Ezra 4:11 - This is the copy of the letter that they sent: To King Artaxerxes, From your servants the men beyond the River.
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What does "Ezra 4:11" mean?
This verse, Ezra 4:11, is the opening line of a letter written to King Artaxerxes of Persia. Let's break down what it means:
"This is the copy of the letter that they sent:" This phrase is straightforward. It introduces a verbatim excerpt from a letter. The book of Ezra is preserving a historical record by including this letter.
"To King Artaxerxes:" This is the addressee of the letter. Artaxerxes was a Persian king. The specific Artaxerxes referred to here is debated among scholars (either Artaxerxes I (Longimanus) or Artaxerxes II (Mnemon)). The context suggests this is likely Artaxerxes I.
"From your servants the men beyond the River." This is the senders' identification. It's crucial to understand the geographical and political context:
"Your servants": This is a standard way of addressing a king, showing deference and acknowledging his authority.
"The men beyond the River": This phrase refers to the region west of the Euphrates River, which was a Persian province. This included the area of Judah (where Jerusalem was located) and the surrounding territories. The people identifying themselves this way were likely officials and influential figures from that region. They were under Persian rule and considered themselves servants of the king, but they had their own local concerns and agendas.
In summary, the verse is a formal introduction to a letter addressed to the Persian King Artaxerxes, written by officials or influential figures in the region west of the Euphrates River (which included Judah). The letter likely concerns matters of governance, resources, or security within that province. In the wider context of Ezra 4, this letter is part of an effort to stop the rebuilding of Jerusalem and its temple. The "men beyond the River" are complaining about the Jews rebuilding the city.
Ezra 4:11 - This is the copy of the letter that they sent: To King Artaxerxes, From your servants the men beyond the River.
What does "Ezra 4:11" mean?
This verse, Ezra 4:11, is the opening line of a letter written to King Artaxerxes of Persia. Let's break down what it means:
"This is the copy of the letter that they sent:" This phrase is straightforward. It introduces a verbatim excerpt from a letter. The book of Ezra is preserving a historical record by including this letter.
"To King Artaxerxes:" This is the addressee of the letter. Artaxerxes was a Persian king. The specific Artaxerxes referred to here is debated among scholars (either Artaxerxes I (Longimanus) or Artaxerxes II (Mnemon)). The context suggests this is likely Artaxerxes I.
"From your servants the men beyond the River." This is the senders' identification. It's crucial to understand the geographical and political context:
"Your servants": This is a standard way of addressing a king, showing deference and acknowledging his authority.
"The men beyond the River": This phrase refers to the region west of the Euphrates River, which was a Persian province. This included the area of Judah (where Jerusalem was located) and the surrounding territories. The people identifying themselves this way were likely officials and influential figures from that region. They were under Persian rule and considered themselves servants of the king, but they had their own local concerns and agendas.
In summary, the verse is a formal introduction to a letter addressed to the Persian King Artaxerxes, written by officials or influential figures in the region west of the Euphrates River (which included Judah). The letter likely concerns matters of governance, resources, or security within that province. In the wider context of Ezra 4, this letter is part of an effort to stop the rebuilding of Jerusalem and its temple. The "men beyond the River" are complaining about the Jews rebuilding the city.