Ezra 4:21

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.

Ezra 4:21 Meaning and Commentary

Ezra 4:21

Give ye now commandment to cause these men to cease
From building:

and that this city be not builded until another commandment shall be
given from me;
he might suspect that this case, in all its circumstances, was not truly stated, and that hereafter he might see reason to recede from the present orders he gave; and the rather, as by searching, and perhaps on his own knowledge, must have observed, that his father Cyrus had shown favour to the Jews, and had not only set them at liberty, but had encouraged them to rebuild their temple; which might be what they were about, and was the case, and nothing else, except their houses to dwell in.

Ezra 4:21 In-Context

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.

22 Take heed that you not be slack herein: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?

23 Then when the copy of king Artachshasta' letter was read before Rechum, and Shimshai the Sofer, and their companions, they went in haste to Yerushalayim to the Yehudim, and made them to cease by force and power.