Ezra 4:17

17 Then the king sent to Reum the chancellor, and Sampsa the scribe, and the rest of their fellow-servants who dwelt in Samaria, and the rest beyond the river, Peace; and he says,

Ezra 4:17 Meaning and Commentary

Ezra 4:17

Then sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and to
Shimshai the scribe
This affair, upon examination, being found to be of importance, the king of Persia thought fit to send an answer to the above letter, which was doing them an honour, and gave them the power and authority they wished to have:

and to the rest of their companions that dwelt in Samaria;
in the kingdom, province, and cities of Samaria:

and unto the rest beyond the river;
the river Euphrates, the rest of the nations before mentioned, ( Ezra 4:9 Ezra 4:10 ) .

Peace, and at such a time:
that is, all health and prosperity

Ezra 4:17 In-Context

15 That examination may be made in thy fathers' book of record; and thou shalt find, and thou shalt know that city rebellious, and does harm to kings and countries, and there are in the midst of it from very old time refuges for slaves: therefore this city has been made desolate.

16 We therefore declare to the king, that, if that city be built, and its walls be set up, thou shalt not have peace.

17 Then the king sent to Reum the chancellor, and Sampsa the scribe, and the rest of their fellow-servants who dwelt in Samaria, and the rest beyond the river, Peace; and he says,

18 The tribute-gatherer whom ye sent to us, has been called before me.

19 And a decree has been made by me, and we have examined, and found that city of old time exalts itself against kings, and that rebellions and desertions take place within it.