Ezra 4:15 — Meaning and Application

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. {pay: Chaldee, give} {revenue: or, strength}

Now because we have maintenance from {the king's} palace, and it was not meet for us to see the king's dishonour, therefore have we sent and certified the king; {we have...: Chaldee, we are salted with the salt of the palace}

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. {moved: Chaldee, made} {within...: Chaldee, in the midst thereof}

We certify the king that, if this city be builded {again}, and the walls thereof set up, by this means thou shalt have no portion on this side the river.

{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. {companions: Chaldee, societies}