Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The king sent this reply: To Rehum the commanding officer, Shimshai the secretary and the rest of their associates living in Samaria and elsewhere in Trans-Euphrates: Greetings. New Living Translation Then King Artaxerxes sent this reply: “To Rehum the governor, Shimshai the court secretary, and their colleagues living in Samaria and throughout the province west of the Euphrates River. Greetings. English Standard Version The king sent an answer: “To Rehum the commander and Shimshai the scribe and the rest of their associates who live in Samaria and in the rest of the province Beyond the River, greeting. And now Berean Standard Bible 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. Berean Literal Bible The king sent an answer: To Rehum the owner of the command, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions who dwell in Samaria and the remainder beyond the River, Peace. And now, King James Bible 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. New King James Version The king sent an answer: To Rehum the commander, to Shimshai the scribe, to the rest of their companions who dwell in Samaria, and to the remainder beyond the River: Peace, and so forth. New American Standard Bible Then the king sent a response to Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their colleagues who live in Samaria and in the rest of the provinces beyond the Euphrates River: “Peace. And now, NASB 1995 Then the king sent an answer to Rehum the commander, to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their colleagues who live in Samaria and in the rest of the provinces beyond the River: “Peace. And now NASB 1977 Then the king sent an answer to Rehum the commander, to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their colleagues who live in Samaria and in the rest of the provinces beyond the River: “Peace. And now Legacy Standard Bible Then the king sent an edict to Rehum the commander, to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their colleagues who live in Samaria and in the rest of the provinces beyond the River: “Peace. And now— Amplified Bible Then the king sent an answer to Rehum the [Persian] commander, to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their colleagues who live in Samaria and in the rest of the provinces west of the River: “Peace (Greetings). And now, Berean Annotated Bible Then the king sent this reply: To Rehum (compassion) the commander, Shimshai (sunny) the scribe, and the rest of your associates living in Samaria (watch mountain) and elsewhere in the region west of the Euphrates: Greetings. Christian Standard Bible The king sent a reply to his chief deputy Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their colleagues living in Samaria and elsewhere in the region west of the Euphrates River: Greetings. Holman Christian Standard Bible The king sent a reply to his chief deputy Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their colleagues living in Samaria and elsewhere in the region west of the Euphrates River: Greetings. American Standard Version 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 in the rest of the country beyond the River: Peace, and so forth. Contemporary English Version King Artaxerxes answered: Greetings to Governor Rehum, Secretary Shimshai, and to your advisors in Samaria and other parts of Western Province. English Revised Version 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 in the rest of the country beyond the river, Peace, and so forth. GOD'S WORD® Translation Then the king sent this reply: To Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their group living in Samaria, and to others west of the Euphrates River: I wish you peace and prosperity! Good News Translation The emperor sent this answer: "To Rehum, the governor, to Shimshai, secretary of the province, and to their associates who live in Samaria and in the rest of West-of-Euphrates, greetings. International Standard Version The king replied: To: Governor Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their colleagues living in Samaria, and the remainder living beyond the Euphrates River. Greetings: NET Bible The king sent the following response: "To Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their colleagues who live in Samaria and other parts of Trans-Euphrates: Greetings! New Heart English Bible Then the king sent an answer to Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions who dwell in Samaria, and in the rest of the country beyond the River: Peace, and so forth. Webster's Bible Translation Then the king sent an answer to Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and to the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen 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. World English Bible Then the king sent an answer to Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions who live in Samaria, and in the rest of the country beyond the River: Peace. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThe king has sent an answer to Rehum counselor, and Shimshai scribe, and the rest of their companions who are dwelling in Samaria, and the rest beyond the river, “Peace, and at such a time: Berean Literal Bible The king sent an answer: To Rehum the owner of the command, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions who dwell in Samaria and the remainder beyond the River, Peace. And now, Young's Literal Translation An answer hath the king sent unto Rehum counsellor, and Shimshai scribe, and the rest of their companions who are dwelling in Samaria, and the rest beyond the river, 'Peace, and at such a time: Smith's Literal Translation And the king sent word to Rehum, lord of judgment, and to Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their colleagues who dwelt in Shomeron, and the rest beyond the river, Peace and as now. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe king sent word to Reum Beelteem and Samsai the scribe, and to the rest that were in their council, inhabitants of Samaria, and to the rest beyond the river, sending greeting and peace. Catholic Public Domain Version The king sent word to Rehum, the commander, and to Shimshai, the scribe, and to the rest who were in their council, to the inhabitants of Samaria, and to the others across the river, offering a greeting and peace. New American Bible The king sent this answer: “To Rehum, the governor, Shimshai, the scribe, and their fellow officials living in Samaria and elsewhere in the province West-of-Euphrates, greetings: New Revised Standard Version The king sent an answer: “To Rehum the royal deputy and Shimshai the scribe and the rest of their associates who live in Samaria and in the rest of the province Beyond the River, greeting. And now Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen the king sent an answer: To Arkhom the chancellor and to Shimshai the scribe and to the rest of their companions who dwelt in Samaria and to the rest beyond the River, peace. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the King sent an answer: “To Arkhum, Master of Tasting, and to Shemshi the Scribe and to the rest who were their equals dwelling in Samaria and the rest dwelling at the crossing of the river, peace! OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then sent the king an answer unto Rehum the commander, 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 now Brenton Septuagint Translation Then the king sent to Reum the chancellor, and Sampsa the scribe, and the rest of their fellow-servants who dwelt in Samaria, and the rest beyond the river, saying, Peace; and he says, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Decree of Artaxerxes17Then 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. 18The letter you sent us has been translated and read in my presence.… Cross References Then the king sent this reply: Ezra 6:6 Therefore Darius decreed: To Tattenai governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and your associates and officials in the region: You must stay away from that place! Esther 8:10 Mordecai wrote in the name of King Xerxes and sealed it with the royal signet ring. He sent the documents by mounted couriers riding on swift horses bred from the royal mares. Daniel 6:26 I hereby decree that in every part of my kingdom, men are to tremble in fear before the God of Daniel: For He is the living God, and He endures forever; His kingdom will never be destroyed, and His dominion will never end. To Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, 2 Kings 18:18 Then they called for the king. And Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator, Shebnah the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder, went out to them. 2 Kings 19:2 And he sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and the leading priests, all wearing sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz Esther 3:12 On the thirteenth day of the first month, the royal scribes were summoned and the order was written exactly as Haman commanded the royal satraps, the governors of each province, and the officials of each people, in the script of each province and the language of every people. It was written in the name of King Xerxes and sealed with the royal signet ring. and the rest of your associates living in Samaria 2 Kings 17:24 Then the king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath, and Sepharvaim and settled them in the towns of Samaria to replace the Israelites. They took possession of Samaria and lived in its towns. 2 Kings 17:29 Nevertheless, the people of each nation continued to make their own gods in the cities where they had settled, and they set them up in the shrines that the people of Samaria had made on the high places. 2 Kings 17:33 They worshiped the LORD, but they also served their own gods according to the customs of the nations from which they had been carried away. and elsewhere in the region west of the Euphrates: Ezra 7:25 And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God, which you possess, are to appoint magistrates and judges to judge all the people west of the Euphrates—all who know the laws of your God. And you are to teach these laws to anyone who does not know them. Ezra 8:36 They also delivered the king’s edicts to the royal satraps and governors of the region west of the Euphrates, who proceeded to assist the people and the house of God. Nehemiah 2:7 I also said to him, “If it pleases the king, may letters be given to me for the governors west of the Euphrates, so that they will grant me safe passage until I reach Judah. Greetings. Acts 23:26 Claudius Lysias, To His Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings. Acts 15:23 and sent them with this letter: The apostles and the elders, your brothers, To the brothers among the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings. James 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes of the Dispersion: Greetings. Nehemiah 2:19-20 But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard about this, they mocked us and ridiculed us, saying, “What is this you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?” / So I answered them and said, “The God of heaven is the One who will grant us success. We, His servants, will start rebuilding, but you have no portion, right, or claim in Jerusalem.” Treasury of Scripture Then sent the king an answer to Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and to the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time. companions. Ezra 4:7,9 And in the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of their companions, unto Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the writing of the letter was written in the Syrian tongue, and interpreted in the Syrian tongue… Peace Ezra 5:7 They sent a letter unto him, wherein was written thus; Unto Darius the king, all peace. Ezra 7:12 Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time. Luke 10:5 And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. at such a time Ezra 4:10,11 And the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Asnappar brought over, and set in the cities of Samaria, and the rest that are on this side the river, and at such a time… Jump to Previous Associates Chancellor Chief Colleagues Commander Commanding Companions Counsellor Country Dwell Dwelling Elsewhere Forth Friends Greeting Greetings Live Officer Peace Places Province Provinces Rehum Rest River Ruler Samaria Sama'ria Scribe Secretary Shimshai Shim'shai Time Trans-EuphratesJump to Next Associates Chancellor Chief Colleagues Commander Commanding Companions Counsellor Country Dwell Dwelling Elsewhere Forth Friends Greeting Greetings Live Officer Peace Places Province Provinces Rehum Rest River Ruler Samaria Sama'ria Scribe Secretary Shimshai Shim'shai Time Trans-EuphratesEzra 4 1. The adversaries, being not accepted in the building of the temple with the Jews, 4. endeavor to hinder it 7. Their letter to Artaxerxes 17. The answer and decree of Artaxerxes 23. The building is hindered Then the king sent this reply: This phrase indicates a formal response from the Persian king, Artaxerxes, to a letter he received. The context is the opposition faced by the Jews in rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. The king's reply is significant as it reflects the political dynamics of the Persian Empire, where local governors and officials had to report to the central authority. This centralized control is consistent with the administrative practices of the Persian Empire, which was known for its efficient bureaucracy. 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: Persons / Places / Events 1. The KingRefers to Artaxerxes, the Persian king who received a letter from the adversaries of Judah and Jerusalem, expressing concern over the rebuilding of Jerusalem. 2. Rehum the Commander A local official who, along with others, opposed the rebuilding efforts of the Jews in Jerusalem. 3. Shimshai the Scribe An official who assisted Rehum in drafting the letter to King Artaxerxes, opposing the rebuilding of Jerusalem. 4. Samaria A region north of Judah, where some of the adversaries of the Jews resided. It was part of the Persian Empire at the time. 5. Region West of the Euphrates This refers to the area of the Persian Empire that included Judah and Samaria, indicating the broader context of opposition to the Jewish rebuilding efforts. Teaching Points Opposition to God's WorkExpect resistance when undertaking God's work. Just as the Jews faced opposition, believers today may encounter challenges when following God's call. God's Sovereignty Despite opposition, God remains in control. The Jews' account in Ezra reminds us that God's plans cannot be thwarted by human schemes. Perseverance in Faith The Jews' perseverance in rebuilding despite opposition encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith and mission. Role of Leadership Effective leadership is crucial in overcoming opposition. Leaders like Ezra and Nehemiah demonstrate the importance of godly leadership in advancing God's purposes. Community Support The importance of community in facing opposition is evident. Believers should support one another in prayer and action when facing challenges. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ezra 4:17?2. How does Ezra 4:17 demonstrate God's sovereignty over earthly rulers and decisions? 3. What can we learn about opposition to God's work from Ezra 4:17? 4. How does Ezra 4:17 connect to Romans 8:28 regarding God's plans? 5. How should believers respond to governmental decisions opposing God's work, as seen in Ezra 4:17? 6. What actions can we take when facing opposition, inspired by Ezra 4:17? 7. How does Ezra 4:17 reflect God's response to opposition against His people? 8. What historical context surrounds the king's decree in Ezra 4:17? 9. How does Ezra 4:17 demonstrate the power of political influence over religious matters? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezra 4? 11. What is Samaria's significance in the Bible? 12. In Ezra 4:2, if Samaritans were truly offering assistance in rebuilding the temple, why does the broader biblical narrative often portray them as antagonists? 13. In Ezra 4:23-24, how can the abrupt cessation of the rebuilding project be fully attributed to local opposition without considering wider Persian imperial policy? 14. Who were the Samaritans in the Bible? What Does Ezra 4:17 Mean Then the king sent this reply:The narrative pauses to show that God keeps His eye even on royal correspondence. Artaxerxes answers swiftly, revealing his sovereignty, yet his words will ultimately serve God’s larger plan (Proverbs 21:1). Much like Cyrus in Ezra 1:1, this king’s decision becomes a hinge in redemptive history, reminding us that every earthly ruler is “God’s servant for your good” (Romans 13:4). Notice, too, how divine timing threads through the story—Nehemiah 2:1–8 will later show another Persian king reversing hostile decrees. To Rehum the commander, Rehum leads the opposition. His title (“commander”) signals military authority behind the political maneuvering. Enemies often wield organized power, but Scripture teaches that the battle is still the Lord’s (2 Chronicles 20:15). Rehum’s role echoes Sanballat’s in Nehemiah 4:1–3, illustrating a repeated pattern: whenever God’s people rebuild, resistance surfaces. Yet Psalm 2:2–4 assures us that God “laughs” at plots against His purposes. Shimshai the scribe, A scribe authenticates and records decrees (Jeremiah 36:32). Shimshai’s pen appears formidable, yet pens can be redeemed—consider Ezra himself, “a scribe skilled in the Law” (Ezra 7:6). God can turn any scribe into a servant or allow him to expose hidden motives (Luke 12:2). Here, Shimshai documents an attempt to halt temple construction, but in doing so he unwittingly preserves evidence of God’s ultimate victory. and the rest of your associates living in Samaria and elsewhere in the region west of the Euphrates: This phrase widens the net: multiple ethnic groups beyond the River (Ezra 4:10) rally against Judah. Samaria’s mixed population had long opposed pure worship (2 Kings 17:24–34). Geographically, “west of the Euphrates” encompasses strategic trade routes—no wonder the adversaries fear Jerusalem’s resurgence (Ezra 4:13). Yet Isaiah 54:15 comforts: “If anyone attacks you, it is not My doing; whoever assails you will fall because of you.” Greetings. Ancient letters customarily opened with shalom, a word of peace—even from an antagonistic source (Acts 15:23). The polite veneer cannot hide hostile intent, but it highlights a biblical principle: God can use formalities and protocols to display His wisdom (Daniel 6:8–10). Ultimately, only the gospel supplies true peace (Ephesians 2:14), something Rehum’s camp lacks. summary Ezra 4:17 sets the stage for conflict by recording a king’s official reply to opponents of the temple project. Each detail—royal initiative, named leaders, administrative reach, courteous greeting—shows that God governs global powers and local scribes alike. Though the letter will temporarily stall the work, it cannot thwart God’s covenant promise; instead, it becomes another thread in the tapestry leading to the completed temple (Ezra 6:14) and, ultimately, to Christ, the true Dwelling of God with man (John 2:19–21). (17) Peace, and at such a time.--Salutation, and so forth. The account of the reply and the beginning of it are strangely blended, as before.Verse 17. - Then sent the king an answer. The complaint made was of such importance that an answer was returned without delay. It was addressed both to Rehum and Shimshai, since they were independent authorities.. Peace, and at such a time. "Peace" (sheldm) is the ordinary Oriental salutation. The other word, uk'eth, is taken by our translators to refer to the date; but it really means, like uk'eneth (ver. 10), "and so forth," or "et cetera."Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew [Then] the kingמַלְכָּ֗א (mal·kā) Noun - masculine singular determinate Strong's 4430: A king sent שְׁלַ֣ח (šə·laḥ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7972: To send away, for, out this reply: פִּתְגָמָ֞א (piṯ·ḡā·mā) Noun - masculine singular determinate Strong's 6600: A word, answer, letter, decree To עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5922: Above, over, upon, against Rehum רְח֤וּם (rə·ḥūm) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7348: Rehum -- 'compassion', the name of several Israelites the commander, בְּעֵל־ (bə·‘êl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1169: A master, a husband Shimshai וְשִׁמְשַׁ֣י (wə·šim·šay) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 8124: Shimshai -- a scribe who opposed Israel the scribe, סָֽפְרָ֔א (sā·p̄ə·rā) Noun - masculine singular determinate Strong's 5613: A secretary, scribe and the rest וּשְׁאָר֙ (ū·šə·’ār) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 7606: Rest, remainder of your associates כְּנָוָ֣תְה֔וֹן (kə·nā·wā·ṯə·hō·wn) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 3675: An associate living יָתְבִ֖ין (yā·ṯə·ḇîn) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 3488: To sit, dwell in Samaria בְּשָֽׁמְרָ֑יִן (bə·šā·mə·rā·yin) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 8115: Samaria -- capital of northern kingdom of Israel and elsewhere וּשְׁאָ֧ר (ū·šə·’ār) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 7606: Rest, remainder in the region west עֲבַֽר־ (‘ă·ḇar-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5675: A region across, on the opposite side of the Euphrates: נַהֲרָ֛ה (na·hă·rāh) Noun - masculine singular determinate Strong's 5103: A river, the Euphrates Greetings. שְׁלָ֖ם (šə·lām) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 8001: Welfare, prosperity Links Ezra 4:17 NIVEzra 4:17 NLT Ezra 4:17 ESV Ezra 4:17 NASB Ezra 4:17 KJV Ezra 4:17 BibleApps.com Ezra 4:17 Biblia Paralela Ezra 4:17 Chinese Bible Ezra 4:17 French Bible Ezra 4:17 Catholic Bible OT History: Ezra 4:17 Then sent the king an answer (Ezr. Ez) |
    |