Ezra 4:22

22 Take heed now that ye fail not to do this; lamah (why) should damage grow to the hurt of the Melech?

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 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.

21 Give ye now ta’am (command) to cause these men to cease, and that this city be not built, until another ta’am shall be given from me.

22 Take heed now that ye fail not to do this; lamah (why) should damage grow to the hurt of the Melech?

23 Now when the copy of letter of Melech Artachshasta was read before Rechum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Yerushalayim unto the Yehudim, and made them to cease by force and compulsion.

24 Then ceased the work of the Beis HaElohim which is at Yerushalayim. So it ceased unto the second year [i.e., 520 B.C.E.] of the reign of Daryavesh (Darius) Melech Paras (Persia).