Bible Commentary

And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, wrote they [unto him] an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem. 6. Ahasuerus ] R.V. margin ‘Or Xerxes. Heb. Ahashverosh’. The well-known Xerxes, the son of Darius, who reigned 20 years (485 465). He is generally identified with the Ahasuerus of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ezra 4:6”

And hired counselors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia. 5. This verse describes one effectual method of opposition, ‘hired counsellors against them’. This will not necessarily imply that bribes were given to the king’s ministers referred to elsewhere … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ezra 4:5”

Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building, 4. Then the people of the land ] i.e. the Samaritans, as opposed to ‘the people of Judah’. It is noteworthy that this expression ‘the people of the land’ (’am hare) became a synonym for ‘the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ezra 4:4”

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 a 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. 3. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ezra 4:3”

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 Esar-haddon king of Assur, which brought us up hither. 2. then they came &c.] R.V. then … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ezra 4:2”

Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity built the temple unto the LORD God of Israel; Ch. 4. The Record of Opposition. (1) Ezr 4:1-5, from the reign of Cyrus to the reign of Darius. (2) Ezr 4:6, during the reign of Xerxes. (3) Ezr 4:7-23, during … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ezra 4:1”

So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off. 13. So that the people could not discern ] literally, ‘And the people &c.’ The people generally, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ezra 3:13”

But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, [who were] ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy: 12. But many &c. and chief of the fathers, who were … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ezra 3:12”

And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because [he is] good, for his mercy [endureth] forever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid. 11. And they sung together … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ezra 3:11”

And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the LORD, after the ordinance of David king of Israel. 10. And when the builders &c.] By ‘the builders’ is clearly meant … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ezra 3:10”