Keraia
Ezra 4

Ezra 4:8

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

Translations

Modern
Rehum the commander and Shimshai the scribe wrote the letter against Jerusalem to King Artaxerxes as follows:
Traditional
Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king in this sort:
Literal
Rehum the owner of the command and Shimshai the scribe wrote one letter against Jerusalem to King Artaxerxes, thus:
Latin
Reum Beelteem, et Samsai scriba, scripserunt epistolam unam de Jerusalem Artaxerxi regi, hujuscemodi:

Original

Hebrew
English
Rehum the commander and Shimshai the scribe wrote the letter against Jerusalem to King Artaxerxes as follows:

Notes

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 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

Aramaic Archevites Artaxerxes Book of Ezra Book of Jeremiah Darius First Book of Esdras Postexilic Period Rehum Samaritans Shimshai 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 Chancellor: A State officer False Accusation: Incidents Illustrative of Against Jews, Returned Under Ezra Government: Provincial Persia: Artaxerxes I Rehum: A Chancellor Who Wrote a Letter to Artaxerxes, Influencing Him Against the Jews Shimshai: A Scribe Slander: Enemies of the Jews the Second Temple: The Samaritans: Wrote to Artaxerxes Smerdis to Interrupt the Building