Ezra 4:23

23 Then the tribute-gatherer of king Arthasastha read before Reum the chancellor, and Sampsa the scribe, and his fellow-servants: and they went in haste to Jerusalem and through Juda, and caused them to cease with horses and an force.

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 Now therefore make a decree to stop the work of those men, and that city shall no more be built.

22 that ye be careful of the decree, to be remiss concerning this matter, lest at any time destruction should abound to the harm of kings.

23 Then the tribute-gatherer of king Arthasastha read before Reum the chancellor, and Sampsa the scribe, and his fellow-servants: and they went in haste to Jerusalem and through Juda, and caused them to cease with horses and an force.

24 Then ceased the work of the house of God in Jerusalem, and it was at a stand until the second year of the reign of Darius king of the Persians.