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
This takes place during the reign of Persian King Artaxerxes around 450 BC. Local officials in the Persian province had written to the king complaining that the Jews were rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, claiming it would lead to rebellion. The phrase 'beyond the river' refers to the Persian administrative district west of the Euphrates River, which included Jerusalem and surrounding areas.
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