Ezra 4:15-16
4:15 so that he may initiate a search of the records 1 of his predecessors 2 and discover in those records 3 that this city is rebellious 4 and injurious to both kings and provinces, producing internal revolts 5 from long ago. 6 It is for this very reason that this city was destroyed.
4:16 We therefore are informing the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are completed, you will not retain control 7 of this portion of Trans-Euphrates.”
1 tn Aram “the book of the minutes.”
2 tn Aram “of your fathers.”
3 tn Aram “discover…and learn.” For stylistic reasons this has been translated as a single concept.
4 tn Aram “is a rebellious city.”
5 tn Aram “revolts they are making in its midst.”
6 tn Aram “from olden days.” So also in v. 19.
7 tn Aram “will not be to you.”