Ezra 4:18 - The letter which you sent to us has been plainly read before me.
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What does "Ezra 4:18" mean?
This verse, "The letter which you sent to us has been plainly read before me," from Ezra 4:18, is a formal statement within a larger political context. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"The letter which you sent to us": This refers to a specific written communication sent by adversaries of the Jewish people who were trying to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. These adversaries were likely Samaritans and other people who had settled in the land after the Babylonian exile.
"has been plainly read before me": This signifies that the letter has been officially presented and read aloud to someone in authority, specifically King Artaxerxes (or potentially another high-ranking official depending on the translation). "Plainly read" emphasizes that it was read clearly and comprehensively, ensuring the content was fully understood.
In essence, the verse is a formal acknowledgment that the recipient of the letter (the king or a representative) has received and considered the communication from the adversaries. It serves as an official record within the larger correspondence and diplomatic exchange.
Context within Ezra 4:
This verse is part of a larger section where the enemies of the Jewish people are actively trying to halt the reconstruction of the temple. The letter they sent contained accusations and complaints designed to portray the Jewish people as rebellious and disloyal to the king. Ezra 4:18 is a key part of the narrative, showing that the king is now aware of the allegations against the Jewish people. The subsequent verses reveal the king's response, which unfortunately orders a halt to the temple construction.
Ezra 4:18 - The letter which you sent to us has been plainly read before me.
What does "Ezra 4:18" mean?
This verse, "The letter which you sent to us has been plainly read before me," from Ezra 4:18, is a formal statement within a larger political context. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"The letter which you sent to us": This refers to a specific written communication sent by adversaries of the Jewish people who were trying to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. These adversaries were likely Samaritans and other people who had settled in the land after the Babylonian exile.
"has been plainly read before me": This signifies that the letter has been officially presented and read aloud to someone in authority, specifically King Artaxerxes (or potentially another high-ranking official depending on the translation). "Plainly read" emphasizes that it was read clearly and comprehensively, ensuring the content was fully understood.
In essence, the verse is a formal acknowledgment that the recipient of the letter (the king or a representative) has received and considered the communication from the adversaries. It serves as an official record within the larger correspondence and diplomatic exchange.
Context within Ezra 4:
This verse is part of a larger section where the enemies of the Jewish people are actively trying to halt the reconstruction of the temple. The letter they sent contained accusations and complaints designed to portray the Jewish people as rebellious and disloyal to the king. Ezra 4:18 is a key part of the narrative, showing that the king is now aware of the allegations against the Jewish people. The subsequent verses reveal the king's response, which unfortunately orders a halt to the temple construction.