Ezra 4:18

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

Ezra 4:18 Meaning and Commentary

Ezra 4:18

The letter which ye sent unto us
The plural number is used, being now become courtly for kings thus to speak of themselves:

hath been plainly before me;
by such that understood both the Syrian and Persian languages; the letter was written in the Syrian language, and the king being a Persian, it was necessary it should be interpreted and explained to him.

Ezra 4:18 In-Context

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.

20 And there were powerful kings in Jerusalem, and they ruled over all the beyond the river, and abundant revenues and tribute were given to them.