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
This takes place around 458-457 BC during the Persian Empire's rule over the former Babylonian territories. Local officials in the region west of the Euphrates River (including Samaria) were writing to King Artaxerxes I to oppose the Jewish rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem. The phrase 'on this side the river' refers to the Persian administrative district called 'Beyond the River' (Trans-Euphrates), which included Jerusalem and surrounding areas.
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