Ezra 4:17

17 King Artaxerxes sent this answer: To Rehum the governor and Shimshai the secretary, to all their fellow workers living in Samaria, and to those in other places in Trans-Euphrates. Greetings.

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 We suggest you search the records of the kings who ruled before you. You will find out that the city of Jerusalem refuses to obey and makes trouble for kings and areas controlled by Persia. Since long ago it has been a place where disobedience has started. That is why it was destroyed.

16 We want you to know, King Artaxerxes, that if this city is rebuilt and its walls fixed, you will be left with nothing in Trans-Euphrates.

17 King Artaxerxes sent this answer: To Rehum the governor and Shimshai the secretary, to all their fellow workers living in Samaria, and to those in other places in Trans-Euphrates. Greetings.

18 The letter you sent to us has been translated and read to me.

19 I ordered the records to be searched, and it was done. We found that Jerusalem has a history of disobedience to kings and has been a place of problems and trouble.