Ezra 4:1
Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto the LORD God of Israel;
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיִּשְׁמְע֔וּ
heard
H8085
וַֽיִּשְׁמְע֔וּ
heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 12
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
יְהוּדָ֖ה
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֖ה
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
3 of 12
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
וּבִנְיָמִ֑ן
and Benjamin
H1144
וּבִנְיָמִ֑ן
and Benjamin
Strong's:
H1144
Word #:
4 of 12
binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
בְנֵ֤י
that the children
H1121
בְנֵ֤י
that the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
6 of 12
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הַגּוֹלָה֙
of the captivity
H1473
הַגּוֹלָה֙
of the captivity
Strong's:
H1473
Word #:
7 of 12
exile; concretely and collectively exiles
הֵיכָ֔ל
the temple
H1964
הֵיכָ֔ל
the temple
Strong's:
H1964
Word #:
9 of 12
a large public building, such as a palace or temple
לַֽיהוָ֖ה
unto the LORD
H3068
לַֽיהוָ֖ה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
10 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
The 'adversaries' primarily were Samaritans—descendants of northern kingdom Israelites who remained after Assyrian conquest (722 BC) mixed with foreign settlers (2 Kings 17:24-41). They practiced syncretistic religion combining Yahweh worship with pagan elements. They viewed Jewish return and temple rebuilding as threatening their religious and political status. Archaeological evidence shows Samaritan communities were established and influential in the region. Their opposition would persist throughout Persian period and into New Testament era.
Questions for Reflection
- What does automatic opposition to temple rebuilding teach about the inevitability of spiritual conflict when God's work advances?
- How does identifying them as 'adversaries' demonstrate discernment that not all religious people support God's true purposes?
Analysis & Commentary
The opposition begins: 'Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto the LORD God of Israel.' The identification 'adversaries' (Hebrew tsar, enemies/opponents) reveals hostile intent from the beginning. The phrase 'children of the captivity' became technical term for returned exiles. That enemies 'heard' about temple building shows God's work attracts attention—both positive and negative. Spiritual advance inevitably provokes opposition.