Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes’ letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power.
When the copy of King Artaxerxes' letter was read to Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they quickly went up to Jerusalem to the Jews and forced them to stop their work by using their authority and power.
This verse shows how local officials used the king's letter as permission to forcefully stop the Jews from rebuilding Jerusalem's walls.
📚 Historical Context
During the Persian Empire under King Artaxerxes I, the Jewish people had returned from Babylonian exile and were working to rebuild Jerusalem, including its walls and temple. Opponents, such as local officials Rehum and Shimshai, sent letters to the king accusing the Jews of rebellion, prompting him to issue a decree halting the construction. When this decree was read, these officials swiftly traveled to Jerusalem and used military force to enforce it, disrupting the Jews' efforts.
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