1 esdras 2:24 - Wherefore now we do declare to you, O lord the king, that if this city be built again, and the walls thereof set up anew, you shall from henceforth have no passage into Coelesyria and Phoenicia.

Generated Verse: 1 esdras 2:24

What does "1 esdras 2:24" mean?


This verse from 1 Esdras 2:24 (which corresponds to Ezra 4:21 in the canonical Book of Ezra) is a warning to King Artaxerxes (or a Persian king in general) about the potential consequences of allowing the rebuilding of Jerusalem and its walls. Let's break it down:

"Wherefore now we do declare to you, O lord the king...": This is a formal declaration, a solemn warning to the king. It establishes the serious nature of the information being conveyed.

"...that if this city be built again, and the walls thereof set up anew...": This refers to the potential rebuilding of Jerusalem and its fortifications.

"...you shall from henceforth have no passage into Coelesyria and Phoenicia.": This is the core of the threat. It's saying that if Jerusalem is rebuilt and fortified, the king's access and control over the regions of Coelesyria and Phoenicia will be cut off.

What does this imply?

Military Control: The city, if rebuilt, will become a stronghold that could interrupt the king's armies, supply lines, and communication routes, thus making it hard for the king to get to these regions.

Economic Control: Rebuilt, Jerusalem could control trade routes, levying taxes and disrupting the flow of goods. This would affect the king's ability to profit from Coelesyria and Phoenicia.

Loss of Authority: The rebuilding of Jerusalem, with its own independent power, could be seen as a challenge to the king's authority. It implies the potential for rebellion and the loss of control over the region of Judea and possibly the surrounding areas.

In Context:

This verse is part of a letter written by the enemies of the Jews, (likely Samaritan officials) who were trying to persuade the king to halt the rebuilding of Jerusalem. They portray Jerusalem as a city that has historically been rebellious and a threat to the Persian empire. By highlighting the potential loss of access to Coelesyria and Phoenicia, they are appealing to the king's self-interest and fear of losing control over valuable territories.

In Summary:

The verse is a warning to the Persian king that allowing the rebuilding of Jerusalem will lead to a loss of his control and access over the strategically and economically important regions of Coelesyria and Phoenicia. It's a political move by the enemies of the Jews to manipulate the king into stopping the rebuilding efforts.