Ezra 4:8 - Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king as follows,
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What does "Ezra 4:8" mean?
This verse, Ezra 4:8, is part of a larger narrative in the book of Ezra describing opposition to the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem after the Jewish people returned from exile in Babylon. Let's break it down:
"Rehum the chancellor...": Rehum held a high administrative position, essentially a governor or regional official within the Persian Empire's jurisdiction over the region of Judah. He was likely appointed by the Persian King Artaxerxes.
"...and Shimshai the scribe...": Shimshai was a scribe or secretary. This implies he was skilled in writing and likely had an official position responsible for drafting correspondence and legal documents. He was likely a key aide to Rehum. Scribes often held positions of influence because they controlled written communication.
"...wrote a letter against Jerusalem...": This is the core of the verse. Rehum and Shimshai took the initiative to write to the Persian King Artaxerxes, not in support of the Jews and their rebuilding efforts, but against them. Their letter would contain accusations, complaints, or warnings designed to convince the king to stop the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple.
"...to Artaxerxes the king...": This specifies the recipient of the letter: Artaxerxes, the Persian king. There were several Persian kings named Artaxerxes. The one referenced here is likely Artaxerxes I.
"...as follows": This phrase signals that the text will now quote or summarize the contents of the letter written by Rehum and Shimshai. The following verses in Ezra chapter 4 will reveal the specific accusations and arguments they used to try to persuade the king to halt the rebuilding project.
In summary:
The verse indicates that two officials, Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe, conspired to write a letter to King Artaxerxes, aiming to halt the rebuilding of Jerusalem. It sets the stage for the next verses, which will reveal the specific arguments they used to convince the king to take action. This verse is important because it highlights the opposition the returning exiles faced and the political maneuvering that was involved in rebuilding the Temple.
Ezra 4:8 - Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king as follows,
What does "Ezra 4:8" mean?
This verse, Ezra 4:8, is part of a larger narrative in the book of Ezra describing opposition to the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem after the Jewish people returned from exile in Babylon. Let's break it down:
"Rehum the chancellor...": Rehum held a high administrative position, essentially a governor or regional official within the Persian Empire's jurisdiction over the region of Judah. He was likely appointed by the Persian King Artaxerxes.
"...and Shimshai the scribe...": Shimshai was a scribe or secretary. This implies he was skilled in writing and likely had an official position responsible for drafting correspondence and legal documents. He was likely a key aide to Rehum. Scribes often held positions of influence because they controlled written communication.
"...wrote a letter against Jerusalem...": This is the core of the verse. Rehum and Shimshai took the initiative to write to the Persian King Artaxerxes, not in support of the Jews and their rebuilding efforts, but against them. Their letter would contain accusations, complaints, or warnings designed to convince the king to stop the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple.
"...to Artaxerxes the king...": This specifies the recipient of the letter: Artaxerxes, the Persian king. There were several Persian kings named Artaxerxes. The one referenced here is likely Artaxerxes I.
"...as follows": This phrase signals that the text will now quote or summarize the contents of the letter written by Rehum and Shimshai. The following verses in Ezra chapter 4 will reveal the specific accusations and arguments they used to try to persuade the king to halt the rebuilding project.
In summary:
The verse indicates that two officials, Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe, conspired to write a letter to King Artaxerxes, aiming to halt the rebuilding of Jerusalem. It sets the stage for the next verses, which will reveal the specific arguments they used to convince the king to take action. This verse is important because it highlights the opposition the returning exiles faced and the political maneuvering that was involved in rebuilding the Temple.