Ezra 4:17-24
New English Translation
17 The king sent the following response:
“To Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their colleagues who live in Samaria and other parts of Trans-Euphrates: Greetings![a] 18 The letter you sent to us has been translated and read in my presence. 19 So I gave orders,[b] and it was determined[c] that this city from long ago has been engaging in insurrection against kings. It has continually engaged in[d] rebellion and revolt. 20 Powerful kings have been over Jerusalem who ruled throughout the entire Trans-Euphrates[e] and who were the beneficiaries of[f] tribute, custom, and toll. 21 Now give orders that these men cease their work and that this city not be rebuilt until such time as I so instruct.[g] 22 Exercise appropriate caution so that there is no negligence in this matter. Why should danger increase to the point that the king sustains damage?”
23 Then, as soon as the copy of the letter from King Artaxerxes was read in the presence of Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their colleagues, they proceeded promptly to the Jews in Jerusalem[h] and stopped them with threat of armed force.[i]
24 So the work on the temple of God in Jerusalem came to a halt. It remained halted until the second year of the reign of King Darius of Persia.[j]
Read full chapterNotas al pie
- Ezra 4:17 tn Aram “peace.”
- Ezra 4:19 tn Aram “from me was placed a decree.”
- Ezra 4:19 tn Aram “and they searched and found.”
- Ezra 4:19 tn Aram “are being done.”
- Ezra 4:20 sn The statement that prior Jewish kings ruled over the entire Trans-Euphrates is an overstatement. Not even in the days of David and Solomon did the kingdom of Israel extend its borders to such an extent.
- Ezra 4:20 tn Aram “were being given to them.”
- Ezra 4:21 tn Aram “until a command is issued from me.”
- Ezra 4:23 tn Aram “to Jerusalem against the Jews.”
- Ezra 4:23 tn Aram “by force and power,” a hendiadys.
- Ezra 4:24 sn Darius I Hystaspes ruled Persia ca. 522-486 b.c.
Ezra 4:17-24
International Standard Version
The Response of Ahasuerus
17 The king replied:
To: Governor Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their colleagues living in Samaria, and the remainder living beyond the Euphrates[a] River.
Greetings:[b]
18 The memorandum you sent to us has been read and carefully considered.[c] 19 Pursuant to my edict, an investigation has been undertaken. It is noted that this city has fomented rebellion against kings from time immemorial, and that rebellion and sedition has occurred in it.
20 Powerful kings have reigned over Jerusalem, including ruling over all lands beyond the Euphrates[d] River. Furthermore, taxes, tribute, and tolls have been paid to them.
21 Accordingly, issue an order to force these men to cease their work[e] so that this city is not rebuilt until you receive further notice from me.
22 Be diligent and take precautions so that you do not neglect your responsibility in this matter. Why should the kingdom sustain any more damage?
Reconstruction Ceases
23 As soon as a copy of the letter from King Artaxerxes was read to Rehum, to Shimshai the scribe, and to their colleagues, they traveled quickly to Jerusalem and compelled the Jews to cease by force of arms. 24 As a result, work on the Temple of God in Jerusalem ceased and did not begin again until the second year of the reign of King Darius of Persia.
Read full chapterNET Bible® copyright ©1996-2017 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.
Copyright © 1995-2014 by ISV Foundation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY. Used by permission of Davidson Press, LLC.
