We certify the king that, if this city be builded again, and the walls thereof set up, by this means thou shalt have no portion on this side the river.
We want to inform the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are put back up, you will lose control of all the territory on this side of the river.
The enemies of Jerusalem are warning the Persian king that rebuilding the city will lead to rebellion and loss of his authority in the region.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Ezra, the Jewish exiles had returned to Jerusalem from Babylon to rebuild the city and its temple under the permission of the Persian Empire. However, local enemies, including Samaritans and other groups, opposed this effort and sent letters to King Artaxerxes, claiming it would lead to rebellion against Persian rule. In Ezra 4:16, these opponents warn the king that a rebuilt Jerusalem would result in him losing control over the provinces west of the Euphrates River.
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