Ezra 4:18

18 The nish’tevan (official document) which ye sent unto us hath been fully read 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 inform the Melech that, if this city be built again, and the walls thereof set up, by this means thou shalt have no possession in the province Beyond-the-River [Euphrates].

17 Then the Melech sent an answer: Unto Rechum the high commissioner, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Shomron (Samaria), and unto the rest Beyond-the River [Euphrates], Shalom, and now

18 The nish’tevan (official document) which ye sent unto us hath been fully read before me;

19 And I commanded, and search hath been made, and it is found that this city for a long time hath made insurrection against melachim, and that rebellion and sedition have been made therein.

20 There have been mighty melachim also over Yerushalayim, which have ruled over all territory Beyondthe-River [Euphrates], to whom tax, tribute, and duty were paid.