Ezra 4:21 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

Give ye now commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this city be not builded, until another commandment shall be given from me.

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

Now give the order to make these men stop their work, and don't let this city be rebuilt until I give you further instructions.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

The Persian king is ordering a halt to Jerusalem's reconstruction until he can review the situation more carefully.

📚 Historical Context

This verse records King Artaxerxes' response to accusations from local enemies of the Jews who claimed Jerusalem's rebuilding posed a threat to the Persian empire. The king, influenced by these complaints and concerned about potential rebellion, ordered construction to stop. This temporary setback occurred during the period when the Jewish exiles had returned from Babylon and were attempting to rebuild their city and temple.

Explore Similar Verses

Ezra 3:2

Then Jeshua (the son of Jozadak) and his fellow priests, along with Zerubbabel (the son of Shealtiel) and his companions, stood up and built an altar to the God of Israel. They built it so they could offer burnt offerings on it, just as it was written in the law of Moses, the man of God.

Ezra 8:17

I sent them with instructions to Iddo, the leader at the place called Casiphia, and I told them exactly what to say to Iddo and his fellow temple servants who lived there. They were to ask them to send us ministers to serve in God's house.

Nehemiah 7:3

I told them, 'Don't open the gates of Jerusalem until the sun is high and hot. While the guards are still on duty, have them close and lock the doors. Set up guard shifts with the people of Jerusalem, each person taking their turn to watch over the area near their own home.'

Ask the AI Assistant

Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.

Share or Save

📚 Historical Context

Explore Similar Verses

Ask the AI Assistant

Translation & Methodology Sources