Be it known unto the king, that the Jews which came up from thee to us are come unto Jerusalem, building the rebellious and the bad city, and have set up the walls thereof, and joined the foundations.
Let the king know that the Jews who came from you to us have arrived in Jerusalem. They are rebuilding that rebellious and troublesome city, putting up its walls and repairing its foundations.
The writer is reporting to the king that the Jewish people have returned to Jerusalem and are rebuilding the city and its walls, describing it as rebellious and troublesome.
📚 Historical Context
This verse is part of a letter written by local officials to King Artaxerxes of Persia around 458 BC. The Jewish exiles had returned from Babylon to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple, but neighboring peoples opposed the reconstruction project. These opponents were trying to convince the Persian king to stop the rebuilding by portraying Jerusalem as a historically rebellious city that would threaten the empire's stability.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.