Ezra 4:19

17 Then the king sent this reply: To Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of your associates living in Samaria and elsewhere in the region west of the Euphrates: Greetings.

18 The letter you sent us has been translated and read in my presence.

I issued a decree, and a search was conducted. It was discovered that this city has revolted against kings from ancient times, engaging in rebellion and sedition.

20 And mighty kings have ruled over Jerusalem and exercised authority over the whole region west of the Euphrates; and tribute, duty, and toll were paid to them.

21 Now, therefore, issue an order for these men to stop, so that this city will not be rebuilt until I so order.

Here the Bible tells a story about someone else. Ask yourself what it can say to us today. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
I issued a decree, and a search was conducted. It was discovered that this city has revolted against kings from ancient times, engaging in rebellion and sedition.
KJV
And I commanded, and search hath been made, and it is found that this city of old time hath made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been made therein.
WEB
I decreed, and search has been made, and it was found that this city has made insurrection against kings in the past, and that rebellion and revolts have been made in it.
ASV
And I decreed, and search hath been made, and it is found that this city of old time hath made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been made therein.
DARBY
And I gave orders, and search has been made, and it has been found that this city of old time has made insurrection against the kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been raised therein.
BLB
And I made a decree, and a search has been made, and it was found that this city in former times has revolted against kings, and rebellion and sedition have been made in it.
ÅB
og jeg har gitt befaling til å granske etter, og vi har funnet at denne by fra gammel tid har satt seg opp imot kongene, og at frafall og opprør har funnet sted der.
OTB
Jeg utstedte et dekret, og det ble gjort et søk, og det ble funnet at denne byen har en lang historie med opprør mot konger og har vært et sted for opprør og oppvigleri.
B1930
og jeg har gitt befaling til å granske efter, og vi har funnet at denne by fra gammel tid har satt sig op imot kongene, og at frafall og oprør har funnet sted der.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • 2 Kings 18:7

    And the LORD was with Hezekiah, and he prospered wherever he went. He rebelled against the king of Assyria and refused to serve him.

    Read in context
  • Proverbs 25:2

    It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to search it out.

    Read in context
  • Deuteronomy 13:14

    then you must inquire, investigate, and interrogate thoroughly. And if it is established with certainty that this abomination has been committed among you,

    Read in context
  • Ezra 4:15

    that a search should be made of the record books of your fathers. In these books you will discover and verify that the city is a rebellious city, harmful to kings and provinces, inciting sedition from ancient times. That is why this city was destroyed.

    Read in context
  • Ezekiel 17:13–19

    He took a member of the royal family and made a covenant with him, putting him under oath. Then he carried away the leading men of the land,

    Read in context
  • Ezra 5:17–6:2

    Now, therefore, if it pleases the king, let a search be made of the royal archives in Babylon to see if King Cyrus did indeed issue a decree to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. Then let the king send us his decision in this matter.

    Read in context
  • 2 Kings 24:20

    For because of the anger of the LORD, all this happened in Jerusalem and Judah, until He finally banished them from His presence. And Zedekiah also rebelled against the king of Babylon.

    Read in context