Neville Goddard on Ezra 4:17-22 - Mystical Bible Interpretation

Read Ezra 4 in context

Scripture Focus

17Then sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and unto the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time.

18The letter which ye sent unto us hath been plainly read before me.

19And I commanded, and search hath been made, and it is found that this city of old time hath made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been made therein.

20There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto them.

21Give ye now commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this city be not builded, until another commandment shall be given from me.

22Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?

Ezra 4:17-22

Biblical Context

A royal decree orders that building must cease until the king issues another command, signaling outer authority at work over the inner project.

Neville's Inner Vision

In Neville's voice: The king's decree in Ezra 4:17-22 is not about politics alone, but about the governance of your inner city. Rehum and Shimshai represent limiting beliefs that arise to interrupt your temple-building—your plans, purposes, and creative life—labeled as rebellion and danger by the outer mind. The city beyond the river is your wider self, a realm you are tempted to delay or abandon while you seek permission from a distant authority. Remember: God, the I AM within, is the true governor. When you feel the pressure of prohibition, you can revise by stepping into the state of the end—the city already built, the work in perfect form, the law of your consciousness enforcing its own completion. Your obedience is to the inward commandment that aligns you with your Kingdom. By seeing the decree as temporary and your inner reality as ultimate, you awaken the power to proceed, undaunted, regardless of outward voices.

Practice This Now

Close your eyes and, in your imagination, declare that the city is already built; feel the stone and mortar, the labor complete, and let the feeling of completion flood your awareness as if it were now.