This is the copy of the letter that they sent unto him, even unto Artaxerxes the king; Thy servants the men on this side the river, and at such a time.
This is a copy of the letter they sent to King Artaxerxes: 'Your servants, the men who live on this side of the river, write to you at this time.'
This verse introduces a formal letter that local officials sent to the Persian king to complain about the Jews rebuilding Jerusalem.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Ezra, the Jewish people had returned from exile in Babylon to rebuild Jerusalem and its temple under Persian rule. Local groups opposed this restoration and sent letters to King Artaxerxes, accusing the Jews of rebellion to halt the progress. This verse quotes a portion of one such letter, reflecting the political intrigue and ethnic tensions in the region during the 5th century BC.
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