Ezra 4:1-24

Memory Verse: Ezra 4:4

Commentary

Introduction

Outline

I. Opposition During Cyrus' Reign (4:1-5)

1. Who noticed that the temple was being built? How did they come to live in the land? What did they want to do? Why might their enemies suddenly want to do this?

2. What was the Israelites response to their request? (3) Was this a wise response?

3. What shows the motives of the enemies of God's people? (4) To what extent did they seek to stop the work? How is this like what happens today? (Matt. 7:15-20; Acts 15:23-24; and 1 John 2:18-19)

II. Opposition During Xerxes' Reign (4:6)

4. What did they do in Xerxes reign? How did similar actions happen in Jesus ministry? (Matt. 9:34, 12:24) Can we expect this in out ministry? (Matt. 24:9-14)

III. Opposition During Artaxerxes Reign (4:7-24)

5. What did they do in Artaxerxes reign? (7) Who were they and where were they from? (8-9) How had they come to settle in Trnas-Euphrates? (10)

6. What did they call Jerusalem? (11-12) What did they say would eventually happen? (13) Why do most governments issue taxes? What did Jesus teach about taxes? (Matt. 22:17-21, 17:24-27)

7. What did they imply would happen if the temple and the rest of Jerusalem would be restored? (14-16) What did they base this claim on? Was building the temple a real threat to the Persian empire?

8. What did the king do when he got the message? (17-19) What did he discover? (20)

9. What did the king decide to do? (21-22) How did Israel's enemies respond? (23)

10. How long did the work of the house of God stop? What must have the people of God believed? What should we do when it seems like the enemy is winning? (John 14:1)