Ezra 4:22

22 "Beware of being negligent in carrying out this matter; why should damage increase to the detriment of the kings?"

Ezra 4:22 Meaning and Commentary

Ezra 4:22

Take heed now that ye fail not to do this
To put his orders into execution, and at once, without any loss of time, oblige the Jews to desist from rebuilding the walls of their city, which he was told they were doing, though a great falsehood:

why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?
of him and his successors, to be deprived of their toll, tribute, and customs, and to have insurrections, mutinies, and rebellions, in the dominions belonging to them.

Ezra 4:22 In-Context

20 that mighty kings have ruled over Jerusalem, governing all the provinces beyond the River, and that tribute, custom and toll were paid to them.

21 "So, now issue a decree to make these men stop work, that this city may not be rebuilt until a decree is issued by me.

22 "Beware of being negligent in carrying out this matter; why should damage increase to the detriment of the kings?"

23 Then as soon as the copy of King Artaxerxes' document was read before Rehum and Shimshai the scribe and their colleagues, they went in haste to Jerusalem to the Jews and stopped them by force of arms.

24 Then work on the house of God in Jerusalem ceased, and it was stopped until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.