John Trapp on Ezra 4:3

Verſe 3. But Zerubbabel and Jeſhua] Jeſhua would be one to keep them out, though they ſlighted him in their application to Zerubbabel and the chiefe of the fathers, verſe 2.

You have nothing to do with us] You ſhall neither conquer us, nor compound with us. This was right Roman reſolution. They were wont to ſay of cowards in Rome, that there was nothing Roman in them. I can never ſufficiently admire (ſaith one) the ſpeech of bleſſed Luther, who (though he was very earneſt to have the Communion adminiſtred in both kinds contrary to the Doctrine and cuſtome of Rome,) yet he profeſſeth, if the Pope (as Pope) commanded him to receive in both kinds, he would receive but in one kinde; leſt he ſhould ſeeme to receive the mark of the Beaſt. As for theſe Reconcilers, and Moderatours (ſaith another learned man) were they the wiſeſt under heaven, and ſhould live to the worlds end, they would be brought to their wits end, before they could accompliſh this works end, to make a reconciliation betwixt Rome and us. They have nothing to do with us to build an houſe unto our God. From ſuch ſtand off, ſaith the Apoſtle, 1 Tim. 6.5. Say to them (when they offer their coſt and ſervice) as here. Pura Deus mens eſt: procul; ô procul eſte profani. This was one of thoſe ancient Lawes of the twelve tables among the Romanes, Impius ne audeto placare donis iram deorum, Let no profane perſon preſume to think to pacifie the gods with their pains, or preſents.

But we our ſelves together will build, &c.] This, the adverſaries call combination, conſpiracy, faction, ſedition, &c. See verſe 13. But what ſaith Tertullian? Cùm boni, cùm probi coeunt — non eſt factio dicenda, ſed curia. Et è contrà, illis nomen factionis accommodandum eſt, qui in odium piorum & proborum conſpirant. When good men get together, Apol. adverſ. gent. num. 520. and hold together, it is not to be called a faction, but a Court. As on to'ther ſide, they are to be counted factious, who conſpire againſt the godly, as theſe Malignants in the Text did.

As King Cyrus, &c.] They had good authority for what they did, and they hold them to it.