Ezra 4:3

Irish 1817 (An Bíobla Naomhtha 1817 (Bedell))

Acht a dubhairt Serubbabel, agus Iessua, agus an chuid oile do thogha aithreadh Israel ríu, Ní bhfuil buáin aguibh rinne as a ndéanadh sibh tigh dar Ndía; acht sinn féin le chéile do dhéanam é don TIGHEARNA Día Israel, mar do fhuagair Círus rígh na Persia dhuinn,

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and other leaders of Israel reject the help of non-Israelites in rebuilding the temple. They affirm their own responsibility to build the house of God as commanded by King Cyrus.

Explained for Children

Imagine you and your friends are building a fort. Some kids from another group want to help, but you say, 'Thanks, but we want to build it ourselves, just like our parents told us to do.' That's what Zerubbabel and Jeshua are doing with the temple.

Historical Background

Ezra wrote this part of his book after the Babylonian exile, around 450 BC. The Israelites were returning to rebuild their temple in Jerusalem, facing resistance from local groups who didn't want to help.

Living It Out Today

Today, a similar scenario might be choosing to do a project yourself or with a team, despite offers of help from others. Zerubbabel and Jeshua remind us to listen to the guidance and commands we have been given.

Topics

• leadership
• rebuilding
• God's commandments
• perseverance
• rejection of help
• community

Related Verses

• Ezra 1:1-4
• 1 Corinthians 3:9-10
• Nehemiah 2:17-18
• Haggai 1:1-4
• Isaiah 44:24-28

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Zerubbabel and Jeshua refuse help?

They believed they should build the temple themselves, as God had commanded, rather than accepting help from those who might have ulterior motives.

What was the role of King Cyrus in this context?

King Cyrus, the Persian emperor, had allowed the Israelites to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their temple, setting the stage for this action.

How can we apply this verse to our own projects?

We can apply this verse by being confident in the guidance we have and not letting external pressures or unwanted help deter us from our goals.

What does this verse teach about leadership?

It teaches leaders to be decisive and to stick to their mission, even if it means rejecting offers of help that might compromise their goals.