Ezr 4:21-22 | MHM | STEP | v. 21–22 : The king ordered the Samaritans to stop the rebuilding of Jerusalem immediately (Ezra 4:21–22 ). However, the order only mentioned the city’s walls and gates, not the temple. The king likely avoided mentioning the temple because he knew Cyrus had commanded its rebuilding. The Samaritans, however, used this order as an excuse to stop all construction, including the temple. This shows how enemies of God’s people often twist instructions to suit their own purposes.

‏ Ezra 4:21-22

v. 21–22: The king ordered the Samaritans to stop the rebuilding of Jerusalem immediately (Ezra 4:21–22 ^a). However, the order only mentioned the city’s walls and gates, not the temple. The king likely avoided mentioning the temple because he knew Cyrus had commanded its rebuilding. The Samaritans, however, used this order as an excuse to stop all construction, including the temple. This shows how enemies of God’s people often twist instructions to suit their own purposes.

–