Ezra 4:2 Meaning and Explanation
“Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said unto them, Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as ye do; and we do sacrifice unto him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assur, which brought us up hither.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →The adversaries approach the leaders and offer to help build, claiming they too worship the same God.
What Does Ezra 4:2 Mean?
The adversaries come to Zerubbabel, the governor, and to the heads of the families with an offer that sounds gracious: Let us build with you. They base their claim on a mixed worship begun when the Assyrian king Esarhaddon resettled their ancestors in the land. Their religion blended reverence for the LORD with the gods of the nations from which they came, so their words seek your God carry only partial truth.
An offer of partnership is not always an offer of help. What looks like an open hand can mask a desire to dilute and control. The returned exiles had been called to a distinct work of devotion, and faithfulness sometimes means discerning the difference between a fellow worshiper and a friendly entanglement. The Lord values a heart wholly given to Him over a crowd that draws near on its own terms.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezra 4:2
What does Ezra 4:2 mean?
The adversaries approach the leaders and offer to help build, claiming they too worship the same God.