Ezra 4:23

23 Now when the copy of letter of Melech Artachshasta was read before Rechum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Yerushalayim unto the Yehudim, and made them to cease by force and compulsion.

Ezra 4:23 Meaning and Commentary

Ezra 4:23

Now when the copy of King Artaxerxes letter was read before
Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions
By him or them to whom it was particularly directed:

they went up in haste to Jerusalem unto the Jews;
not only in obedience to the king's command, but from an eagerness of spirit to put a stop to the proceedings of the Jews, to whom they had an aversion, instigated by the Samaritans:

and made them to cease by force and power;
from going on with the building of the temple, which they reckoned a part of the city, and within their commission; this they did by showing the power and authority they had under the king's hand, and by the forces they brought with them to compel them to it, should they refuse to obey; or, however, they threatened them highly what they would do, if they did not desist.

Ezra 4:23 In-Context

21 Give ye now ta’am (command) to cause these men to cease, and that this city be not built, until another ta’am shall be given from me.

22 Take heed now that ye fail not to do this; lamah (why) should damage grow to the hurt of the Melech?

23 Now when the copy of letter of Melech Artachshasta was read before Rechum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Yerushalayim unto the Yehudim, and made them to cease by force and compulsion.

24 Then ceased the work of the Beis HaElohim which is at Yerushalayim. So it ceased unto the second year [i.e., 520 B.C.E.] of the reign of Daryavesh (Darius) Melech Paras (Persia).