Then sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and unto the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time.
Then the king sent back a reply to Rehum the governor, to Shimshai the secretary, and to the rest of their associates who live in Samaria, and to the rest of those beyond the Euphrates River. It said: 'Greetings, and so forth.'
The Persian king is responding to the officials who complained about the Jews rebuilding Jerusalem, sending them a formal letter back.
📚 Historical Context
During the time of the Persian Empire, the Jewish people were returning from exile in Babylon to rebuild their temple and city in Jerusalem, facing resistance from local groups who saw this as a threat. Opponents, including officials in Samaria, sent letters to the Persian king accusing the Jews of rebellion, leading to an official response from the king that addressed these claims. In this context, Ezra 4:17 records the king's letter being sent back, which ultimately ordered a temporary halt to the rebuilding to maintain peace in the region.
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