Keraia
Ezra 4

Ezra 4:23

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

Translations

Modern
When the text of the letter from King Artaxerxes was read to Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their associates, they went immediately to the Jews in Jerusalem and forcibly stopped them.
Traditional
Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes’ letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power.
Literal
Then from the time that the copy of the letter of King Artaxerxes was read before Rehum and Shimshai the scribe and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem against the Jews, and made them cease by force and strength.
Latin
Itaque exemplum edicti Artaxerxis regis lectum est coram Reum Beelteem, et Samsai scriba, et consiliariis eorum: et abierunt festini in Jerusalem ad Judæos, et prohibuerunt eos in brachio et robore.

Original

Hebrew
English
When the text of the letter from King Artaxerxes was read to Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their associates, they went immediately to the Jews in Jerusalem and forcibly stopped them.

Notes

Ezra 4:23

  • A military unit likely forced the Jews to stop building and enforced the king’s orders. They might have torn down part of the rebuilt wall at this time (see Nehemiah 1:3).

  • This verse concludes the parenthetical section that began in Ezra 4:6.

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

People

Artaxerxes: Persian king during Ezra and Nehemiah's time Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province Rehum: A Persian official who wrote to King Artaxerxes Shimshai: Scribe who opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem

Places

Jerusalem: The capital of Israel, a holy city for three religions

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 Rehum: A Chancellor Who Wrote a Letter to Artaxerxes, Influencing Him Against the Jews Shimshai: A Scribe