Discovery BoxEzra 4:17-22 
Context4:17 The king sent the following response:
“To Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their colleagues who live in Samaria and other parts of Trans-Euphrates: Greetings! 1 4:18 The letter you sent to us has been translated and read in my presence. 4:19 So I gave orders, 2 and it was determined 3 that this city from long ago has been engaging in insurrection against kings. It has continually engaged in 4 rebellion and revolt. 4:20 Powerful kings have been over Jerusalem who ruled throughout the entire Trans-Euphrates 5 and who were the beneficiaries of 6 tribute, custom, and toll. 4:21 Now give orders that these men cease their work and that this city not be rebuilt until such time as I so instruct. 7 4:22 Exercise appropriate caution so that there is no negligence in this matter. Why should danger increase to the point that kings sustain damage?”
1 tn Aram “peace.”
2 tn Aram “from me was placed a decree.”
3 tn Aram “and they searched and found.”
4 tn Aram “are being done.”
5 sn The statement that prior Jewish kings ruled over the entire Trans-Euphrates is an overstatement. Not even in the days of David and Solomon did the kingdom of Israel extend its borders to such an extent.
6 tn Aram “were being given to them.”
7 tn Aram “until a command is issued from me.”
