Ezra 4:10
And the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Asnappar brought over, and set in the cities of Samaria, and the rest that are on this side the river, and at such a time.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Ashurbanipal was one of Assyria's most powerful rulers, known for both military might and cultural patronage (he established a famous library at Nineveh). His deportation policies continued those of predecessors like Sargon II and Sennacherib. By Ezra's time, these deportations had occurred over a century earlier, yet their consequences persisted in creating a hostile, mixed population in Samaria.
The Trans-Euphrates province (Abar Nahara) was one of several satrapies into which Persia divided its empire. Judah was a minor district within this larger province, placing the Jewish community under provincial authorities who often proved hostile. This administrative structure meant local opposition could invoke broader provincial and imperial concerns, as this letter demonstrates.
The layered administrative structure—from local opponents through provincial officials to the imperial center—created multiple levels where God's work faced potential obstruction. The returnees needed divine favor not just locally but at every governmental level. This political complexity made their vulnerable position even more precarious.
Questions for Reflection
- How do past injustices and systemic problems create present obstacles to God's work?
- What wisdom is needed to address entrenched opposition rooted in long-standing structural realities?
- How should Christians navigate complex situations where historical wrongs affect current ministry?
Analysis & Commentary
And the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Asnappar brought over, and set in the cities of Samaria, and the rest that are on this side the river, and at such a time. This verse concludes the coalition listing by referencing 'Asnappar,' likely Ashurbanipal (669-627 BC), the last great Assyrian king. The respectful title 'great and noble' reflects Persian diplomatic practice when referencing previous imperial powers, but also ironically acknowledges the imperial policies that created this problematic situation. Ashurbanipal's deportations continued Assyrian strategies of breaking ethnic cohesion through forced resettlement.
The phrase 'cities of Samaria' identifies the geographic center of opposition. Samaria was once Israel's northern kingdom capital, but now housed a mixed population hostile to Judah's restoration. 'On this side the river' refers to the Trans-Euphrates province (Abar Nahara), the Persian administrative district including Syria, Phoenicia, and Palestine. This vast region's diverse populations all endorsed the letter, magnifying its apparent weight.
The closing phrase 'at such a time' serves as a conventional epistolary formula (like 'sincerely' in modern letters). However, it also emphasizes the letter's official, formal character. Every element—from coalition breadth to diplomatic courtesy—was calculated to maximize credibility and influence the king toward anti-Jewish policy.