Ezra 4:4-24

Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah.

The hostility of the Samaritans to the Jews

I. The tactics of the wicked. If they cannot bend the good to their wishes and aims by plausible pretences, they alter their tactics and betake themselves to unscrupulous opposition in various forms.

II. The venality of the wicked. The Samaritans “hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purposes.” It is reasonable to infer that these counsellors were men of some skill and resource and power of persuasion who deliberately exercised their abilities in an evil cause for gain.

III. The temporary triumph of the wicked.

IV. The freedom allowed by God to the wicked. (William Jones.)

The antagonism of the world to the Church

This antagonism as here illustrated is--

I. Persistent.

II. Authoritative.

III. Combined.

IV. Unscrupulous.

V. Plausible.

1. In their profession of loyalty to the king.

2. In their presentation of proof of their assertions. (J. Parker, D. D)

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