Ezra 4:19

17 Then sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and unto the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time.

18 The letter which ye sent unto us hath been plainly read before me.

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.

20 There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto them.

21 Give ye now commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this city be not builded, until another commandment shall be given from me.

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 him; and he prospered whithersoever he went forth: and he rebelled against the king of Assyria, and served him not.

    Read in context
  • Proverbs 25:2

    It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.

    Read in context
  • Deuteronomy 13:14

    Then shalt thou enquire, and make search, and ask diligently; and, behold, if it be truth, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought among you;

    Read in context
  • Ezra 4:15

    That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed.

    Read in context
  • Ezekiel 17:13–19

    And hath taken of the king’s seed, and made a covenant with him, and hath taken an oath of him: he hath also taken the mighty of the land:

    Read in context
  • Ezra 5:17–6:2

    Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search made in the king’s treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.

    Read in context
  • 2 Kings 24:20

    For through the anger of the LORD it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, until he had cast them out from his presence, that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon.

    Read in context