EZRA 4

ARTAXERXES HINDERS THE REBUILDING OF THE TEMPLE 

While they were exiled, some of Israel’s enemies inhabited Jerusalem. When the Israelites return, the inhabitants want to help with the construction of the temple, but Zerubbabel declares they would have nothing to do with rebuilding God’s house.

These men who are rejected by Zerubbabel write to Artaxerxes, the king of Persia. They remind Artaxerxes of Israel’s rebellious past and warn the king that the nation will be destroyed once again. Concerned that Israel will fail at Persia’s expense, Artaxerxes hinders the growth of Jerusalem and stops the work on the temple.