Ezra 4:14-15 Now since we are under obligation to the palace and it is not proper for us to see the king dishonored, we are sending this message to inform the king, so that a search may be made in the archives of your predecessors.
The charges against them were willfully misrepresented. In this period after the death of King Cyrus, another ruler had taken the reign of power. His name was Artaxerxes and the enemies of the workers sought his help in bringing the work to an end. The threat that the Israelites pose is one they imagine to be true. Over blown and exaggerated descriptions are used to paint this small group of returned exiles as a threat to the local government and to the entire realm of Artaxerxes. If they rebuild the city they would grow into a powerful force to overthrow the King.
There are times when people watch us as Christians following the teachings of Scripture. They find fault with us because of our belief in absolute moral truths. They feel threatened by our successful work in society. Finding fault becomes their goal in bringing our efforts to a halt. We all know of the secular mantra that the “separation of church and state” is mandated in the Constitution and our laws. Yet they willfully misrepresent the intent of the founding fathers. Good works and assistance that such Christian para-church organizations contribute to society are seen as a threat to the beliefs and freedoms of the non-Christian population. Our intentions are misrepresented. Untruths are used to stop our efforts.
The small group of Israelites continued their work. When the reply came from King Artaxerxes, the Israelites were compelled by force to stop the construction. The King called a halt to the work because he was told they were “rebuilding that rebellious and wicked city”. Their enemies lied about their efforts. They were rebuilding the Temple of God.
