Ezra 4:19

19 I decreed, 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 therein.

Ezra 4:19 Meaning and Commentary

Ezra 4:19

And I commanded, and search hath been made
In the records of his predecessors, whether Chaldeans or Persians:

and it is found that this city of old time hath made insurrection
against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been made therein:
and yet this could not be carried higher than to the times of Zedekiah and Jehoiakim, as before observed, which was not one hundred years ago, unless the rebellion of Hezekiah against the king of Assyria could be thought to be in these records, ( 2 Kings 18:7 ) , and yet from hence it is concluded as if in ages past they had been guilty of rebellion and sedition, and even always.

Ezra 4:19 In-Context

17 [Then] sent the king an answer to Rechum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the Sofer, and to the rest of their companions who dwell in Shomron, and in the rest [of the country] beyond the River: Shalom, and so forth.

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

19 I decreed, 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 therein.

20 There have been mighty kings also over Yerushalayim, who have ruled over all [the country] beyond the River; and tribute, custom, and toll, was paid to them.

21 Make you now a decree to cause these men to cease, and that this city not be built, until a decree shall be made by me.