Bible Commentary

Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which [is] at Jerusalem: and with them [were] the prophets of God helping them. 2. Zerubbabel Jeshua ] see notes on Ezr 3:1; Ezr 3:8, Ezr 4:3. began to build ] The building … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ezra 5:2”

Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that [were] in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, [even] unto them. Chap. Ezr 5:1-2 . The Voice of the Prophets and the National Revival 1. Then the prophets ] R.V. Now the prophets. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ezra 5:1”

Then ceased the work of the house of God which [is] at Jerusalem. So it ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia. 24. This verse resumes the thread of the narrative, which was dropped at the close of Ezr 4:5. It must be admitted that the words ‘then ceased’ … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ezra 4:24”

Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes’ letter [was] read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power. 23. Now ] R.V. Then, i.e. Thereupon. read before ] cf. 18. they went up in haste … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ezra 4:23”

Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings? 22. Take heed now that ye fail not to do this ] R.V. And take heed that ye be not slack herein. The king does not anticipate their disobedience, but warns against remissness or dilatoriness … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ezra 4:22”

Give ye now commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this city be not built, until [another] commandment shall be given from me. 21. Give ye now commandment) R.V. Make ye now a decree. Cf. 19. The Samaritan officials clearly held some authority over the whole adjoining territory. and that this city be … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ezra 4:21”

There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all [countries] beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto them. 20. over all countries] R.V. the country. Literally, ‘over all beyond the river’. The words refer to the warning of the Samaritan letter (Ezr 4:16) that the king might … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ezra 4:20”

And I commanded, and search hath been made, and it is found that this city of old time hath made insurrection against kings, and [that] rebellion and sedition have been made therein. 19. And I commanded ] R.V. decreed. A more authoritative word. Literally, ‘and from me was a decree made’; and they searched, ‘and … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ezra 4:19”

The letter which ye sent unto us hath been plainly read before me. 18. The letter ] On the word used here see note on Ezr 4:8. hath been plainly read before me ] So the R.V. The margin of the R.V. gives ‘translated’ as the alternative rendering for ‘plainly’, and this agrees with the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ezra 4:18”

[Then] sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and [to] Shimshai the scribe, and [to] the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and [unto] the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time. 17. an answer ] Another Persian word in the original, ‘pithgama’, used also in Est 1:20, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ezra 4:17”