Day 129 – Ezra 4-7, Psalm 129

In Ezra 4, enemies of Judah try to stop the rebuilding by offering false help and later using intimidation and legal tactics. The work halts. Whenever you’re doing something meaningful for God, opposition will come.

In Ezra 5, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah encourage the people, and the work on the Temple resumes. Officials investigate but can’t stop the progress. We all need encouragement to keep going. God sends people right when we’re tempted to quit.

The Persian kings coming in and out of the timeline of Ezra can be confusing. Let’s take a moment to understand them.

Order	King	Reign (Approx.)	Relationship	Biblical Role / Mention
1	Cyrus the Great	559 - 530 BC	Founder of the empire	Ezra 1 - Allowed Jews to return and rebuild the Temple
2	Cambyses II	530 - 522 BC	Son of Cyrus	Not directly mentioned; likely ruled between Ezra 1 and 4
3	Pseudo-Smerdis (Bardiya)	522 BC	Claimed to be Cambyses brother	May be the king during Ezra 4:6-7, when accusations halted the work
4	Darius I (the Great)	522 - 486 BC	Not related by blood, but married Cyrus daughter	Ezra 5-6 Resumes and funds Temple rebuilding
5	Xerxes I (Ahasuerus)	486 - 465 BC	Son of Darius I	Esther - Makes Esther queen, delivers the Jews
6	Artaxerxes I	465 - 424 BC	Son of Xerxes I	Ezra 7 - Sends Ezra; Nehemiah 2-Sends Nehemiah to rebuild Jerusalem's walls

In Ezra 6, King Darius, current King of Persia, confirms Cyrus’s decree and makes sure the Temple in Jerusalem is rebuilt and the Temple is finally completed. The people celebrate Passover together with great joy and purity.

In Ezra 7, Ezra, a scribe and priest skilled in the Law, arrives with authority from the king, king Artaxerxes I.

Who was Ezra? Ezra was a Jew, a descendant of Aaron (the brother of Moses), which made him from the priestly line. He was a scribe and scholar of the Law of Moses, well-versed and deeply respected. He lived in Babylon/Persia. He was born there, not taken there, meaning he was part of the generation born during the exile, not one who was exiled himself.

In Psalm 129, expresses the struggle Israel has been through, beat down, bruised, and battle worn. But they’re still here! Enemies tried, but God didn’t let them win. Life throws punches, but you’re tougher with God on your side.