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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 4:2 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."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ezra/4-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/15_Ezr_04_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ezra 4:2 - Adversaries Hinder the Work" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><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/4-2.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/4-2.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 2</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="/ad2.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/4-1.htm" title="Ezra 4:1">◄</a> Ezra 4:2 <a href="/ezra/4-3.htm" title="Ezra 4:3">►</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> they came to Zerubbabel and to the heads of the families and said, &#8220Let us help you build because, like you, we seek your God and have been sacrificing to him since the time of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us here.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/ezra/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> So they approached Zerubbabel and the other leaders and said, “Let us build with you, for we worship your God just as you do. We have sacrificed to him ever since King Esarhaddon of Assyria brought us here.” <a href="/esv/ezra/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> they approached Zerubbabel and the heads of fathers’ houses and said to them, “Let us build with you, for we worship your God as you do, and we have been sacrificing to him ever since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assyria who brought us here.” <a href="/bsb/ezra/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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.” <a href="/kjv/ezra/4.htm">King James Bible</a> Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said unto them, Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as ye do; and we do sacrifice unto him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assur, which brought us up hither. <a href="/nkjv/ezra/4.htm">New King James Version</a> they came to Zerubbabel and the heads of the fathers’ houses, and said to them, “Let us build with you, for we seek your God as you do; and we have sacrificed to Him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us here.” <a href="/nasb_/ezra/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> they approached Zerubbabel and the heads of fathers’ households, and said to them, “Let us build with you, for like you, we seek your God; and we have been sacrificing to Him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us up here.” <a href="/nasb/ezra/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> they approached Zerubbabel and the heads of fathers&#8217 households, and said to them, &#8220Let us build with you, for we, like you, seek your God; and we have been sacrificing to Him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us up here.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/ezra/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> they approached Zerubbabel and the heads of fathers’ households, and said to them, “Let us build with you, for we, like you, seek your God; and we have been sacrificing to Him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us up here.” <a href="/lsb/ezra/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> so they approached Zerubbabel and the heads of fathers’ households and said to them, “Let us build with you, for we, like you, seek your God; and we have been sacrificing to Him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us up here.” <a href="/amp/ezra/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> they came to Zerubbabel [who was now governor] and to the heads of the fathers’ households and said to them, “Let us build with you, for we seek your God [and worship] just as you do; and we have sacrificed to Him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us up here.” <a href="/csb/ezra/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> they approached Zerubbabel and the family heads and said to them, “Let us build with you, for we also worship your God and have been sacrificing to him since the time King Esar-haddon of Assyria brought us here.” <a href="/hcsb/ezra/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> they approached Zerubbabel and the leaders of the families and said to them, &#8220Let us build with you, for we also worship your God and have been sacrificing to Him since the time King Esar-haddon of Assyria brought us here.&#8221 <a href="/asv/ezra/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> then they drew near to Zerubabbel, and to the heads of fathers' houses, and said unto them, Let us build with you; for we seek your God, as ye do; and we sacrifice unto him since the days of Esar-haddon king of Assyria, who brought us up hither. <a href="/cev/ezra/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> So they went to Zerubbabel and to the family leaders and said, "Let us help! Ever since King Esarhaddon of Assyria brought us here, we have worshiped your God and offered sacrifices to him." <a href="/erv/ezra/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> then they drew near to Zerubbabel, and to the heads of fathers' houses, and said unto them, Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as ye do; and we do sacrifice unto him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, which brought us up hither. <a href="/gwt/ezra/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> they approached Zerubbabel and the heads of the families. They told them, "We want to help you build because we worship the same God you worship. We have been sacrificing to him since the time of King Esarhaddon of Assyria, who brought us here." <a href="/gnt/ezra/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> So they went to see Zerubbabel and the heads of the clans and said, "Let us join you in building the Temple. We worship the same God you worship, and we have been offering sacrifices to him ever since Emperor Esarhaddon of Assyria sent us here to live." <a href="/isv/ezra/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> they approached Zerubbabel and the heads of the families with this message: "Let's build along with you, because, like you, we seek your God, as do you, and we've been making sacrifices to him since the reign of Esarhaddon, king of Assyria, who brought us here." <a href="/msb/ezra/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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.? <a href="/net/ezra/4.htm">NET Bible</a> they came to Zerubbabel and the leaders and said to them, "Let us help you build, for like you we seek your God and we have been sacrificing to him from the time of King Esarhaddon of Assyria, who brought us here." <a href="/nheb/ezra/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> then they drew near to Zerubbabel, and to the heads of ancestral houses, and said to them, "Let us build with you; for we seek your God, as you do; and we sacrifice to him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us up here." <a href="/wbt/ezra/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said to them, Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as ye do; and we do sacrifice to him since the days of Esar-haddon king of Assur, who brought us up hither. <a href="/web/ezra/4.htm">World English Bible</a> they came near to Zerubbabel, and to the heads of fathers’ households, and said to them, “Let us build with you, for we seek your God as you do; and we have been sacrificing to him since the days of Esar Haddon king of Assyria, who brought us up here.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ezra/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and they draw near to Zerubbabel, and to heads of the fathers, and say to them, “Let us build with you; for, like you, we seek to your God, and we are not sacrificing since the days of Esar-Haddon king of Asshur, who brought us up here.” <a href="/ylt/ezra/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and they draw nigh unto Zerubbabel, and unto heads of the fathers, and say to them, 'Let us build with you; for, like you, we seek to your God, and we are not sacrificing since the days of Esar-Haddon king of Asshur, who brought us up hither.' <a href="/slt/ezra/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And they will come near to Zerubbabel, and to the heads of the fathers, and they will say to them, We will build with you: for like you we will seek for your God: for we sacrifice not from the days of Esa-Haddon king of Assur bringing us up hither.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ezra/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And they came to Zorobabel, and the chief of the fathers, and said to them: Let us build with you, for we seek your God as ye do: behold we have sacrificed to him, since the days of Asor Haddan king of Assyria, who brought us hither. <a href="/cpdv/ezra/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And so, drawing near to Zerubbabel and to the leaders of the fathers, they said to them: “Let us build with you, for we seek your God just as you do. Behold, we have immolated victims to him from the days of Esarhaddon, king of Assyria, who brought us here.” <a href="/nabre/ezra/4.htm">New American Bible</a> they approached Zerubbabel and the heads of ancestral houses and said to them, “Let us build with you, for we seek your God just as you do, and we have sacrificed to him since the days of Esarhaddon, king of Assyria, who brought us here.” <a href="/nrsvce/ezra/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> they approached Zerubbabel and the heads of families and said to them, “Let us build with you, for we worship your God as you do, and we have been sacrificing to him ever since the days of King Esar-haddon of Assyria who brought us here.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ezra/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then they came to Zerubbabel and to the chiefs of the fathers and said to them, Let us also build with you; for we seek your God as you do, and we have been sacrificing to him since the days of Esarhaddom king of Assyria, who brought us up here. <a href="/hpbt/ezra/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And they came to Zurbabeil and to the Chiefs of the fathers, and they were saying to them: “We will also build with you, because like you we will build for your God, and it is to him we sacrifice here from the days of Serakhdum King of Assyria who brought us up here.”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/ezra/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> then they drew near to Zerubbabel, and to the heads of fathers' houses, and said unto them: 'Let us build with you; for we seek your God, as ye do; and we do sacrifice unto Him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us up hither.' <a href="/sep/ezra/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And they drew near to Zorobabel, and to the heads of families, and said to them, We will build with you; for as ye do, we seek to serve our God, and we do sacrifice to him from the days of Asaradan king of Assur, who brought us hither. <a href="/parallel/ezra/4-2.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=790" 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> 1When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were building a temple for the LORD, the God of Israel, 2<a href="/hebrew/5066.htm" title="5066: way·yig·gə·šū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To draw near, approach. ">they approached</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <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.">Zerubbabel</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: wə·’el- (Conj-w:: Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></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.">and the 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/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">saying,</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·hem (Prep-l:: Pro-3mp) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1129.htm" title="1129: niḇ·neh (V-Qal-Imperf.h-1cp) -- To build. A primitive root; to build.">“Let us build</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im·mā·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">with you</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because,</a> <a href="/hebrew/ḵā·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- ">like you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1875.htm" title="1875: niḏ·rō·wōš (V-Qal-Imperf-1cp) -- A primitive root; properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow; by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship.">we seek</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: lê·lō·hê·ḵem (Prep-l:: N-mpc:: 2mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">your God</a> <a href="/hebrew/587.htm" title="587: ’ă·naḥ·nū (Pro-1cp) -- We. Apparently from 'anokiy; we."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2076.htm" title="2076: zō·ḇə·ḥîm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To slaughter for sacrifice. A primitive root; to slaughter an animal.">and have been sacrificing</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Prep:: 3ms) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">to Him since</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: mî·mê (Prep-m:: N-mpc) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">the time</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ (N-msc) -- King. From malak; a king.">of King</a> <a href="/hebrew/634.htm" title="634: ’ê·sar Ashur has given a brother, an Assyr. king. Of foreign derivation; Esar- chaddon, an Assyrian king."></a> <a href="/hebrew/634.htm" title="634: ḥad·dōn (N-proper-ms) -- Ashur has given a brother, an Assyr. king. Of foreign derivation; Esar- chaddon, an Assyrian king.">Esar-haddon</a> <a href="/hebrew/804.htm" title="804: ’aš·šūr (N-proper-fs) -- Ashshur, the second son of Shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them, its region and its empire.">of Assyria,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5927.htm" title="5927: ham·ma·‘ă·leh (Art:: V-Hifil-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; to ascend, intransitively or actively; used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative.">who brought</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯā·nū (DirObjM:: 1cp) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">us</a> <a href="/hebrew/6311.htm" title="6311: pōh (Adv) -- Here, hither. Or po; or pow; probably from a primitive inseparable particle p and huw'; this place, i.e. Here or hence.">here.”</a> 3But 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.”…<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="/2_kings/17-24.htm">2 Kings 17:24-41</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="/2_kings/17-33.htm">2 Kings 17:33</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. <a href="/2_kings/17-29.htm">2 Kings 17:29</a> 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. <a href="/2_kings/17-32.htm">2 Kings 17:32</a> 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. <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="/nehemiah/2-19.htm">Nehemiah 2:19-20</a> 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.” <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="/nehemiah/6-1.htm">Nehemiah 6:1-2</a> 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. <a href="/nehemiah/6-6.htm">Nehemiah 6:6-7</a> that read: “It is reported among the nations—and Geshem agrees—that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and this is why you are building the wall. According to these reports, you are to become their king, / and you have even appointed prophets in Jerusalem to proclaim on your behalf: ‘There is a king in Judah.’ Soon these rumors will reach the ears of the king. So come, let us confer together.” <a href="/2_corinthians/6-14.htm">2 Corinthians 6:14-16</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="/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="/galatians/2-4.htm">Galatians 2:4</a> This issue arose because some false brothers had come in under false pretenses to spy on our freedom in Christ Jesus, in order to enslave us. <a href="/galatians/5-1.htm">Galatians 5:1</a> It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery. <a href="/matthew/7-15.htm">Matthew 7:15</a> Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. <a href="/matthew/24-24.htm">Matthew 24:24</a> For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said to them, Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as you do; and we do sacrifice to him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assur, which brought us up here.Zerubbabel<a href="/ezra/1-5.htm">Ezra 1:5</a> Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all them whose spirit God had raised, to go up to build the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem.<a href="/ezra/2-2.htm">Ezra 2:2</a> Which came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:<a href="/ezra/3-2.htm">Ezra 3:2,12</a> Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as it is written in the law of Moses the man of God… Let us<a href="/proverbs/26-23.htm">Proverbs 26:23-26</a> Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross… <a href="/2_corinthians/11-13.htm">2 Corinthians 11:13-15</a> For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ… <a href="/galatians/2-4.htm">Galatians 2:4</a> And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:we do<a href="/2_kings/17-24.htm">2 Kings 17:24,27-33,41</a> 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 dwelt in the cities thereof… Esarhaddon<a href="/ezra/4-10.htm">Ezra 4:10</a> And the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Asnappar brought over, and set in the cities of Samaria, and the rest that are on this side the river, and at such a time.Asnappar<a href="/2_kings/19-37.htm">2 Kings 19:37</a> And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword: and they escaped into the land of Armenia. And Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead.Assur<a href="/genesis/10-11.htm">Genesis 10:11</a> Out of that land went forth Asshur, and builded Nineveh, and the city Rehoboth, and Calah,<a href="/psalms/73-8.htm">Psalm 73:8</a> They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.<a href="/isaiah/37-37.htm">Isaiah 37:37</a> So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh.Assyria<a href="/hosea/14-3.htm">Hosea 14:3</a> Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, Ye are our gods: for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_chronicles/21-21.htm">Approached</a> <a href="/psalms/83-8.htm">Assur</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/33-11.htm">Assyria</a> <a href="/ezra/1-5.htm">Build</a> <a href="/ezra/3-12.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/21-11.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/2_kings/19-37.htm">Esar</a> <a href="/2_kings/19-37.htm">Esarhaddon</a> <a href="/2_kings/19-37.htm">Esar-Haddon</a> <a href="/ezra/3-12.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/2_kings/19-37.htm">Haddon</a> <a href="/ezra/3-12.htm">Heads</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/28-13.htm">Hither</a> <a href="/ezra/3-12.htm">Households</a> <a href="/ezra/3-12.htm">Houses</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/33-17.htm">Sacrifice</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/35-14.htm">Sacrificing</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/34-3.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/ezra/3-8.htm">Zerubbabel</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/8-3.htm">Approached</a> <a href="/psalms/83-8.htm">Assur</a> <a href="/ezra/6-22.htm">Assyria</a> <a href="/ezra/4-3.htm">Build</a> <a href="/ezra/4-3.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/ezra/9-1.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-38.htm">Esar</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-38.htm">Esarhaddon</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-38.htm">Esar-Haddon</a> <a href="/ezra/4-3.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-38.htm">Haddon</a> <a href="/ezra/4-3.htm">Heads</a> <a href="/psalms/73-10.htm">Hither</a> <a href="/ezra/4-3.htm">Households</a> <a href="/ezra/4-3.htm">Houses</a> <a href="/ezra/7-17.htm">Sacrifice</a> <a href="/psalms/50-23.htm">Sacrificing</a> <a href="/ezra/6-21.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/ezra/4-3.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>they approached Zerubbabel and the heads of the families This phrase indicates a formal approach to the leadership of the Jewish community. Zerubbabel, a descendant of King David, was the governor of Judah and played a key role in the rebuilding of the temple. The "heads of the families" refers to the leaders of the various clans or tribes who returned from exile. This approach signifies a request for collaboration in the temple rebuilding project, highlighting the importance of leadership in decision-making processes.saying, “Let us build with you The offer to help build the temple seems cooperative, but it is important to understand the underlying motives. Historically, the people making this offer were likely Samaritans, descendants of Israelites who had intermarried with foreign settlers brought in by the Assyrians. Their request to participate in the temple construction could be seen as an attempt to integrate or influence the religious practices of the returning exiles.because, like you, we seek your God This claim suggests a shared religious interest, but it is met with skepticism by the Jewish leaders. The Samaritans practiced a syncretistic form of worship, blending the worship of Yahweh with other deities, which was contrary to the pure worship commanded in the Mosaic Law. This phrase highlights the tension between maintaining religious purity and the pressures of external influences.and have been sacrificing to Him since the time of King Esar-haddon of Assyria King Esar-haddon reigned from 681 to 669 BC and was responsible for repopulating Samaria with foreign peoples after the Assyrian conquest. These settlers adopted a form of Yahweh worship, but it was mixed with pagan practices. The mention of Esar-haddon provides a historical anchor, indicating that these people had a long-standing, albeit compromised, tradition of worshiping Yahweh.who brought us here.” This phrase acknowledges the Assyrian policy of relocating conquered peoples to prevent rebellion. The settlers were brought to the region by Assyrian kings, including Esar-haddon, to replace the exiled Israelites. This relocation resulted in a mixed population with a diluted form of Israelite religion, which the returning exiles viewed with suspicion. The historical context underscores the complex identity and religious practices of the people offering to help, which were not fully aligned with the returning Jews' covenantal faith.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/z/zerubbabel.htm">Zerubbabel</a> The leader of the first group of Jewish exiles returning from Babylon to Jerusalem. He played a crucial role in the rebuilding of the temple. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_heads_of_the_families_of_israel.htm">The Heads of the Families of Israel</a> These were the leaders among the returning exiles who were responsible for overseeing the reconstruction efforts. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_adversaries_of_judah_and_benjamin.htm">The Adversaries of Judah and Benjamin</a> These were the people who approached Zerubbabel and the heads of the families, claiming they wanted to help build the temple. Historically, they were likely Samaritans or other local inhabitants who had been settled in the region by the Assyrians. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_temple_in_jerusalem.htm">The Temple in Jerusalem</a> The central place of worship for the Jewish people, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians and was now being rebuilt by the returning exiles. 5. <a href="/topical/e/esarhaddon,_king_of_assyria.htm">Esarhaddon, King of Assyria</a> The Assyrian king who had settled these adversaries in the land, as they claimed to have been worshiping the God of Israel since his time.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_partnerships.htm">Discernment in Partnerships</a> The leaders of Israel demonstrated discernment by rejecting the offer of help from those who did not share their faith fully. This teaches us the importance of being cautious about whom we partner with in spiritual endeavors. <a href="/topical/p/purity_of_worship.htm">Purity of Worship</a> The adversaries' claim to worship the same God highlights the need for purity in worship. We must ensure that our worship is not mixed with practices or beliefs that are contrary to Scripture. <a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_adversity.htm">Faithfulness in Adversity</a> The opposition faced by the Israelites serves as a reminder that faithfulness to God's commands often invites resistance. We are called to remain steadfast in our mission despite challenges. <a href="/topical/h/historical_context_and_its_impact.htm">Historical Context and Its Impact</a> Understanding the historical context of the adversaries helps us see the long-standing tensions and the importance of knowing our spiritual heritage and history.<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/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/why_is_zerubbabel_important_to_the_second_temple.htm">What is Zerubbabel's significance to the Second Temple?</a> <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> <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>(2) As ye do.--"They feared the Lord, and worshipped their own gods" (<a href="/2_kings/17-33.htm" title="They feared the LORD, and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations whom they carried away from there.">2Kings 17:33</a>): thus they came either in the spirit of hypocrites or with an intention to unite their own idolatries with the pure worship of Jehovah. In any case, they are counted enemies of the God of Israel.We do sacrifice unto Him since the days of Esar-haddon.--He ended his reign B.C. 668, and therefore the Samaritans speak from a tradition extending backwards a century and a half.Which brought us up hither.--Thus they entirely leave out of consideration what residue of Israel was yet to be found among them.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ezra/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 2. - We seek your God, as ye do. "We seek your God" was true; "as ye do" was not true. The Samaritans worshipped Jehovah, but not, as the Jews did, exclusively. "They feared the Lord, and worshipped their own gods" (<a href="/2_kings/17-33.htm">2 Kings 17:33</a>). Such worship dishonours Jehovah almost more than total neglect of him. Since the days of Esar-haddon. There was more than one colonisation of Central Palestine by the Assyrians. Sargon relates that he placed Arabians in the country; the writer of Kings tells us that it was occupied by Babylonians, Cuthaeans, Avites, Hamathites, and Sepharrites (<a href="/2_kings/17-24.htm">2 Kings 17:24</a>); the Samaritans themselves said that they were "Dinaites, Apharsathchites, Tarpelites, Apharsites, Archevites, Babylonians, Susanchites, Debarites, and Elamites" (infra, ver. 9). They attributed this last colonization to Esar-haddon. We may suspect that the second colonisation was by Sennacherib, who appears to have taken Babylon, Hamath, Sepharvaim, and Ivah or Avah (<a href="/2_kings/18-34.htm">2 Kings 18:34</a>). The result was that the Samaritans were a very mixed race. <a href="/commentaries/ezra/4-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>they approached וַיִּגְּשׁ֨וּ (way·yig·gə·šū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5066.htm">Strong's 5066: </a> To draw near, approach 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 and the heads רָאשֵׁ֣י (rā·šê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> The head of the families, הָֽאָב֗וֹת (hā·’ā·ḇō·wṯ) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father saying, וַיֹּאמְר֤וּ (way·yō·mə·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “Let us build נִבְנֶ֣ה (niḇ·neh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1129.htm">Strong's 1129: </a> To build with you עִמָּכֶ֔ם (‘im·mā·ḵem) Preposition | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> With, equally with because, כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction like you, כָכֶ֔ם (ḵā·ḵem) Preposition | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> we seek נִדְר֖וֹשׁ (niḏ·rō·wōš) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1875.htm">Strong's 1875: </a> To tread, frequent, to follow, to seek, ask, to worship your God לֵֽאלֹהֵיכֶ֑ם (lê·lō·hê·ḵem) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative and have been sacrificing זֹבְחִ֗ים (zō·ḇə·ḥîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2076.htm">Strong's 2076: </a> To slaughter for sacrifice to Him since וְל֣וֹ ׀ (wə·lōw) Conjunctive waw | Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no the time מִימֵי֙ (mî·mê) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day of אֵסַ֤ר (’ê·sar) 0 <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> King מֶ֣לֶךְ (me·leḵ) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king Esar-haddon חַדֹּן֙ (ḥad·dōn) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_634.htm">Strong's 634: </a> Esarhaddon -- 'Ashur has given a brother', an Assyrian king of Assyria, אַשּׁ֔וּר (’aš·šūr) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_804.htm">Strong's 804: </a> Ashshur who brought הַמַּעֲלֶ֥ה (ham·ma·‘ă·leh) Article | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5927.htm">Strong's 5927: </a> To ascend, in, actively us אֹתָ֖נוּ (’ō·ṯā·nū) Direct object marker | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> Untranslatable mark of the accusative case here.? פֹּֽה׃ (pōh) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6311.htm">Strong's 6311: </a> This place, here <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ezra/4-2.htm">Ezra 4:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ezra/4-2.htm">Ezra 4:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ezra/4-2.htm">Ezra 4:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ezra/4-2.htm">Ezra 4:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ezra/4-2.htm">Ezra 4:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ezra/4-2.htm">Ezra 4:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ezra/4-2.htm">Ezra 4:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ezra/4-2.htm">Ezra 4:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ezra/4-2.htm">Ezra 4:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ezra/4-2.htm">Ezra 4:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ezra/4-2.htm">OT History: Ezra 4:2 Then they drew near to Zerubbabel (Ezr. Ez) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ezra/4-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ezra 4:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ezra 4:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ezra/4-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ezra 4:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ezra 4:3" /></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>