Women in the Word Ezra 4:1-24 January 24, 2013 1. In review, Judah and Benjamin are two of the 12 tribes of Israel. They made up the Southern Kingdom of Israel and were taken into captivity by Babylon. Now some of the Israelites have returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel as their leader. Read Ezra 4:1-5, 24. What is the request the surrounding peoples (enemies) present to Zerubbabel in verses 1-2? In verse 3, how do Zerubbabel and the other leaders answer their request to help? At first glance, Zerubbabel s answer seems harsh, but why might he think their offer was insincere? Read also 2 Kings 17:24, 17:29 and 17:32-41. What do these verses in 2 Kings say about the worship of these people? 2. Read Ezra 4:4-5. How do we know Zerubbabel, Jeshua and the other family leaders were wise and correct with their answer? What kinds of opposition do their enemies use according to verses 4-5? What are some ways our culture today claims to be Christian and yet worships other gods? 3. Read Ezra 4:24. What is the result of the enemies activity? Is it easy for you to continue your walk with Jesus in the face of opposition or criticism? How do you keep on persevering?
Women In the Word Ezra 4:1-24 Jan. 24, 2013 Page 2 4. The verses in Ezra 4:6-23 are discussing more episodes of opposition. Ezra gives us examples of future opposition the Israelites would encounter under the Persian kings Xerxes (also called Ahasuerus) and Artaxerxes. Read Ezra 4:6-23. What point do you think Ezra is trying to make by including these stories of future opposition? 5. Who is the king of Persia in Ezra 4:6? What do we know about him according to Esther 1:1 and 2:17? 6. Read Ezra 4:7-16. Who is the king of Persia in this next story of opposition? What is the argument the enemies of God make to persuade the king to stop the building in Jerusalem? What are the Jews rebuilding on this occasion? See verse 12. List the adjectives in verses 12 and 15 that they use in their letter. 7. Read Ezra 4:17-23. What does King Artaxerxes decide to do? What is the result of the king s letter according to verse 23? What other details do you learn from Nehemiah 1:1-3?
Women In the Word Ezra 4:1-24 Jan. 24, 2013 Page 3 8. In Ezra 4:20, who might the powerful kings from Jerusalem be that King Artaxerxes is referring to in his letter? Read 1 Chronicles 29:25-30. 9. Read Ezra 4:21 carefully. What glimmer of hope do you see at the end of the verse? In fact, what does King Artaxerxes do according to Nehemiah 2:4-6? 10. Have you ever known a time you wanted to do something for the Lord and you felt or experienced opposition? Please share. How did discouragement, frustration of plans, words of critique or fear play a role in the opposition? In what ways can Ezra chapter 4 give you encouragement? Read Deuteronomy 31:6; Joshua 1:9; Psalm 37:5-7; Proverbs 28:14 and John 10:27-28. Which of these verses do you like best and how does it give you encouragement to stand strong in your faith in God even during times of trial or confrontation? 11. Do you have a personal prayer request to share with your small group?
Women in the Word January 24, 2013 Coming Home The Promises and Promises of God Opposition! Ezra 4 Opposition to God s Work Subtle Opposition Neighbors (enemies) appear likeminded but they are. 4:1 2 Israelite leaders respond with discernment and remain focused on God. 4:3 Direct Opposition Enemies use, fear tactics, and legal harassment. 4:4 5 Never Ceasing Opposition 4:5 (Future Opposition) Letter of accusation written to King Xerxes 4:6 First letter of accusation written to King Artaxerxes 4:7 Second letter to King Artaxerxes uses: 4:8 16 Inflammatory language and to scare the king The pretense of loyalty to the king with no mention of self interest Letter from King Artaxerxes responds with Make these men cease. 4:17 23 Result of Opposition to God s Work The Israelites stop rebuilding the temple on their own accord. 4:24 How do we continue to follow God when faced with opposition? 1. Be of opposition. It can be subtle or direct. 2. Remain on God. Read His Word. Go to God in prayer. Be with other Believers. 3. Be by other Believers and by God s Word. 4. Remember God loves you and His plan will continue. Romans 8:38&39 Isaiah 14:24 Key: deceptive discouragement exaggeration aware focused encouraged
EZRA 4 VERSES Women in the Word / January 24, 2013 2 Kings 17:34 To this day they persist in their former practices. They neither worship the Lord nor adhere to the decrees and ordinances, the laws and commands that the Lord gave the descendants of Jacob, whom he named Israel. Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 14:6 Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Nehemiah 1:3 They said to me, Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire. 2 Timothy 3:12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be prosecuted. Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. 1 Peter 5:8-9 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of suffering. Romans 8:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Isaiah 14:24 The Lord Almighty has sworn, Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will stand.