The Pulpit Commentary — Ezra — Section 56

HOMILETICS. Vere. 17-24.-The work stopped. The ostensible object of the letter to Arfa xer:xes (vers. 11-16) was to stop the building of the walls of Jerusalem. Its real object was to put a stop to the building of God's house. In this for a time it suc- ceeded, as our present passage records. Two things are to be especially noticed in the story of this grievous success. The weapon obtained was most efficient ; the use made of it was most effectual. I. AN EFFICIENT AID IN AN EVIL PLAN. This the Samaritans found provided for them in the reply of King Artaxerxes. Besides the bare fact of having a reply at nil, which was satisfactory so far as showing that their accusation had reached head- quarters (as they had planned), the reply itself, when examined, turned out all they could wish. For example, its language showed that their representations had met (1) with most favourable attention. The number and character of those making them (as noted in our last) had been duly observed (ver. 17). Their friendly object in doing so was acknowledged by the usual friendly salutation ( 11 Peace," &c.) in return. Also, the contents of the letter had been submitted carefully to the notice of the king (ver. 18; comp. Esther vi. 1). As a beginning, therefore, what could be better? Next, we find that the recommendations of the letter had met (2) with most ready compliance. The suggested " search " had been formally ordered ( ohs. word II decree" in margin), and properly instituted and carried out. Further, the result of that search had proved such as to give their words of warning (3) most ample support. All that they had said was found true. Jerusalem was found described m the government archives as II seditious," and that II of old" (ver. 19). Also their fears as to the loss of revenue, and even of the province, had been folly justified by the search. Jerusalem, so it was found, had formerly both ruled and taxed all "beyond the river;" and might do so again, of course, if rebuilt (ver. 20). Not only so, but it may perhaps be noticed that, so far as the search went, nothing of an adverse nature had been found ; or, at any rate, if found, had not been referred to. Esther vi. 2, 4 are at least sufficient to show how different a complexion the results of this search might have had, if thorough and earnest. Also, that, had it been so, the designs of the Samaritans would probably not have met, as we find them doing, (4) with such stgnal success. For example, the builders at Jerusalem were to be made to II cease," the very upshot wished for. Not only so, they were not to begin again, except by express permission fur it from the king himself. This II command- ment" was to continue binding until there should be II another commandment" in its place. Added to which, the Samaritans themselves were not only nt liberty, as though by a kind of II permissive legislation," to see to the execution of this decree of the king, but they were strongly urged, and almost entreated in fact, to prevent its infraction. One can see, in that concluding remonstrance, how well their (mis)- representations had told ; and how fully they had succeeded in alarming and arousing the jealous covetousness of the king. 11 Take heed now that ye fail not to do this : why should damage grow to the hurt of the king?" Must they not have read this language with a smile of triumph as well as joy? Here was the king, in urging his  60 TR'.E BOOK OF EZRA. [ea, 1v. 17-24.