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Ezra 4:22

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.

Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?

23 Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes’ letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power.

24 Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem. So it ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.

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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
See that you do not neglect this matter. Why allow this threat to increase and the royal interests to suffer?
KJV
Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?
WEB
Be careful that you not be slack doing so. Why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?
ASV
And take heed that ye be not slack herein: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?
DARBY
and take heed that ye fail not to do this: why should harm grow to the damage of the kings?
BLB
And take heed of negligence to do upon this. Why should the damage become great to the harm of the kings?
ÅB
og ta dere i vare for å gjøre dere skyldige i noen forseelse i denne sak, så skaden ikke skal bli verre og kongene lide tap!
OTB
Pass på at dere ikke er skjødesløse i denne saken. Hvorfor skulle skade øke til kongenes skade?"
B1930
og ta eder i vare for å gjøre eder skyldige i nogen forseelse i denne sak, så skaden ikke skal bli verre og kongene lide tap!

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Esther 7:3–4

    Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request:

    Read in context

  • Ezra 4:13

    Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the walls set up again, then will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom, and so thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings.

    Read in context

  • Esther 3:8–9

    And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king’s laws: therefore it is not for the king’s profit to suffer them.

    Read in context