Ezra 4:16

16 We declare to the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are completed, the province west of the Euphrates River will be lost to you.”

Ezra 4:16 Meaning and Commentary

Ezra 4:16

We certify the king, that if this city be builded again, and
the walls thereof set up
As it formerly was, and now attempted, as they suggest:

by this means thou shalt have no portion on this side the river;
the river Euphrates; intimating that the Jews would not only shake off his yoke, and refuse to pay tribute themselves, but would seize on all his dominions on that side the river, and annex them to their own.

Ezra 4:16 In-Context

14 “Since we are your loyal subjects and do not want to see the king dishonored in this way, we have sent the king this information.

15 We suggest that a search be made in your ancestors’ records, where you will discover what a rebellious city this has been in the past. In fact, it was destroyed because of its long and troublesome history of revolt against the kings and countries who controlled it.

16 We declare to the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are completed, the province west of the Euphrates River will be lost to you.”

17 Then King Artaxerxes sent this reply: “To Rehum the governor, Shimshai the court secretary, and their colleagues living in Samaria and throughout the province west of the Euphrates River. Greetings.

18 “The letter you sent has been translated and read to me.