Ezra 4:6
And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, they wrote an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The enemies of God's people didn't just send a letter; they crafted an "accusation" – a word that shares roots with the very name "Satan," the opposer. This reveals their intent wasn't just to inform, but to actively work against the builders, mirroring the ancient pattern of resistance against God's work.
As the returned exiles begin rebuilding Jerusalem and its temple, their long-time adversaries, the Samaritans, immediately stir up trouble. Seizing the moment a new Persian king, Ahasuerus (likely Cambyses or Xerxes), ascended the throne, these enemies penned a false accusation, seeking to undermine the Jewish people and halt their work. Their malicious lies, designed to portray the Jews as rebellious threats to the empire, would ultimately succeed in pausing the rebuilding efforts for many years.
The enemies of God's people didn't wait for an opportunity; they created one. Notice when they chose to act.
The Timing of Accusation
This verse highlights a strategic move by those opposing the rebuilding of Jerusalem. They didn't present their case randomly. Instead, they acted 'in the beginning of his reign' – a period often characterized by uncertainty and transition for a new king.
The word used for 'accusation' here isn't just a simple complaint. It carries a deeper sense of opposition and malice.
More Than Just a Complaint
The Hebrew word translated as 'accusation' here is sitnah. While it means opposition or enmity, its use is particularly striking.
Understand the original words
shithnah · Hebrew Noun
A formal charge or indictment brought against individuals or groups, often intended to incite legal or political action against them.
The accusations against the returning exiles occurred during a turbulent period in Persian history, highlighting how political instability and changing leadership were exploited by enemies of God's people to hinder His work.
559 BC
Cyrus the Great begins reign
Cyrus unites the Persians and begins his ascent, eventually founding the Achaemenid Empire.
539 BC
Cyrus conquers Babylon
The conquest of Babylon marks a significant turning point, allowing Cyrus to issue decrees concerning conquered peoples, including the Jews.
538 BC
Edict of Cyrus
Cyrus allows the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple, marking the end of the Babylonian exile.
c. 530-522 BC— this verse
Reign of Cambyses II (Ahasuerus)
Cambyses II, son of Cyrus, reigns. He is identified by many scholars as the 'Ahasuerus' mentioned in Ezra 4:6. His reign saw the halt of the Temple reconstruction due to Samaritan accusations.
This passage describes Haman casting lots to find a day to destroy the Jewish people, showing a pattern of malicious accusation and plotting against God's people by Persian officials.
Nehemiah 4:1-3Similar to Ezra 4:6, this passage details how opponents like Sanballat and Tobiah mocked and plotted against Nehemiah and the returned exiles while they were rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, highlighting ongoing opposition.
Genesis 26:21The Hebrew word for 'accusation' (sitnah) in Ezra 4:6 is rare and possibly related to the name of a well Isaac dug, meaning 'enmity' or 'opposition,' which vividly parallels the hostile intent of the accusers.
1 Kings 21:9-10This passage shows Jezebel orchestrating a false accusation against Naboth to seize his property, demonstrating a historical precedent of using deceit and slander to harm the righteous.
clarkeEzra 4:6: "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."
In the reign of Ahasuerus - This is the person who is called Cambyses by the Greeks. He reigned seven years and five months; and during the whole of that time the building of the temple was interrupted.
henryEzra 4:6-24: "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."
4:6-24 It is an old slander, that the prosperity of the church would be hurtful to kings and princes. Nothing can be more false, for true godliness teaches us to honour and obey our sovereign. But where the command of God requires one thing and the law of the land another, we must obey God rather than man, and patiently submit to the cons…
The enemies of God's people didn't just send a letter; they crafted an "accusation" – a word that shares roots with the very name "Satan," the opposer. This reveals their intent wasn't just to inform, but to actively work against the builders, mirroring the ancient pattern of resistance against God's work.
As the returned exiles begin rebuilding Jerusalem and its temple, their long-time adversaries, the Samaritans, immediately stir up trouble. Seizing the moment a new Persian king, Ahasuerus (likely Cambyses or Xerxes), ascended the throne, these enemies penned a false accusation, seeking to undermine the Jewish people and halt their work. Their malicious lies, designed to portray the Jews as rebellious threats to the empire, would ultimately succeed in pausing the rebuilding efforts for many years.
As the returned exiles begin rebuilding Jerusalem and its temple, their long-time adversaries, the Samaritans, immediately stir up trouble. Seizing the moment a new Persian king, Ahasuerus (likely Cambyses or Xerxes), ascended the throne, these enemies penned a false accusation, seeking to undermine the Jewish people and halt their work. Their malicious lies, designed to portray the Jews as rebellious threats to the empire, would ultimately succeed in pausing the rebuilding efforts for many years.
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This intentional malice is a stark reminder that opposition to God's work often comes cloaked in seemingly official channels but is fueled by a spirit of antagonism.
Bible scholars have debated for centuries about the identity of this king. Why the confusion, and what does it tell us?
The Shifting Sands of Persian Kings
The identity of 'Ahasuerus' in Ezra 4:6 is not as straightforward as it might seem. Several Persian kings shared similar regal names, leading to scholarly discussion.
522 BC
Short reign of Pseudo-Smerdis
A magus impersonates Cambyses' brother and seizes the throne. This period of instability further delayed the Temple's rebuilding.
522-486 BC
Reign of Darius I (Hystaspes)
Darius I, also known as Darius the Great, comes to power. He learns of the decree by Cyrus and instructs the Jews to continue rebuilding the Temple, which is completed in 516 BC.
486-465 BC
Reign of Xerxes I (Ahasuerus)
Xerxes I, son of Darius, reigns. He is also identified by some scholars as 'Ahasuerus' and is famous for his invasion of Greece. His reign, like Cambyses', was a period where opposition to the Jews could flourish.
"And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, they wrote an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem." — The enemies of God's people didn't just send a letter; they crafted an "accusation" – a word that shares roots with the very name "Satan," the opposer. This reveals their intent wasn't just to inform…
