Ezr 4:4-5 | MHM | STEP | v. 4–5 : When their plan failed, the opponents tried to discourage the workers. They called them foolish and said the work would never be finished (Ezra 4:4–5 ). Their words caused some people to lose heart. They also hired advisors to give bad counsel and tried to block supplies like timber from Tyre and Sidon (Ezra 3:7 ). They even tried to influence the Persian court against the Jews. This shows how persistent and clever the enemies of God’s work can be. Those who discourage good efforts follow the example of Satan, who walks around seeking to harm God’s people.

‏ Ezra 4:4-5

v. 4–5: When their plan failed, the opponents tried to discourage the workers. They called them foolish and said the work would never be finished (Ezra 4:4–5 ^a). Their words caused some people to lose heart. They also hired advisors to give bad counsel and tried to block supplies like timber from Tyre and Sidon (Ezra 3:7 ^b). They even tried to influence the Persian court against the Jews. This shows how persistent and clever the enemies of God’s work can be. Those who discourage good efforts follow the example of Satan, who walks around seeking to harm God’s people.

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