Ezra 4:17

17 The king replied, I am writing this letter to Rehum, the commanding officer. I am also writing it to Shimshai, the secretary. And I am writing it to your friends who are living in Samaria and in other places west of the Euphrates River. I give you my greetings.

Ezra 4:17 Meaning and Commentary

Ezra 4:17

Then sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and to
Shimshai the scribe
This affair, upon examination, being found to be of importance, the king of Persia thought fit to send an answer to the above letter, which was doing them an honour, and gave them the power and authority they wished to have:

and to the rest of their companions that dwelt in Samaria;
in the kingdom, province, and cities of Samaria:

and unto the rest beyond the river;
the river Euphrates, the rest of the nations before mentioned, ( Ezra 4:9 Ezra 4:10 ) .

Peace, and at such a time:
that is, all health and prosperity

Ezra 4:17 In-Context

15 Then you can have a search made in the official records. Have someone check the records of the kings who ruled before you. If you do, you will find out that Jerusalem is an evil city. It causes trouble for kings and countries. For a long time the city has refused to let anyone rule over it. That's why it was destroyed.

16 We want you to know that this city shouldn't be rebuilt. Its walls shouldn't be made like new again. If that happens, you won't have anything left west of the Euphrates River.

17 The king replied, I am writing this letter to Rehum, the commanding officer. I am also writing it to Shimshai, the secretary. And I am writing it to your friends who are living in Samaria and in other places west of the Euphrates River. I give you my greetings.

18 The letter you sent us has been read to me. It has been explained to me in my language.

19 I gave an order. I had a search made. We found out that Jerusalem has a long history of turning against the kings of the countries that have ruled over it. It has refused to remain under their control. It is always stirring up trouble.