Ezra 4:17-22

4:17 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! ¹  4:18 The letter you sent to us has been translated and read in my presence. 4:19 So I gave orders, ²  and it was determined ³  that this city from long ago has been engaging in insurrection against kings. It has continually engaged in ⁴  rebellion and revolt. 4:20 Powerful kings have been over Jerusalem who ruled throughout the entire Trans-Euphrates ⁵  and who were the beneficiaries of ⁶  tribute, custom, and toll. 4:21 Now give orders that these men cease their work and that this city not be rebuilt until such time as I so instruct. ⁷  4:22 Exercise appropriate caution so that there is no negligence in this matter. Why should danger increase to the point that kings sustain damage?”

[4:17]  ¹ tn Aram “peace.”

[4:19]  ² tn Aram “from me was placed a decree.”

[4:19]  ³ tn Aram “and they searched and found.”

[4:19]  ⁴ tn Aram “are being done.”

[4:20]  ⁵ 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.

[4:20]  ⁶ tn Aram “were being given to them.”

[4:21]  ⁷ tn Aram “until a command is issued from me.”