Ezra 4 6

Ezra 4:6 kjv

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.

Ezra 4:6 nkjv

In the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, they wrote an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.

Ezra 4:6 niv

At the beginning of the reign of Xerxes, they lodged an accusation against the people of Judah and Jerusalem.

Ezra 4:6 esv

And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, they wrote an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.

Ezra 4:6 nlt

Years later when Xerxes began his reign, the enemies of Judah wrote a letter of accusation against the people of Judah and Jerusalem.

Ezra 4 verses

Ezra 4 6 Meaning

Ezra 4:6 reveals a pattern of persistent opposition against God's people and their work in rebuilding Judah and Jerusalem. This particular verse details a written accusation dispatched to King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) early in his reign. The enemies of the Jews actively sought to undermine their efforts and prevent their re-establishment, using slander and formal complaint to influence the ruling authority. This accusation served to maintain antagonism and hinder the divinely appointed restoration.

Ezra 4 6 Context

Ezra chapter 4 describes the long-standing and varied opposition faced by the returned exiles as they attempted to rebuild the temple and walls of Jerusalem. The chapter's structure is thematic rather than strictly chronological, illustrating how different Persian kings faced accusations against the Jewish people. Ezra 4:1-5 details the initial refusal of collaboration from Samaritan peoples and their subsequent discouragement and hindrance during the reigns of Cyrus and Darius, leading to a stoppage of the temple work.

Verse 6 specifically notes a distinct accusation sent during the reign of Ahasuerus (commonly identified as Xerxes I), who ruled after Darius. This specific opposition likely concerned the rebuilding of the city rather than the temple (which was completed under Darius as recorded in Ezra 6:15). The subsequent verses (Ezra 4:7-23) then elaborate on opposition and decrees during the reign of Artaxerxes, which did stop the wall-building. This verse thus functions as a concise summary of persistent hostility against Jewish endeavors under various Persian monarchs, showing a recurring pattern of accusation and hindrance, emphasizing that no matter the king, adversaries were ready to strike.

Ezra 4 6 Word analysis

• And (וְ - ve): A simple conjunction, yet significant. It links this instance of opposition to the preceding ones, indicating a continuity of animosity and struggle that spanned multiple reigns. It suggests that resistance was not an isolated event but a persistent pattern.
• in the reign of (בְּמַלְכוּת - bəmalḵūṯ): Lit. "in the kingdom/rule of." This precise phrase highlights that the opposition leveraged the formal authority and political system of the Persian Empire. The adversaries sought official recognition and action for their complaints.
• Ahasuerus (אֲחַשְׁוֵרוֹשׁ - ʼAḥašwêrôš): This is the Hebrew transliteration of the Persian name Khshayarsha. He is widely identified as Xerxes I, who ruled the Persian Empire from 486-465 BC. This king is also central to the book of Esther, where another attempt to eradicate the Jews took place during his reign, underscoring his pivotal role in Jewish history and the ongoing vulnerability of God's people to royal decrees influenced by hostile counsel.
• in the beginning of his reign (בִּתְחִלַּת מַלְכוּתוֹ - bitḥillat malḵūṯōw): This detail highlights the swiftness and strategic timing of the accusers. A new king often meant a review of policies or an opportunity to reintroduce grievances, making it a critical window for those seeking to suppress perceived threats. The adversaries were keen to act immediately upon his ascent.
• wrote they (כָּתְבוּ - kāṯəvū): This plural verb emphasizes the collective and organized nature of the opposition. It was not a single, isolated complaint but a coordinated effort by multiple individuals or groups, indicating a deeper conspiracy and commitment to undermine the Jewish presence.
• unto him (עָלָיו - ‘ālāw): Direct address to the king, signifying that the accusation went to the highest possible human authority, demonstrating the gravity and formal nature of the complaint.
• an accusation (שִׁטְנָה - šiṭnāh): This key Hebrew word is derived from the root śāṭan, meaning "to oppose, to accuse." It directly connects to the word Satan, the ultimate "accuser" in biblical theology (cf. Rev 12:10; Zech 3:1). This term signifies not merely a complaint, but a formal, often malicious, indictment intended to provoke official judgment and adverse action. It speaks to a spiritual dimension of opposition, paralleling Satan's role in accusing God's people.
• against (עַל - ‘al): Marks the clear target of the accusation.
• the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem (יֹשְׁבֵי יְהוּדָה וִירוּשָׁלַ͏ִם - yōšəvē yəhūḏāh wîrūšālāyim): This refers specifically to the Jewish remnant who had returned from exile and were attempting to rebuild their life, city, and religious identity in their homeland. The accusation targeted their very existence and efforts, encompassing both their religious practice and their political self-governance.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign": This specific timing indicates the opportunism of the adversaries. A change in leadership presents a window for those who wish to disrupt existing projects, making early influence critical.
• "wrote they unto him an accusation": This highlights a concerted, formal act of slander and opposition. It implies strategic thought and concerted action by the enemies, leveraging administrative processes to achieve their malevolent goals. The choice of a "written accusation" points to a formal and recorded act intended to have lasting effect.
• "an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem": This phrase emphasizes the breadth of the target. It wasn't just against the temple builders, or city wall builders, but against the very people, their communal life, and their aspiration for self-governance, demonstrating a deep-seated antagonism.

Ezra 4 6 Bonus section

The seemingly anachronistic placement of Ezra 4:6 (and Ezra 4:7-23) within the chronological flow of Ezra chapter 4 serves a deliberate literary and theological purpose. While the temple was completed under Darius (Ezra 6), Ezra 4 strategically places this mention of Ahasuerus and later Artaxerxes to emphasize the pattern and persistence of opposition over multiple generations and reigns, rather than a strict timeline. This particular accusation during Ahasuerus's reign (Xerxes I) likely pertained to the walls of Jerusalem rather than the temple, as temple rebuilding efforts would be halted and then completed earlier. The book intends to show that the enemies of God’s people were consistent in their efforts to stop any Jewish restoration, whether it be of their worship place, their city, or their identity. The deep spiritual root of the "accusation" (related to Satan) underscores that hindrances to God's people often extend beyond mere political or social conflicts.

Ezra 4 6 Commentary

Ezra 4:6 succinctly encapsulates a profound theological and historical truth: God's work in the world often faces tenacious opposition. This verse pinpoints a specific instance under King Ahasuerus (Xerxes), illustrating that regardless of which king sat on the Persian throne, adversaries of Judah found opportunities to press their agenda. The meticulous detail about the timing ("in the beginning of his reign") reveals the strategic malice of these enemies; they seized a moment of leadership transition to launch their attack, likely hoping a new, uninitiated ruler would be more susceptible to their slanders.

The term "accusation" (Hebrew: shiṭnāh) is particularly weighty, hinting at the spiritual forces behind human hostility. It reflects the role of the Adversary, Satan, as the perpetual accuser of God’s people. This makes the opposition in Ezra not just a political or ethnic rivalry, but a spiritual battle, echoing patterns seen throughout Scripture where God's purposes are met with relentless, often deceptive, resistance. The narrative reminds believers that those who genuinely seek to build God’s kingdom must be prepared for such slanderous assaults, which often target identity, motives, and character. Yet, God's ultimate sovereignty ensures that despite such efforts, His plan will prevail.

• Practical Example 1: When a new leader takes office in a church or ministry, be mindful that those opposed to God's will may try to sway them with divisive counsel.
• Practical Example 2: When engaged in ministry or living out one's faith boldly, expect to face slander or misrepresentation, remembering that false accusation has been a tool against God's people throughout history.
• Practical Example 3: Prayer is a crucial response when accusations arise, not only for the one accused but also for the Lord to expose the hidden motives of the accusers and to turn the hearts of those in authority.