Ezra 4:19

19 And I decreed, 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.

Ezra 4:19 Meaning and Commentary

Ezra 4:19

And I commanded, and search hath been made
In the records of his predecessors, whether Chaldeans or Persians:

and it is found that this city of old time hath made insurrection
against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been made therein:
and yet this could not be carried higher than to the times of Zedekiah and Jehoiakim, as before observed, which was not one hundred years ago, unless the rebellion of Hezekiah against the king of Assyria could be thought to be in these records, ( 2 Kings 18:7 ) , and yet from hence it is concluded as if in ages past they had been guilty of rebellion and sedition, and even always.

Ezra 4:19 In-Context

17 [Then] 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 in the rest [of the country] beyond the River: Peace, and so forth.

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

19 And I decreed, 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.

20 There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, who have ruled over all [the country] beyond the River; and tribute, custom, and toll, was paid unto them.

21 Make ye now a decree to cause these men to cease, and that this city be not builded, until a decree shall be made by me.