Keraia
Ezra 4

Ezra 4:14

Opposition under Xerxes and Artaxerxes · Ezra 4:6–16
Read Ezra 4

Translations

Modern
Now because we are in the service of the palace and it is not fitting for us to allow the king to be dishonored, we have sent to inform the king
Traditional
Now because we have maintenance from the king’s palace, and it was not meet for us to see the king’s dishonour, therefore have we sent and certified the king;
Literal
Now according to all that the salt of the palace is our salt, and the nakedness of the king it was not proper for us to see, on account of this we have sent and informed the king,
Latin
Nos autem memores salis, quod in palatio comedimus, et quia læsiones regis videre nefas ducimus, idcirco misimus et nuntiavimus regi,

Original

Hebrew
English
Now because we are in the service of the palace and it is not fitting for us to allow the king to be dishonored, we have sent to inform the king

Notes

Ezra 4:14

  • because we are in the service of the palace: the Aramaic phrase we eat the salt of the palace meant taking an oath of loyalty to the king.

  • The letter's authors said they only wanted to protect the king's honor. However, they actually sought power and political advantage over the Jews.

Ezra 4:11–22

Ezra contains a copy in Aramaic of the letter sent to Artaxerxes and his response.

Ezra 4:6–23

These verses discuss later opposition to Jewish rebuilding efforts. They actually relate to events during the reign of:

  • Xerxes in 486 to 465 BC

  • Artaxerxes I in 465 to 424 BC

However, they are included here because they match the theme of opposition. Chronologically, Ezra 4:6 fits between chapters 6 and 7, while 4:7–23 fits before Nehemiah 1.

Theme notes and profiles

Zerubbabel

Glossary

Ancient Letter Writing Aramaic Archevites Artaxerxes Book of Ezra Book of Jeremiah Darius First Book of Esdras Postexilic Period Rehum Samaritans Temple

Topics

Artaxerxes: A Persian King Probably Identical with Ahasuerus: Prohibits the Rebuilding of Jerusalem Bishlam: A Samaritan Who Obstructed the Rebuilding of the Temple at Jerusalem False Accusation: Incidents Illustrative of Against Jews, Returned Under Ezra Palaces of Kings: Afforded Support to all the King's Retainers Persia: Artaxerxes I Salt: Partaking of Another's a Bond of Friendship Slander: Enemies of the Jews the Second Temple: The Samaritans: Wrote to Artaxerxes Smerdis to Interrupt the Building