People group who opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem
Dinaite
Named in 1 verse of Ezra, first in Ezra 4:9.
About Dinaite Written by AI
The Dinaites are mentioned in Ezra 4:9 as one of several groups who wrote a letter to King Artaxerxes of Persia, opposing the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple. This letter was part of a larger effort by the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin to halt the reconstruction work that had begun under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua. The Dinaites are listed alongside other groups such as the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, and the people of Susa, Erech, and Babylon. These groups are collectively referred to as "the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Osnappar brought over and settled in the cities of Samaria" (Ezra 4:10). Osnappar is likely another name for the Assyrian king Ashurbanipal, who was known for his policy of resettling conquered peoples. The letter these groups sent to Artaxerxes contained accusations against the Jews, claiming that if the city were rebuilt and its walls completed, the Jews would rebel and cause damage to the royal revenue. As a result of this letter, the rebuilding work was temporarily halted until the second year of the reign of King Darius of Persia (Ezra 4:24). Apart from this single mention in Ezra, no further information is provided about the Dinaites or their specific origins. Their inclusion in the list of opposing groups highlights the challenges and opposition faced by the Jews as they sought to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple following their return from Babylonian exile.
Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.
Where the Bible names him
- Ezra 4:9
From Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their associates—the judges and officials over Tripolis, Persia, Erech and Babylon, the Elamites of Susa,
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.