Now when the adversaries of Judah (Ezr. Ez) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ezra/3-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ezra 3:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ezra 3:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ezra/4-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ezra 4:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ezra 4:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>