Ezra 4:18

18 The letter which you sent unto us has been plainly read before me.

Ezra 4:18 Meaning and Commentary

Ezra 4:18

The letter which ye sent unto us
The plural number is used, being now become courtly for kings thus to speak of themselves:

hath been plainly before me;
by such that understood both the Syrian and Persian languages; the letter was written in the Syrian language, and the king being a Persian, it was necessary it should be interpreted and explained to him.

Ezra 4:18 In-Context

16 We notify the king that if this city is built again, and its walls founded, the portion on the other side of the river shall no longer be yours.

17 The king sent this answer unto Rehum, the chancellor, and to Shimshai, the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria and to the rest of those of the other side of the river and to Cheenet.

18 The letter which you sent unto us has been plainly read before me.

19 And I commanded, and search has been made, and it is found that this city of old time has made insurrection against kings and that rebellion and sedition have been made in her

20 and that there have been mighty kings in Jerusalem, who have ruled over all that is beyond the river, and that toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto them.