Ezra 4
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Ezra 4:4
Then the peoples around them set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to go on building.
The people of Judah and Benjamin faced opposition from the surrounding nations when they started rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. The enemies of Judah tried to discourage and frighten them, and even hired counselors to work against them. This opposition continued throughout the reign of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes, until the second year of the reign of King Xerxes. The adversaries of Judah sent a letter to King Artaxerxes, claiming that the Jews were rebellious and would not pay tribute or taxes. They also warned the king that if the city of Jerusalem was rebuilt, the Jews would no longer pay tribute, and it would result in loss of revenue for the king. As a result, King Artaxerxes ordered the rebuilding of Jerusalem to be stopped. The opposition to the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem shows that the people of God often face resistance and opposition when they seek to follow God's will and fulfill His purposes. It is a reminder that we should not be surprised when we encounter opposition, but rather persevere in our faith and trust in God's guidance and protection.
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