Ezra 4:17

Then sent the king an answere vnto Rehum the Chancellour, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions, that dwell in Samaria, and vnto the rest beyond the Riuer, Peace, and at such a time. Ezra 4:17 (KJV)

The book of Ezra records the return of the exiled Israelites from Babylon to Jerusalem and the subsequent effort to rebuild the temple. After seventy years of exile, the Persian king Cyrus issued a decree permitting the Israelites to go back to their homeland and begin reconstruction under the leadership of Zerubbabel and later Ezra. The surrounding peoples, especially those in Samaria, opposed this work. Their opposition is documented in Ezra 4:12‑16, where they sent a letter to King Artaxerxes seeking to halt the temple project.

Key characters mentioned in the royal correspondence include:

• King Artaxerxes, the Persian ruler who governed the region after the Babylonian Empire.
• Rehum the chancellor, a leading official among the opponents.
• Shimshai the scribe, another prominent figure in the opposition.
• Their companions, referring to other officials and residents who supported the effort to stop the rebuilding.

Ezra 4:17 captures the king’s formal reply to that letter. The response opens with the greeting “Peace,” indicating a courteous royal address. The king acknowledges the petition of Rehum, Shimshai, and their associates, and signals that he has received their concerns. The phrase “and at such a time” suggests that the king is setting a temporal context for any further action.

The passage offers several timeless lessons:

• Opposition to God’s work – The resistance faced by the Israelites reminds believers that God’s purposes often encounter external challenges. Such opposition may arise from unexpected quarters and can take many forms, yet perseverance remains essential.
• Delays and challenges – The king’s measured reply underscores that divine projects can experience setbacks. Trusting God’s timing while continuing faithful effort is a biblical principle.
• God’s sovereignty – Although human authorities wield power, the ultimate outcome of the temple’s reconstruction rests in God’s hands. The narrative affirms that God’s plan will be fulfilled despite human resistance.

In summary, Ezra 4:17 records a pivotal moment when the Persian king formally addressed the complaints of local officials regarding the temple rebuilding. The verse highlights the reality of opposition, the need for patient perseverance, and the assurance that God’s sovereign purpose endures beyond any earthly obstacle.