Ezra 4:5 Meaning and Explanation
“And hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The opponents bribe officials to thwart the building, sustaining their campaign across many years and reigns.
What Does Ezra 4:5 Mean?
The opposition becomes organized and long. Counsellors, court officials with influence, are hired to frustrate the builders' purpose. This is not a single outburst but a sustained campaign reaching all the days of Cyrus and on into the reign of Darius, spanning roughly two decades. The enemies invest money and patience to undo what God's people had begun.
Persistent good will be met, at times, by persistent resistance. The years named here are years of waiting, when the temple stood unfinished and hope was tested by delay. Yet the span that wearies the builders is also the span in which God is at work behind kings and councils. What the enemy means to frustrate, the Lord overrules in His own time, and the very mention of Darius foreshadows the day when the work will rise again.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezra 4:5
What does Ezra 4:5 mean?
The opponents bribe officials to thwart the building, sustaining their campaign across many years and reigns.