Keraia
Ezra 4

Ezra 4:21

The Decree of Artaxerxes · Ezra 4:17–24
Read Ezra 4

Translations

Modern
Now, therefore, issue an order for these men to stop, so that this city will not be rebuilt until I so order.
Traditional
Give ye now commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this city be not builded, until another commandment shall be given from me.
Literal
Now give the command to make these men cease, that this city may not be built until a decree is made by me.
Latin
Nunc ergo audite sententiam: prohibeatis viros illos, ut urbs illa non ædificetur donec si forte a me jussum fuerit.

Original

Hebrew
English
Now, therefore, issue an order for these men to stop, so that this city will not be rebuilt until I so order.

Notes

Ezra 4:21

Work on the walls stopped until 445 BC. Nehemiah, who served as Artaxerxes’ cup-bearer, received permission to restart the reconstruction (see Nehemiah 2:1–6).

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 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 Persia: Artaxerxes I