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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 4:3 But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the other heads of the families of Israel replied, "You have no part with us in building a house for our God, since we alone must build it for the LORD, the God of Israel, as Cyrus king of Persia has commanded us."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ezra/4-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/15_Ezr_04_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ezra 4:3 - Adversaries Hinder the Work" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the other heads of the families of Israel replied, You have no part with us in building a house for our God, since we alone must build it for the LORD, the God of Israel, as Cyrus king of Persia has commanded us." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ezra/4-3.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ezra/4-3.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ezra/">Ezra</a> > <a href="/ezra/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 3</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.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/4-2.htm" title="Ezra 4:2">◄</a> Ezra 4:3 <a href="/ezra/4-4.htm" title="Ezra 4:4">►</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">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/ezra/4.htm">New International Version</a> But Zerubbabel, Joshua and the rest of the heads of the families of Israel answered, &#8220You have no part with us in building a temple to our God. We alone will build it for the LORD, the God of Israel, as King Cyrus, the king of Persia, commanded us.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/ezra/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the other leaders of Israel replied, “You may have no part in this work. We alone will build the Temple for the LORD, the God of Israel, just as King Cyrus of Persia commanded us.” <a href="/esv/ezra/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the rest of the heads of fathers’ houses in Israel said to them, “You have nothing to do with us in building a house to our God; but we alone will build to the LORD, the God of Israel, as King Cyrus the king of Persia has commanded us.” <a href="/bsb/ezra/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the other heads of the families of Israel replied, “You have no part with us in building a house for our God, since we alone must build it for the LORD, the God of Israel, as Cyrus king of Persia has commanded us.” <a href="/kjv/ezra/4.htm">King James Bible</a> But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel, said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the LORD God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us. <a href="/nkjv/ezra/4.htm">New King James Version</a> But Zerubbabel and Jeshua and the rest of the heads of the fathers’ houses of Israel said to them, “You may do nothing with us to build a house for our God; but we alone will build to the LORD God of Israel, as King Cyrus the king of Persia has commanded us.” <a href="/nasb_/ezra/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But Zerubbabel and Jeshua and the rest of the heads of fathers’ households of Israel said to them, “You have nothing in common with us in building a house to our God; but we ourselves will together build for the LORD God of Israel, just as King Cyrus, the king of Persia, has commanded us.” <a href="/nasb/ezra/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> But Zerubbabel and Jeshua and the rest of the heads of fathers&#8217 households of Israel said to them, &#8220You have nothing in common with us in building a house to our God; but we ourselves will together build to the LORD God of Israel, as King Cyrus, the king of Persia has commanded us.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/ezra/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But Zerubbabel and Jeshua and the rest of the heads of fathers’ households of Israel said to them, “You have nothing in common with us in building a house to our God; but we ourselves will together build to the LORD God of Israel, as King Cyrus, the king of Persia has commanded us.” <a href="/lsb/ezra/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But Zerubbabel and Jeshua and the rest of the heads of fathers’ households of Israel said to them, “You have nothing in common with us in building a house to our God; but we ourselves will together build to Yahweh, the God of Israel, as King Cyrus, the king of Persia has commanded us.” <a href="/amp/ezra/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But Zerubbabel and Jeshua and the rest of the heads of fathers’ households of Israel said to them, “You have nothing in common with us in building a house to our God; but we ourselves will together build to the LORD God of Israel, just as King Cyrus, the king of Persia, has commanded us.” <a href="/csb/ezra/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the other heads of Israel’s families answered them, “You may have no part with us in building a house for our God, since we alone will build it for the LORD, the God of Israel, as King Cyrus, the king of Persia has commanded us.” <a href="/hcsb/ezra/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the other leaders of Israel&#8217s families answered them, &#8220You may have no part with us in building a house for our God, since we alone must build it for Yahweh, the God of Israel, as King Cyrus, the king of Persia has commanded us.&#8221 <a href="/asv/ezra/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the heads of fathers' houses of Israel, said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us in building a house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto Jehovah, the God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us. <a href="/cev/ezra/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the family leaders answered, "You cannot take part in building a temple for the LORD our God! We will build it ourselves, just as King Cyrus of Persia commanded us." <a href="/erv/ezra/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the heads of fathers' houses of Israel, said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the LORD, the God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us. <a href="/gwt/ezra/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the rest of the heads of Israel's families told them, "It isn't right for your people and our people to build a temple for our God together. We must build it alone for the LORD God of Israel, as King Cyrus of Persia ordered us to do." <a href="/gnt/ezra/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the heads of the clans told them, "We don't need your help to build a temple for the LORD our God. We will build it ourselves, just as Emperor Cyrus of Persia commanded us." <a href="/isv/ezra/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the rest of the heads of the families of Israel replied, "You have no part in our plans for building a temple to our God, because we alone will build to the LORD, the God of Israel, in accordance with the decree issued by King Cyrus, king of Persia." <a href="/msb/ezra/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the other heads of the families of Israel replied, ?You have no part with us in building a house for our God, since we alone must build it for the LORD, the God of Israel, as Cyrus king of Persia has commanded us.? <a href="/net/ezra/4.htm">NET Bible</a> But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the rest of the leaders of Israel said to them, "You have no right to help us build the temple of our God. We will build it by ourselves for the LORD God of Israel, just as King Cyrus, the king of Persia, has commanded us." <a href="/nheb/ezra/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the heads of ancestral houses of Israel, said to them, "You have nothing to do with us in building a house to our God; but we ourselves together will build to the LORD, the God of Israel, as king Kurush the king of Persia has commanded us." <a href="/wbt/ezra/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel, said to them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build a house to our God; but we ourselves together will build to the LORD God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us. <a href="/web/ezra/4.htm">World English Bible</a> But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the rest of the heads of fathers’ households of Israel said to them, “You have nothing to do with us in building a house to our God; but we ourselves together will build to Yahweh, the God of Israel, as King Cyrus the king of Persia has commanded us.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ezra/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Zerubbabel says to them, also Jeshua, and the rest of the heads of the fathers of Israel, “Not for you, and for us, to build a house to our God; but we ourselves together build to YHWH God of Israel, as King Cyrus, king of Persia, commanded us.” <a href="/ylt/ezra/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Zerubbabel saith to them, also Jeshua, and the rest of the heads of the fathers of Israel, 'Not for you, and for us, to build a house to our God; but we ourselves together do build to Jehovah God of Israel, as the king Cyrus, king of Persia, commanded us.' <a href="/slt/ezra/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And to them Zerubbabel will say, and Joshua, and the rest of the heads of the fathers to Israel, Not to you and to us to build a house to our God; for we together will build to Jehovah God of Israel, as the king Cyrus king of Persia commanded us.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ezra/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But Zorobabel, and Josue, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel said to them: You have nothing to do with us to build a house to our God, but we ourselves alone will build to the Lord our God, as Cyrus king of the Persians hath commanded us. <a href="/cpdv/ezra/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the leaders of the fathers of Israel said to them: “It is not for you to build the house of our God with us. Instead, we alone shall build to the Lord our God, just as Cyrus, the king of the Persians, has commanded us.” <a href="/nabre/ezra/4.htm">New American Bible</a> But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the rest of the heads of ancestral houses of Israel answered them, “It is not your responsibility to build with us a house for our God, but we alone must build it for the LORD, the God of Israel, as Cyrus king of Persia has commanded us.” <a href="/nrsvce/ezra/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the rest of the heads of families in Israel said to them, “You shall have no part with us in building a house to our God; but we alone will build to the LORD, the God of Israel, as King Cyrus of Persia has commanded us.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ezra/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But Zerubbabel and Joshua and the rest of the chiefs of the fathers of Israel said to them, You have nothing to do with us to build a house to our God; for we ourselves together will build a house to the LORD God of Israel, as Cyrus the king of Persia has commanded us. <a href="/hpbt/ezra/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Zurbabeil and Yeshua and the rest of the heads of the fathers of Israel said to them: “It is not for you and for us to build a house to our God, for we will build a house as one to LORD JEHOVAH God of Israel, just as Kurash the Persian King commanded us.”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/ezra/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the heads of fathers' houses of Israel, said unto them: 'Ye have nothing to do with us to build a house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the LORD, the God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us.' <a href="/sep/ezra/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> then Zorobabel, and Jesus and the rest of the heads of the families of Israel said to them, It is not for us and you to build a house to our God, for we ourselves will build together to the Lord our God, as Cyrus the king of the Persians commanded us. <a href="/parallel/ezra/4-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sh6ec6iQe9M?start=808" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ezra/4.htm">Adversaries Hinder the Work</a> …2they 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.” 3<a href="/hebrew/2216.htm" title="2216: zə·rub·bā·ḇel (N-proper-ms) -- From zarab and Babel; descended of Babylon, i.e. Born there; Zerubbabel, an Israelite.">But Zerubbabel,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3442.htm" title="3442: wə·yê·šū·a‘ (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- Jeshua. For Yhowshuwa'; he will save; Jeshua, the name of ten Israelites, also of a place in Palestine.">Jeshua,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7605.htm" title="7605: ū·šə·’ār (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- Rest, residue, remnant. From sha'ar; a remainder.">and the other</a> <a href="/hebrew/7218.htm" title="7218: rā·šê (N-mpc) -- Head. From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head, whether literal or figurative.">heads</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: hā·’ā·ḇō·wṯ (Art:: N-mp) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">of the families</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: lə·yiś·rā·’êl (Prep-l:: 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> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">replied,</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">“You have no</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- ">part</a> <a href="/hebrew/wā·lā·nū (Conj-w:: Prep:: 1cp) -- ">with us</a> <a href="/hebrew/1129.htm" title="1129: liḇ·nō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To build. A primitive root; to build.">in building</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: ba·yiṯ (N-ms) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">a house</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: lê·lō·hê·nū (Prep-l:: N-mpc:: 1cp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">for our God,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">since</a> <a href="/hebrew/587.htm" title="587: ’ă·naḥ·nū (Pro-1cp) -- We. Apparently from 'anokiy; we.">we</a> <a href="/hebrew/3162.htm" title="3162: ya·ḥaḏ (Adv) -- Unitedness. From yachad; properly, a unit, i.e. unitedly.">alone</a> <a href="/hebrew/1129.htm" title="1129: niḇ·neh (V-Qal-Imperf-1cp) -- To build. A primitive root; to build.">must build</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.">it 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> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ka·’ă·šer (Prep-k:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">as</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3566.htm" title="3566: kō·w·reš (N-proper-ms) -- A Pers. king. Or (last time), Ezra 1:2) Koresh; from the Persians; Koresh, the Persian king.">Cyrus</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ- (N-msc) -- King. From malak; a king.">king</a> <a href="/hebrew/6539.htm" title="6539: pā·rās (N-proper-fs) -- A country in W. Asia which conquered Bab. Of foreign origin; Paras, an Eastern country, including its inhabitants.">of Persia</a> <a href="/hebrew/6680.htm" title="6680: ṣiw·wā·nū (V-Piel-Perf-3ms:: 1cp) -- To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order. A primitive root; to constitute, enjoin.">has commanded us.”</a> 4Then the people of the land set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to build.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/nehemiah/2-20.htm">Nehemiah 2:20</a> 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.” <a href="/2_kings/17-33.htm">2 Kings 17:33-34</a> They worshiped the LORD, but they also served their own gods according to the customs of the nations from which they had been carried away. / 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. <a href="/2_corinthians/6-14.htm">2 Corinthians 6:14-17</a> Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? / What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? / What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” ... <a href="/1_kings/12-27.htm">1 Kings 12:27-30</a> If these people go up to offer sacrifices in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, their hearts will return to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah; then they will kill me and return to Rehoboam king of Judah.” / After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, “Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” / One calf he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan. ... <a href="/nehemiah/4-1.htm">Nehemiah 4:1-3</a> 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!” <a href="/2_kings/17-24.htm">2 Kings 17:24-29</a> 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.” ... <a href="/1_corinthians/3-9.htm">1 Corinthians 3:9-11</a> For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. / By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds. / For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. <a href="/nehemiah/6-2.htm">Nehemiah 6:2-3</a> 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. / So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it to go down to you?” <a href="/2_chronicles/13-9.htm">2 Chronicles 13:9-10</a> But did you not drive out the priests of the LORD, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites? And did you not make priests for yourselves as do the peoples of other lands? Now whoever comes to consecrate himself with a young bull and seven rams can become a priest of things that are not gods. / But as for us, the LORD is our God. We have not forsaken Him; the priests who minister to the LORD are sons of Aaron, and the Levites attend to their duties. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-13.htm">2 Corinthians 11:13-15</a> For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. / And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. / It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions. <a href="/nehemiah/13-28.htm">Nehemiah 13:28-29</a> Even one of the sons of Jehoiada son of Eliashib the high priest had become a son-in-law to Sanballat the Horonite. Therefore I drove him away from me. / Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood and the covenant of the priesthood and of the Levites. <a href="/2_kings/17-41.htm">2 Kings 17:41</a> 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. <a href="/galatians/1-6.htm">Galatians 1:6-9</a> I am amazed how quickly you are deserting the One who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— / which is not even a gospel. Evidently some people are troubling you and trying to distort the gospel of Christ. / But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse! ... <a href="/2_chronicles/6-5.htm">2 Chronicles 6:5-6</a> ‘Since the day I brought My people out of the land of Egypt, I have not chosen a city from any tribe of Israel in which to build a house so that My Name would be there, nor have I chosen anyone to be ruler over My people Israel. / But now I have chosen Jerusalem for My Name to be there, and I have chosen David to be over My people Israel.’ <a href="/acts/4-19.htm">Acts 4:19-20</a> But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God. / For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel, said to them, You have nothing to do with us to build an house to our God; but we ourselves together will build to the LORD God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia has commanded us.Ye have nothing<a href="/nehemiah/2-20.htm">Nehemiah 2:20</a> Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.<a href="/john/4-22.htm">John 4:22,23</a> Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews… <a href="/acts/8-21.htm">Acts 8:21</a> Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.king Cyrus<a href="/ezra/1-1.htm">Ezra 1:1-3</a> Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, … <a href="/ezra/6-3.htm">Ezra 6:3-5</a> In the first year of Cyrus the king the same Cyrus the king made a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be builded, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid; the height thereof threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof threescore cubits; … <a href="/2_chronicles/36-22.htm">2 Chronicles 36:22,23</a> Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD spoken by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezra/4-2.htm">Build</a> <a href="/ezra/4-1.htm">Building</a> <a href="/ezra/4-2.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/ezra/1-2.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/11-14.htm">Common</a> <a href="/ezra/3-7.htm">Cyrus</a> <a href="/ezra/4-2.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/ezra/4-2.htm">Heads</a> <a href="/ezra/3-12.htm">House</a> <a href="/ezra/4-2.htm">Households</a> <a href="/ezra/4-2.htm">Houses</a> <a href="/ezra/4-1.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/ezra/3-9.htm">Jeshua</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/19-13.htm">Ourselves</a> <a href="/ezra/3-7.htm">Persia</a> <a href="/ezra/3-8.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/ezra/3-11.htm">Together</a> <a href="/ezra/4-2.htm">Zerubbabel</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ezra/4-4.htm">Build</a> <a href="/ezra/4-4.htm">Building</a> <a href="/ezra/4-8.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/ezra/4-19.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-5.htm">Common</a> <a href="/ezra/4-5.htm">Cyrus</a> <a href="/ezra/4-15.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/ezra/8-1.htm">Heads</a> <a href="/ezra/4-24.htm">House</a> <a href="/ezra/8-1.htm">Households</a> <a href="/ezra/8-1.htm">Houses</a> <a href="/ezra/5-1.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/ezra/5-2.htm">Jeshua</a> <a href="/ezra/8-21.htm">Ourselves</a> <a href="/ezra/4-5.htm">Persia</a> <a href="/ezra/4-7.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/ezra/4-9.htm">Together</a> <a href="/ezra/5-2.htm">Zerubbabel</a><div class="vheading2">Ezra 4</div>1. <a href="/ezra/4-1.htm">The adversaries, being not accepted in the building of the temple with the Jews, </a> 4. <a href="/ezra/4-4.htm">endeavor to hinder it</a> 7. <a href="/ezra/4-7.htm">Their letter to Artaxerxes</a> 17. <a href="/ezra/4-17.htm">The answer and decree of Artaxerxes</a> 23. <a href="/ezra/4-23.htm">The building is hindered</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the other heads of the families of Israel replied Zerubbabel and Jeshua were key leaders in the return from Babylonian exile. Zerubbabel, a descendant of David, served as governor, while Jeshua was the high priest. Their leadership was crucial in the rebuilding of the temple. The "heads of the families" refers to the tribal and clan leaders who represented the people. This collective leadership underscores the unity and shared responsibility among the Israelites in this significant task.“You have no part with us in building a house for our God This statement reflects the exclusivity of the covenant community. The returning exiles were determined to maintain the purity of their worship and religious practices, which had been compromised in the past. The refusal to allow others to participate in the temple construction was a protective measure to ensure that the worship of Yahweh remained untainted by foreign influences or syncretism.since we alone must build it for the LORD, the God of Israel The emphasis on "we alone" highlights the Israelites' understanding of their unique covenant relationship with God. This task was seen as a divine mandate, entrusted specifically to the people of Israel. The phrase "the God of Israel" reaffirms their identity as God's chosen people, distinct from the surrounding nations.as Cyrus king of Persia has commanded us.” Cyrus's decree, recorded in <a href="/ezra/1.htm">Ezra 1:1-4</a>, allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. This decree was seen as a fulfillment of prophecy, notably <a href="/isaiah/44-28.htm">Isaiah 44:28 and 45</a>:1, where Cyrus is called God's anointed. The mention of Cyrus underscores the providential role of foreign rulers in God's plan for His people, demonstrating that God can use even non-believers to accomplish His purposes.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/z/zerubbabel.htm">Zerubbabel</a> A leader of the Jewish exiles who returned to Jerusalem. He was instrumental in the rebuilding of the temple and is often seen as a figure of restoration and leadership. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jeshua.htm">Jeshua</a> Also known as Joshua, he was the high priest who returned with Zerubbabel. He played a key role in the spiritual leadership of the returning exiles. 3. <a href="/topical/h/heads_of_the_families_of_israel.htm">Heads of the Families of Israel</a> These were the leaders of the various tribes and families who returned from exile. They were responsible for organizing and overseeing the rebuilding efforts. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_house_of_god.htm">The House of God</a> Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, which was being rebuilt after the Babylonian exile. The temple was central to Jewish worship and identity. 5. <a href="/topical/k/king_cyrus_of_persia.htm">King Cyrus of Persia</a> The Persian king who issued a decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. His decree was seen as a fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/c/commitment_to_god's_commands.htm">Commitment to God's Commands</a> Zerubbabel and Jeshua's refusal to allow outsiders to participate in the temple construction underscores the importance of adhering strictly to God's instructions. We must prioritize obedience to God's Word in our own lives. <a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_partnerships.htm">Discernment in Partnerships</a> The leaders' decision to exclude those who did not share their faith highlights the need for discernment in forming partnerships, especially in spiritual matters. We should seek to align ourselves with those who share our commitment to God's purposes. <a href="/topical/c/courage_in_the_face_of_opposition.htm">Courage in the Face of Opposition</a> The leaders demonstrated courage by standing firm against external pressure. As believers, we are called to stand firm in our faith, even when faced with opposition or criticism. <a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_to_god's_promises.htm">Faithfulness to God's Promises</a> The rebuilding of the temple was a fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people. We can trust in God's faithfulness to fulfill His promises in our lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ezra_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ezra 4</a> <a href="/q/key_themes_in_ezra.htm">What are the key themes in the Book of Ezra?</a> <a href="/q/why_are_samaritans_seen_as_antagonists.htm">In Ezra 4:2, if Samaritans were truly offering assistance in rebuilding the temple, why does the broader biblical narrative often portray them as antagonists? </a> <a href="/q/is_there_proof_joshua's_crowning_occurred.htm">What evidence exists that Joshua's crowning (Zechariah 6:9-15) actually took place as recorded, given the lack of external documentation?</a> <a href="/q/why_was_zerubbabel's_rebuilding_slow.htm">If the Holy Spirit truly empowered Zerubbabel to rebuild (Zechariah 4:6), why was the process slow and fraught with opposition instead of miraculously effortless?</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>(3) Ye have nothing to do with us.--The account in 2 Kings 17 carefully studied will show that the stern refusal of the leaders was precisely ill harmony with the will of God; there was nothing in it of that intolerant spirit which is sometimes imagined. The whole design of the Great Restoration would have been defeated by a concession at this point. The reference to the command of Cyrus is another and really subordinate kind of justification, pleaded as subjects of the King of Persia, whose decree was absolute and exclusive.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ezra/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 3. - Ye have nothing to do with us to build a house unto our God. You have no ground on which to rest your claim of uniting with us in this matter. You do not really wish to build to our God simply and singly; nor were you mentioned in the decree of Cyrus, which is our warrant for what we are doing. <a href="/commentaries/ezra/4-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>But Zerubbabel, זְרֻבָּבֶ֜ל (zə·rub·bā·ḇel) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2216.htm">Strong's 2216: </a> Zerubbabel -- 'begotten in Babylon', a leader of returning Israelite exiles Jeshua, וְיֵשׁ֗וּעַ (wə·yê·šū·a‘) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3442.htm">Strong's 3442: </a> Jeshua and the other וּשְׁאָ֨ר (ū·šə·’ār) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7605.htm">Strong's 7605: </a> Rest, residue, remnant heads רָאשֵׁ֤י (rā·šê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> The head of the families הָֽאָבוֹת֙ (hā·’ā·ḇō·wṯ) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father of Israel לְיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (lə·yiś·rā·’êl) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc replied, וַיֹּאמֶר֩ (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “You have no לֹֽא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no part with us לָ֣כֶם (lā·ḵem) Preposition | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> in building לִבְנ֥וֹת (liḇ·nō·wṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1129.htm">Strong's 1129: </a> To build a house בַּ֖יִת (ba·yiṯ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> A house for our God, לֵאלֹהֵ֑ינוּ (lê·lō·hê·nū) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative since כִּי֩ (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction we אֲנַ֨חְנוּ (’ă·naḥ·nū) Pronoun - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_587.htm">Strong's 587: </a> We alone יַ֜חַד (ya·ḥaḏ) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3162.htm">Strong's 3162: </a> A unit, unitedly must build נִבְנֶ֗ה (niḇ·neh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1129.htm">Strong's 1129: </a> To build it for the LORD, לַֽיהוָה֙ (Yah·weh) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel the God אֱלֹהֵ֣י (’ĕ·lō·hê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative of Israel, יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc as כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר (ka·’ă·šer) Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that Cyrus כּ֥וֹרֶשׁ (kō·w·reš) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3566.htm">Strong's 3566: </a> Cyrus -- a person king the king מֶֽלֶךְ־ (me·leḵ-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king of Persia פָּרָֽס׃ (pā·rās) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6539.htm">Strong's 6539: </a> Persia -- a country in west Asia which conquered Babylon has commanded us.? צִוָּ֔נוּ (ṣiw·wā·nū) Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6680.htm">Strong's 6680: </a> To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ezra/4-3.htm">Ezra 4:3 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ezra/4-3.htm">Ezra 4:3 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ezra/4-3.htm">Ezra 4:3 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ezra/4-3.htm">Ezra 4:3 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ezra/4-3.htm">Ezra 4:3 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ezra/4-3.htm">Ezra 4:3 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ezra/4-3.htm">Ezra 4:3 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ezra/4-3.htm">Ezra 4:3 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ezra/4-3.htm">Ezra 4:3 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ezra/4-3.htm">Ezra 4:3 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ezra/4-3.htm">OT History: Ezra 4:3 But Zerubbabel and Jeshua and the rest (Ezr. Ez) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ezra/4-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ezra 4:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ezra 4:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ezra/4-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ezra 4:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ezra 4:4" /></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>