Discovery BoxEzra 4:12 
Context4:12 Now 1 let the king be aware that the Jews who came up to us from you have gone to Jerusalem. They are rebuilding that rebellious and odious city. 2 They are completing its walls and repairing its foundations.
Ezra 4:14
Context4:14 In light of the fact that we are loyal to the king, 3 and since it does not seem appropriate to us that the king should sustain damage, 4 we are sending the king this information 5
Ezra 5:11
Context5:11 They responded to us in the following way: ‘We are servants of the God of heaven and earth. We are rebuilding the temple which was previously built many years ago. A great king 6 of Israel built it and completed it.
Ezra 8:21
Context8:21 I called for a fast there by the Ahava Canal, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and seek from him a safe journey 7 for us, our children, and all our property.
1 tn The MT takes this word with the latter part of v. 11, but in English style it fits better with v. 12.
2 sn Management of the provinces that were distantly removed from the capital was difficult, and insurrection in such places was a perennial problem. The language used in this report about Jerusalem (i.e., “rebellious,” “odious”) is intentionally inflammatory. It is calculated to draw immediate attention to the perceived problem.
3 tn Aram “we eat the salt of the palace.”
4 tn Aram “the dishonor of the king is not fitting for us to see.”
5 tn Aram “and we have made known.”
6 sn This great king of Israel would, of course, be Solomon.
7 tn Heb “a straight way.”
