There are hidden gems galore in the Bible.
By ‘gems’ I mean stories, lessons and parables that might not be recognised as profound on the first, second or even third reading — but eventually, they will stand out. The Bible reader will discover something new, fresh, key to his/her own growth or enlightenment. The Bible has nuggets everywhere, so much and so many that we cannot possibly assimilate them all at once.
Ezra holds a gem
As long ago as in Ezra’s time, is a hidden gem: anti-semitism clearly exhibited.
I have read the book of Ezra many times, so I’ve read about Zerrubabbel, the restorer of the Temple in Jerusalem, through King Cyrus’ favour and decree. But I never noticed the anti-Semitism in the story. How could have I miss it?
Anti-Semitism has existed for millennia and we see it clearly at work in the time of Ezra, during the rebuilding of the Temple.
The deception of anti-semitism
In Chapter 4, the first attempt to block the progress of the temple rebuilding in Jerusalem comes from those who are adversarial to the Jews aka “Judah and Benjamin.”
They came along and said, “Let us build with you, for we seek your GOD as we do.” (Ezra 4:2a). The deception was palpable; their motive to block progress in Jerusalem was detected and there ‘offer to help’ was turned down.
Next, their effort to block the building progress was more overt:
“In the days of Artaxerxes, Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabel and the rest of their companions wrote to Artaxerxes King of Persia; and the letter was written in Aramaic script, and translated into the Aramaic language. Rheum the commander and Shimsahai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to King Artaxerxes in this fashion…..” (Ezra 4:9)
“Let it be known to the king that the Jews who came up from you have come to us at Jerusalem, and are building the rebellious and evil city, and are finishing its walls…. Let it be known to the king that, if this city is built and the walls completed, they will not pay tax, tribute, or custom, and the king’s treasury will be diminished…” (Ezra 4:12….)
But why did these men care about taxes or re-building in Israel? What business was it of theirs? The only answer I can come up with is they were jealous, full of hatred for the people of Israel, and didn’t want them to succeed.
They used deception and then interference to block the success of the Jews, purely — as far as I can tell — because they were Jews, which is an example of anti-Semitism.
Anti-Semitism is a unique evil
The hatred of one people group for their colour, religion, or any other particular aspect is an example of bigotry and prejudice. In the unique case of hatred of Jews there is a particular term: anti-Semitism, because it is an historical evil that keeps raising its head.
Here in Ezra, we see it evidenced, centuries before Jesus, long before Hitler.
Why does anti-Semitism exist?
Satan hates the Jews because they are “the apple of GOD’s eye.” (Deuteronomy 32:10; Zechariah 2:8)
But GOD promises that in spite of their turning their back on Him, there will always be a remnant of Jewish people… and one day, Jerusalem will be fully restored: Israel will be restored, the Jewish people will return to the Land, and they will glorify the LORD their GOD once again.
No matter the heinous reality of anti-Semitism, no matter the hatred toward them, the LORD GOD will always stand with Israel — and we are wise to do so also, for GOD has said,
“Those who bless [the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob] will be blessed, and those who curse [them] will be cursed. (Genesis 3:12)
Summary
Anti-Semitism lays shallowly beneath the surface in many societies and in many hearts. This irrational attitude and opinion toward Jewish people has existed throughout the ages. But it is a stupidity, because anti-Semitism can never win and the consequences upon those who hold it will be severe and extreme punishment, for the ultimate curse is “a weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 25:30)
I hadn’t recognised the favour bestowed upon Zerrubbabel by Cyrus before now. And seeing the blessing played out, I could see the contrast that had arisen throughout history: the hatred, the blame, the accusation issued toward them so clearly, a hatred that has been undeserved and unbecoming of our modern society. For anti-semitism, or all its unattractiveness, has been rising in our time and intensifying, so much so, that we need to check our own hearts to ensure we are of those who seek to bless the nation of Israel and its descendants.
One reply on “Hidden Gem: anti-semitism exposed”
A hic up on my site and so I’m posting a comment from a dear brother , his behalf:
“Amen & amen Sarah. Thank you for a VERY well researched e-article, with it’s very cogent ‘argument’ as to the origins of Antisemitism. Right near the end, you really “Hit the nail on the head,” where you lay the blame firmly at satan’s “door” so to speak.
In fact i now believe he will try ANYTHING that will block the Return of the long-awaited JEWISH Messiah, who not only annihilated his 3 temptations in the Wilderness (Matthew 4, Mark 1 & Luke 4,) but also incredibly, in His DYING MOMENTS, on the Cross at Calvary, not only “DISARMED” the Principalities & powers of darkness, but also “MADE A SPECTACLE” of them, much in the same way that the Romans would do, by parading prisoners-of-war through the streets of Rome after winning a battle.”
P.S. By the way, NOTHING frightens satan more, than a (modern day) disciple of Christ who “LOVES NOT THEIR LIFE UNTO DEATH.”
Such warriors know the scripture verse in Revelation which says:- “They overcame the Accuser of the Brethren with their testimony (about Christ) & the Blood of the Lamb,” PLUS they USE these 2 “weapons of warfare” (i.e. testimony/Blood combined) to make satan “FLEE” (which LITERALLY means “Run in terror,” according to Brother Rheinhard Bonnke of blessed memory.”)
Hallelujah to the Lamb of God & MARANATHA!
Your brother-in-Christ, Bryan Johnson