Bible Strands
Ezra 4:12
Let it be known to the king that the Jews who came from you to us have returned to Jerusalem and are rebuilding that rebellious and wicked city. They are restoring its walls and repairing its foundations.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The letter writers, identified as servants west of the Euphrates, address King Artaxerxes to report on Jewish activity. They deliver this warning after the king previously ordered the cessation of temple work.
The words — יְדִיעַ (yeDi'a) translates literally as "known," anchoring the phrase "let it be known." The verb סְלִקוּ (seLiku) means "they came up," describing the Jews' return from the king's territory.
The thread — The accusation of rebellion echoes the earlier defiance of Zedekiah against Nebuchadnezzar (2 Chronicles 36:13). Later officials repeat this inquiry when questioning the builders' authorization (Ezra 5:3, 5:9).
Why it lands — The text reports that returning Jews are restoring Jerusalem's walls and foundations before interpreting the political motive. The passage demands recognition that physical reconstruction triggers immediate administrative and financial scrutiny.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Be it known unto the king, that the Jews which came up from thee to us are come unto Jerusalem, building the rebellious and the bad city, and have set up the walls thereof, and joined the foundations.
Cross-references
- 2 Chronicles 36:13 He also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God. But Zedekiah stiffened his neck and hardened his heart against turning to the LORD, the God of Israel.
- Ezra 5:3 At that time Tattenai the governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates went to the Jews and asked, “Who authorized you to rebuild this temple and restore this structure?”
- Ezra 5:9 So we questioned the elders and asked, “Who authorized you to rebuild this temple and restore this structure?”
- 2 Kings 18:20 You claim to have a strategy and strength for war, but these are empty words. In whom are you now trusting, that you have rebelled against me?
- 2 Kings 24:1 During Jehoiakim’s reign, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon invaded. So Jehoiakim became his vassal for three years, until he turned and rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar.
- Ezra 4:15 that a search should be made of the record books of your fathers. In these books you will discover and verify that the city is a rebellious city, harmful to kings and provinces, inciting sedition from ancient times. That is why this city was destroyed.
- Ezra 4:19 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.
- Nehemiah 1:3 And they told me, “The remnant who survived the exile are there in the province, in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.”
- Psalms 48:1 A song. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, His holy mountain.
- Isaiah 1:21 See how the faithful city has become a harlot! She once was full of justice; righteousness resided within her, but now only murderers!