Ezra 4:15

15 that search may be made in the book of the annals of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the annals and know that this city is a rebellious city, which has done damage to kings and provinces, and that they have raised sedition within the same of old time, for which cause this city was destroyed.

Ezra 4:15 Meaning and Commentary

Ezra 4:15

That search may be made in the book of the records of thy
fathers
That is, his predecessors in the Babylonian monarchy; though, as the Medes and Persians were included in that, and joined the Babylonians in their wars with others, and particularly with the Jews, the records of the Medes and Persians might also be applied to:

so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city
is a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that
they have moved sedition within the same of old time;
against the king of Babylon, particularly in the times of Jehoiakim and Zedekiah:

for which cause was this city destroyed;
as it was by Nebuchadnezzar; see ( 2 Kings 24:1 2 Kings 24:20 ) ( 2 Kings 25:1 2 Kings 25:9 ) .

Ezra 4:15 In-Context

13 Be it known therefore unto the king, that, if this city be built and the walls be completed, they will not pay tribute, tax, and toll, and in the end it will bring damage to the kings.

14 Now, since we eat the salt of the palace, and it is not right for us to see the king's injury, therefore have we sent and informed the king;

15 that search may be made in the book of the annals of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the annals and know that this city is a rebellious city, which has done damage to kings and provinces, and that they have raised sedition within the same of old time, for which cause this city was destroyed.

16 We inform the king that if this city be built and its walls be completed, by this means thou shalt have no portion on this side the river.

17 The king sent an answer to Rehum the chancellor, and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and the other places beyond the river: Peace, and so forth.