Keraia
Ezra 4

Ezra 4:22

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

Translations

Modern
See that you do not neglect this matter. Why allow this threat to increase and the royal interests to suffer?
Traditional
Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?
Literal
And take heed of negligence to do upon this. Why should the damage become great to the harm of the kings?
Latin
Videte ne negligenter hoc impleatis, et paulatim crescat malum contra reges.

Original

Hebrew
English
See that you do not neglect this matter. Why allow this threat to increase and the royal interests to suffer?

Notes

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