for we seek
The people of the land sought to hinder the work in three ways:
(1) by seeking to draw the Jews into an unreal union, (Ezra 4:3). (cf) (2 Kings 17:32).
(2) by "weakening the hands of the people of Judah," (Ezra 4:4) i.e, by withholding supplies, etc.; and
(3) by accusations lodged with Ahasuerus and Darius. The first was by far the most subtle and dangerous. The lives of Ezra and Nehemiah afford many illustrations of true separation. (2 Corinthians 6:14-18); (2 Timothy 2:19-21).