23. And so a copy of the edict of king Artaxerxes was read before Rehum, the commander, and Shimshai, the scribe, and their counselors. And they went away hurriedly to Jerusalem, to the Jews. And they prohibited them by force and by strength.
Ezra 4 narrates the opposition of the enemies of Judah and Benjamin to the Jewish people who was rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. They tried to stop construction through bribery and strength. The chapter ends with the interruption of the construction of the temple by order of the Persian king, and the city of Jerusalem is in ruins for many years. Below are five verses related to the topics covered in Ezra 4.
Isaiah 41:11: "Behold, ashamed and confused will be all those who have been outraged against you; they will become nothing; and those who contain with you will perish." This verse speaks of the shame and confusion that will come upon those who oppose God and His people. This is related to the chapter of Ezra 4, where the enemies of Judah and Benjamin are trying to prevent the construction of the temple.
Psalm 83:4: "Come, say them once and for all: We destroy them as a nation, so that the name of Israel is no longer remembered." This verse describes the conspiracy of the enemies of Israel to destroy them as a nation. This is related to the chapter of Ezra 4, where the enemies of Judah and Benjamin are trying to prevent the rebuilding of the temple and destroy the city of Jerusalem.
Nehemiah 4:8: "And they all conspired to come to fight against Jerusalem, and to disturb them." This verse describes the conspiracy of Judah's enemies to attack and disturb the city of Jerusalem. This is related to the chapter of Ezra 4, where the enemies of Judah and Benjamin are trying to prevent the temple's reconstruction.
Isaiah 60:10: "And the children of foreigners will build your walls, and their kings will serve you; for in my furor I hurt you, but in my benevolence I had mercy on you." This verse talks about the restoration of Jerusalem and its reconstruction by foreigners. This is related to the chapter of Ezra 4, where the enemies of Judah are trying to prevent the reconstruction of the temple and the restoration of Jerusalem.
Isaiah 44:28: "That I say of Cyrus, He is my pastor, and will fulfill all that pleases me; saying to Jerusalem, you shall be built; and the temple: Thou shalt be founded." This verse talks about Cyrus, king of Persia, who was used by God to allow the Jewish people to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. This relates to the chapter of Ezra 4, where the construction of the temple is interrupted by order of the Persian king.
“Não se fixe voluntariamente naquilo que o inimigo da alma lhe apresenta.” São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina
