Amen. This morning we continue our series through the book of Ezra. Our text for today is Ezra

chapter 4, verse 17 through 24. Would you join me in standing for the reading of God's word? I'll read our text in

its entirety. When I finish reading the text, I'm going to say

this is the word of the Lord, at which point I would appreciate very much if you would respond by

saying, thanks be to God. One final time, our text for today is Ezra chapter 4, verse 17 through 24.

The Bible says this. The king sent an answer to Rehom, the commander in Shimshi, the scribe, and the rest of their associates who live in Samaria, and in the rest of the province beyond the river, greeting.

And now the letter that you sent to us has been plainly read before me, and I made a decree, and search has been made, and it has been found

that this city, from of old, has risen against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been made

in it, and mighty kings have been over Jerusalem, who ruled over the whole province beyond the

river, to whom tribute, custom, and toll were paid.

Therefore make a decree that these men be made to cease, and that this city not be rebuilt,

until the decree is made by me, and take care not to be slack in this matter. Why should

damage grow to the hurt of the king?

Then, when the copy of King Artexerxes letter was read before Rahim and Shimshine,

the scribe and their associates, they went in haste to the Jews at Jerusalem and by force

and power made them cease.

Then the work on the house of God that is in Jerusalem stopped,

and it ceased until the second year of the reign of Darius, King of Persia.

This is the word of the Lord.

All right, please be seated.

Let's go ahead and dive in.

Three main points in the text today, by God's grace I hope to convey to you.

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