The king sent an answer: To Rehum the commander, to Shimshai the scribe, to the rest of their companions who dwell in Samaria, and to the remainder beyond the River: Peace, and so forth. The letter which you sent to us has been clearly read before me. And I gave the command, and a search has been made, and it was found that this city in former times has revolted against kings, and rebellion and sedition have been fostered in it.There have also been mighty kings over Jerusalem, who have ruled over all the region beyond the River; and tax, tribute, and custom were paid to them.Now give the command to make these men cease, that this city may not be built until the command is given by me. Take heed now that you do not fail to do this. Why should damage increase to the hurt of the kings? Now when the copy of King Artaxerxes’ letter was read before Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem against the Jews, and by force of arms made them cease. Thus the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem ceased, and it was discontinued until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.
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Compare All Versions: Ezra 4:17-24
7 Days
Picking up where 2 Chronicles ends, Ezra describes the return of exiles to Jerusalem and the eventual rebuilding of the temple. Using the influence of pagan kings and unbelieving rulers, God was faithful to bring his people back to the land and reestablish worship at the temple.
16 Days
Do you feel like you are in a season of loss and ruin? After decades of captivity, the Jews were allowed to return to Jerusalem, only to find the city in ruins. The books of Ezra and Nehemiah detail God's faithfulness to his people as they rebuilt their homeland and offer encouragement to you when you need to rebuild too.
30 days
In the beginning was the Word … but what came next? This plan is for anyone who wants a better understanding of the Bible. It provides a chronological reading program that endeavors to place all biblical passages in their date order. Part Nine of this twelve-part one-year reading plan is titled ‘From Exile to Rebuilding Jerusalem: 587 BC–410 BC’.
31 Days
Daily Bible reading plan with four daily reading passages in four categories: Old Testament History, Old Testament Poetry/Prophecy, New Testament Narrative, and New Testament Epistle. Created by Indian Hills Community Church.
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