Ezra 4:12

4:12 Now ¹  let the king be aware that the Jews who came up to us from you have gone to Jerusalem. They are rebuilding that rebellious and odious city. ²  They are completing its walls and repairing its foundations.

Ezra 4:19

4:19 So I gave orders, ³  and it was determined ⁴  that this city from long ago has been engaging in insurrection against kings. It has continually engaged in ⁵  rebellion and revolt.

[4:12]  ¹ tn The MT takes this word with the latter part of v. 11, but in English style it fits better with v. 12.

[4:12]  ² sn Management of the provinces that were distantly removed from the capital was difficult, and insurrection in such places was a perennial problem. The language used in this report about Jerusalem (i.e., “rebellious,” “odious”) is intentionally inflammatory. It is calculated to draw immediate attention to the perceived problem.

[4:19]  ³ tn Aram “from me was placed a decree.”

[4:19]  ⁴ tn Aram “and they searched and found.”

[4:19]  ⁵ tn Aram “are being done.”