[:en]SCRIPTURE: EZRA 4
“But Zerubbabel, Joshua and the rest of the heads of the families of Israel answered, “You 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” (Ezra 4:3)
OPPOSITION TO THE REBUILDING (vs. 1-5)
The people around them were descendants of the Jews who intermarried with the Gentiles and the Assyrians. The mixed multitude volunteered to help them build the temple. But Zerubbabel and Joshua and the rest of the heads of the families of Israel rejected their offer. So, they set out opposition, discouragement and intimidation to frustrate their plans.
LATER OPPOSITION UNDER XERXES AND ARTAXERXES (vs. 6-24)
The oppositionists lodged an accusation against the people of Judah and Jerusalem by using “political pressure ” to hinder God’s work. They used “taxes” as the weapon against the Israelites by writing a letter to King Artaxerxes in Aramaic language. The letter stated that if the city is built and its wall are restored, no more taxes, tribute or duty will be paid, and the royal revenues will suffer. (v. 13). This tactic worked and they were compelled by force to stop the construction.
SUMMARY:
The Samaritans were half breed nationals of mixed Jews and Gentiles. They offered to assist the Jews in their work but Zerubbabel and Joshua refused their aid. Beware of compromising with people that God had rejected. They may be volunteers but they may be working for the enemy.
People who opposed the Lord would find ways and means to intimidate Christians. They will sow seeds of discouragement, fear and legislations as their tactics to hinder God’s work. But do not be afraid. The Lord is our helper. God is still at work and in control.
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