Ezra 4

Ezra 4:1

THe adversaries of Judah] Meaning the inhabitants of Samaria, whom the king of Assyria had placed in the room of the ten tribes, 2 Kings 17:24. and 2 Kings 19:37. These professed God, but worshipped idols also, and therefore were the greater enemies to the true servants of God.

the children of the captivity] Heb. the sons of the transportation.

Ezra 4:2

we do sacrifice unto him] Or, we do not sacrifice to another.

Ezra 4:3

but we our selves] For they percived what their pretence was, to wit, to erect idolatry in stead of true religion.

together] Or, alone, as Job 34:29.

Ezra 4:5

And hired counsellours against them] They bribed the kings counsellours, that they might hinder the building of the temple. Thus they that halt in religion, cannot abide that God should be purely served.

even untill] Or, and unto.

even untill the reign of Darius] In all the kings reignes between Cyrus and Darius, vers. 24. Two of which are named, v. 6, 7.

Ezra 4:6

Ahasuerus] Heb. Aashveresh. Some think it was Cambises. Cyrus his son: or Xerxes, called in Greek Oxuares, or Xerxes, who succeeded Darius the son of Hystaspes.

wrote they unto him] Now they openly opposed them, and wrote against them, though it be not set down in particular what they writ in Ahasuerus his time.

Ezra 4:7

of Artaxerxes] Called so in the Persian tongue, because he was an excellent warriour; supposed to be Artaxerxes Longimanus, who succeeded Xerxes: by others, Darius Hystaspis, who reigned before him.

wrote] The copie of this letter is not recorded.

Bishlam] Or, in peace.

companions] Heb. societies. The other governours of those countries under the king.

Ezra 4:8

scribe] Or, secretary.

Ezra 4:9

companions] Chald. societies.

the Dinaites] These were heathen placed by the Assyrians in the room of the ten tribes.

Ezra 4:10

Asnappar] Sennacherib, or Salmanasar, or Esarhaddon, as v. 2.

on this side the river] To wit, Euphrates; and he meaneth that they dwelt beyond it, in respect of Babel, Psalms 72:8.

at such a time] Chald. Cheeneth. He meaneth the time when the letter was dated, which is not set down in particular.

Ezra 4:12

set up] Or, finished.

joyned] Chald. sowed together.

Ezra 4:13

ay] Chald. give.

tell, tribute and custom] Toll of substance, tribute of persons, custom of passengers, yeerly revenue.

thou shalt endamage] Or, it shall endamage; To wit, the city.

revenue] Or, strength.

Ezra 4:14

we have maintenance from the ings palace] Chald. we are salted with the salt of the palace. We live upon the kings allowance.

dishonour] Chald. nakednesse.

Ezra 4:15

moved] Chald. made.

within the same] Chald. in the midst thereof.

Ezra 4:17

companions] Chald. societies.

Ezra 4:19

I commanded] Chald. by me a decree is set.

made insurrection] Chald. lifted up it self.

Ezra 4:21

Give ye now commandment] Chald. Make a decree.

Ezra 4:22

of the kings] Or, of kings.

Ezra 4:23

by force and power] Chald. by arm and power.

Ezra 4:24

of the reign of Darius] Darius Nothus who succeeded Artaxerxes Longimanus, vers. 5.