Ezra 4:11
(This is a copy of the letter that they sent.) “To Artaxerxes the king: Your servants, the men of the province Beyond the River, send greeting. And now
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What might seem like a simple greeting is actually a clever strategic move. By calling themselves "the men beyond the River" from the king's perspective, they position themselves as loyal subjects of the Persian Empire, emphasizing their subservience and shared administrative district. This framing immediately sets a tone of obedience and underscores their place within the established order, making their accusations against the Jews seem more authoritative and less like a personal vendetta.
The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls has been halted by opposition, and now a formal letter is being sent to King Artaxerxes. This letter, penned by officials from the province west of the Euphrates River, is designed to influence the king against the returning exiles. It serves as a strategic plea to maintain the status quo, highlighting potential threats to the empire if Jerusalem is fortified.
Ever notice how a crucial first impression can shape everything that follows? The way these adversaries introduce themselves is a masterclass in manipulation.
This letter isn't just a formal request; it's a carefully crafted piece of propaganda.
Strategic Self-Identification
The writers, who are enemies of the returning Jewish exiles, begin by calling themselves 'Thy servants the men on this side the river.'
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This seemingly minor phrase has puzzled translators for centuries. What hidden meaning or rhetorical purpose could it serve?
The phrase 'and at such a time' (or variations like 'and so forth') is more than just a grammatical quirk; it's a subtle rhetorical tool.
More Than Just 'Et Cetera'
While many translations suggest it means 'and so forth' or 'et cetera,' implying a placeholder for more details or a standard closing, its actual function is likely more strategic.
Whatever the precise nuance, this phrase contributes to the calculated, deceptive nature of the letter.
Understand the original words
melek · Aramaic Noun
The chief ruler of an empire or kingdom, often viewed as the final earthly authority. In biblical history, kings are held accountable to God, though they often represent the political powers of their age.
This letter to King Artaxerxes occurs during a complex period of rebuilding in Jerusalem. The returnees have re-established worship, but face ongoing political tensions and accusations from neighboring peoples who oppose their efforts.
c. 538 BC
Edict of Cyrus
Cyrus the Great allows Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple.
c. 516 BC
Rebuilding of the Temple Completed
Under Zerubbabel's leadership, the Second Temple is completed, facing opposition and challenges.
c. 465-424 BC— this verse
Reign of Artaxerxes I
Artaxerxes I reigns as king of Persia during a period of significant Persian influence in the region.
c. 458 BC
Ezra Arrives in Jerusalem
Ezra leads a second large group of exiles back to Jerusalem, bringing with him the Law and reforms.
c. 445 BC
Nehemiah Arrives in Jerusalem
Nehemiah, cupbearer to Artaxerxes, is sent to Jerusalem to rebuild its walls, facing opposition.
This passage shows a similar situation where Nehemiah, a Jewish servant, writes to the same King Artaxerxes requesting permission and resources for rebuilding Jerusalem, mirroring the context of official correspondence to the Persian king.
Esther 3:12This verse highlights the use of official letters and decrees by Persian officials, similar to the letter in Ezra, demonstrating the established system of communication and the potential for malicious intent within it.
2 Kings 18:26Here, the officials of Hezekiah request that the Assyrian scribes speak in Aramaic (Syrian tongue) rather than Hebrew, showing a precedent for using the Aramaic language in official communications with foreign powers, just as the letter in Ezra was written.
Ezra 7:12This verse contains a portion of the king's own decree, showing the formal language and structure used in royal communications, which provides a contrast and parallel to the way the enemies of the Jews framed their own letter.
clarkeEzra 4:11: "This is the copy of the letter that they sent unto him, even unto Artaxerxes the king; Thy servants the men on this side the river, and at such a time."
And at such a time - The word וכענת ucheeneth has greatly perplexed all commentators and critics. The versions give us no light; and the Vulgate translates it et dicunt salutem, "and they wish prosperity." Some translate it and so forth; and our translators supposed that it referred to the date, which however is not specified, and…
henryEzra 4:6-24: "And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, wrote they unto him an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem."
4:6-24 It is an old slander, that the prosperity of the church would be hurtful to kings and princes. Nothing can be more false, for true godliness teaches us to honour and obey our sovereign. But where the command of God requires one thing and the law of the land another, we must obey God rather than man, and patiently submit to the cons…
What might seem like a simple greeting is actually a clever strategic move. By calling themselves "the men beyond the River" from the king's perspective, they position themselves as loyal subjects of the Persian Empire, emphasizing their subservience and shared administrative district. This framing immediately sets a tone of obedience and underscores their place within the established order, making their accusations against the Jews seem more authoritative and less like a personal vendetta.
The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls has been halted by opposition, and now a formal letter is being sent to King Artaxerxes. This letter, penned by officials from the province west of the Euphrates River, is designed to influence the king against the returning exiles. It serves as a strategic plea to maintain the status quo, highlighting potential threats to the empire if Jerusalem is fortified.
The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls has been halted by opposition, and now a formal letter is being sent to King Artaxerxes. This letter, penned by officials from the province west of the Euphrates River, is designed to influence the king against the returning exiles. It serves as a strategic plea to maintain the status quo, highlighting potential threats to the empire if Jerusalem is fortified.
"(This is a copy of the letter that they sent.) “To Artaxerxes the king: Your servants, the men of the province Beyond the River, send greeting. And now" — What might seem like a simple greeting is actually a clever strategic move. By calling themselves "the men beyond the River" from the king's perspective, they position themselves as loyal subjects of…
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