Ezra 4:15

Afrikaans 1933/1953

dat hulle kan nasoek in die kroniekboek van u vaders; dan sal u in die kroniekboek vind en daaruit verneem dat die stad 'n rebelse stad was wat aan konings en provinsies skade gedoen het, en dat hulle van ouds af daarin oproer verwek het; daarom is die stad verwoes.

What Does This Mean?

This verse is part of a letter from people against rebuilding Jerusalem to King Artaxerxes. They suggest checking old records to show that Jerusalem has a history of rebellion and troublemaking, which is why it was destroyed before.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're playing with your friends and one of them says, 'Hey, let's check the rule book to see why the other kids used to get in trouble for playing here.' That's kind of what this verse is saying, but about a big city and kings instead of a playground.

Historical Background

Ezra, a priest and scribe, wrote this book after the Babylonian exile. It was written around 450-440 BC and is aimed at the returning exiles who were facing opposition in rebuilding Jerusalem. The cultural setting was one of political intrigue and resistance from local populations.

Living It Out Today

In today's context, this verse can be seen as a caution against repeating historical mistakes. For example, if a business repeatedly faces legal troubles, it might be wise to review their history to understand and address the underlying issues.

Topics

• rebellion
• history
• opposition
• rebuilding
• conflict
• records

Related Verses

• 1 Kings 11:26-28
• 2 Kings 25:1-12
• Nehemiah 4:1-3
• Jeremiah 26:1-19
• Acts 23:27-30

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Jerusalem considered rebellious?

Jerusalem had a history of resistance against various empires, leading to its destruction and the exile of its inhabitants.

What does this verse teach about records?

It emphasizes the importance of historical records in understanding the past and learning from it.

How does this relate to rebuilding?

It highlights the challenges faced by those rebuilding Jerusalem, facing opposition based on historical grievances.

What can we learn from this about conflict?

It shows that understanding the roots of conflict and addressing them can be crucial in resolving disputes.