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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>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. 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In these records you will find that this city is a rebellious city, troublesome to kings and provinces, a place with a long history of sedition. That is why this city was destroyed. <a href="/nlt/ezra/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> We suggest that a search be made in your ancestors’ records, where you will discover what a rebellious city this has been in the past. In fact, it was destroyed because of its long and troublesome history of revolt against the kings and countries who controlled it. <a href="/esv/ezra/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> in order that search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers. You will find in the book of the records and learn that this city is a rebellious city, hurtful to kings and provinces, and that sedition was stirred up in it from of old. That was why this city was laid waste. <a href="/bsb/ezra/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/ezra/4.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/ezra/4.htm">New King James Version</a> that search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers. And you will find in the book of the records and know that this city is a rebellious city, harmful to kings and provinces, and that they have incited sedition within the city in former times, for which cause this city was destroyed. <a href="/nasb_/ezra/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> so that a search may be conducted in the record books of your fathers. And you will discover in the record books and learn that that city is a rebellious city and detrimental to kings and provinces, and that they have revolted within it in past days; for this reason that city was laid waste. <a href="/nasb/ezra/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> so that a search may be made in the record books of your fathers. And you will discover in the record books and learn that that city is a rebellious city and damaging to kings and provinces, and that they have incited revolt within it in past days; therefore that city was laid waste. <a href="/nasb77/ezra/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> so that a search may be made in the record books of your fathers. And you will discover in the record books, and learn that that city is a rebellious city and damaging to kings and provinces, and that they have incited revolt within it in past days; therefore that city was laid waste. <a href="/lsb/ezra/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> that a search be made in the record books of your fathers. And you will find in the record books and come to know that that city is a rebellious city and damaging to kings and provinces, and that they have incited revolt within it in past days; therefore that city was laid waste. <a href="/amp/ezra/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> in order that a search may be made in the record books of your fathers. And you will discover in the record books and learn that this is a rebellious city, damaging to kings and provinces, and that in the past they have incited rebellion within it. That is why that city was laid waste (destroyed). <a href="/csb/ezra/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> that a search should be made in your predecessors’ record books. In these record books you will discover and verify that the city is a rebellious city, harmful to kings and provinces. There have been revolts in it since ancient times. That is why this city was destroyed. <a href="/hcsb/ezra/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> that a search should be made in your fathers&#8217 record books. In these record books you will discover and verify that the city is a rebellious city, harmful to kings and provinces. There have been revolts in it since ancient times. That is why this city was destroyed. <a href="/asv/ezra/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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 laid waste. <a href="/cev/ezra/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> If you look up the official records of your ancestors, you will find that Jerusalem has constantly rebelled and has led others to rebel against kings and provinces. That's why the city was destroyed in the first place. <a href="/erv/ezra/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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 laid waste. <a href="/gwt/ezra/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> that you should search the official records of your predecessors. You will find in those official records that this city has been rebellious and has been a threat to kings and provinces. This city has a history of rebelliousness. That's why this city was destroyed. <a href="/gnt/ezra/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> that you order a search to be made in the records your ancestors kept. If you do, you will discover that this city has always been rebellious and that from ancient times it has given trouble to kings and to rulers of provinces. Its people have always been hard to govern. This is why the city was destroyed. <a href="/isv/ezra/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> urging that a search may be made in the official registers of your predecessors. You will discover in the registers that this city is a rebellious city, that it is damaging to both kings and provinces, that it has been moved to sedition from time immemorial, and that because of this it was destroyed. <a href="/net/ezra/4.htm">NET Bible</a> so that he may initiate a search of the records of his predecessors and discover in those records that this city is rebellious and injurious to both kings and provinces, producing internal revolts from long ago. It is for this very reason that this city was destroyed. <a href="/nheb/ezra/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> that search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers: so you shall find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful to kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time; for which cause was this city laid waste. <a href="/wbt/ezra/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so wilt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful to kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/ezra/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/web/ezra/4.htm">World English Bible</a> that search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers. You will see in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful to kings and provinces, and that they have started rebellions within it in the past. That is why this city was destroyed. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ezra/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> so that he seeks in the scroll of the records of your fathers, and you find in the scroll of the records, and know, that this city [is] a rebellious city, and causing loss [to] kings and provinces, and makers of sedition [are] in its midst from the days of old, therefore this city has been ruined. <a href="/ylt/ezra/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> so that he doth seek in the book of the records of thy fathers, and thou dost find in the book of the records, and dost know, that this city is a rebellious city, and causing loss to kings and provinces, and makers of sedition are in its midst from the days of old, therefore hath this city been wasted. <a href="/slt/ezra/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> That it shall be sought in the book of the records of thy fathers: and thou wilt find in the book of the records, and thou wilt know that this city a city perverse and endamaging kings and provinces, and working rebellion in the midst of it from days forever: for this, this city was laid waste.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ezra/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> That search may be made in the books of the histories of thy fathers, and thou shalt find written in the records: and shalt know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful to the kings and provinces, and that wars were raised therein of old time: for which cause also the city was destroyed. <a href="/cpdv/ezra/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> so that you may search in the books of the histories of your fathers, and you may find written in the records, and you may know that this city is a rebellious city, and that it is harmful to the kings and the provinces, and that wars were incited within it from the days of antiquity. For which reason also, the city itself was destroyed. <a href="/nabre/ezra/4.htm">New American Bible</a> so that inquiry may be made in the historical records of your fathers. In the historical records you will discover and verify that this is a rebellious city, harmful to kings and provinces; its people have been acting seditiously there since ancient times. That is why this city was destroyed. <a href="/nrsvce/ezra/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> so that a search may be made in the annals of your ancestors. You will discover in the annals that this is a rebellious city, hurtful to kings and provinces, and that sedition was stirred up in it from long ago. On that account this city was laid waste.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ezra/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> That the book of the records of your fathers may be read; so shall you find in the book of the records and know that this city is a rebellious city and hurtful to kings and provinces, and that great conflicts have taken place in it of old time; that is why this city was destroyed: <a href="/hpbt/ezra/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> That you will read the book of the records of your fathers, and you will find in the book of records and you shall know that this city is a rebellious city and harmful of Kings and cities, and great conflicts are made within from the days of ancient time; because of this, the city is devastated.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/ezra/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> 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 laid waste. <a href="/sep/ezra/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> That examination may be made in thy fathers' book of record; and thou shalt find, and thou shalt know that city is rebellious, and does harm to kings and countries, and there are in the midst of it from very old time refuges for runaway slaves: therefore this city has been made desolate. <a href="/parallel/ezra/4-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sh6ec6iQe9M?start=948" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ezra/4.htm">Opposition under Xerxes and Artaxerxes</a> …14Now because we are in the service of the palace and it is not fitting for us to allow the king to be dishonored, we have sent to inform the king 15<a href="/hebrew/1768.htm" title="1768: dî (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that, because. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/1240.htm" title="1240: yə·ḇaq·qar (V-Piel-Imperf-3ms) -- To inquire, seek. (Aramaic) corresponding to baqar.">a search should be made</a> <a href="/hebrew/1799.htm" title="1799: dā·ḵə·rā·nay·yā (N-mpd) -- Memorandum, record. (Aramaic) or dokran (Aramaic); corresponding to zikrown; a register.">of the record</a> <a href="/hebrew/5609.htm" title="5609: bis·p̄ar- (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- A book. (Aramaic) from a root corresponding to caphar; a book.">books</a> <a href="/hebrew/1768.htm" title="1768: dî (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that, because. ">of</a> <a href="/hebrew/2.htm" title="2: ’ă·ḇā·hā·ṯāḵ (N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Father. (Aramaic) corresponding to 'ab.">your fathers.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1799.htm" title="1799: dā·ḵə·rā·nay·yā (N-mpd) -- Memorandum, record. (Aramaic) or dokran (Aramaic); corresponding to zikrown; a register.">In these</a> <a href="/hebrew/5609.htm" title="5609: bis·p̄ar (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- A book. (Aramaic) from a root corresponding to caphar; a book.">books</a> <a href="/hebrew/7912.htm" title="7912: ū·ṯə·haš·kaḥ (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjImperf-2ms) -- (Aramaic) corresponding to shakach through the idea of disclosure of a covered or forgotten thing; to discover (literally or figuratively).">you will discover</a> <a href="/hebrew/3046.htm" title="3046: wə·ṯin·da‘ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf-2ms) -- To know. (Aramaic) corresponding to yada'.">and verify</a> <a href="/hebrew/1768.htm" title="1768: dî (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that, because. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/7149.htm" title="7149: qir·yə·ṯā (N-fsd) -- A city. (Aramaic) or qiryah (Aramaic); corresponding to qiryah.">the city</a> <a href="/hebrew/1791.htm" title="1791: ḏāḵ (Pro-fs) -- This. (Aramaic) or dak (Aramaic); prolonged from da'; this."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4779.htm" title="4779: mā·rā·ḏā (Adj-fs) -- Rebellious. (Aramaic) from the same as mrad; rebellious.">is a rebellious</a> <a href="/hebrew/7149.htm" title="7149: qir·yā (N-fs) -- A city. (Aramaic) or qiryah (Aramaic); corresponding to qiryah.">city,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5142.htm" title="5142: ū·mə·han·zə·qaṯ (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-Prtcpl-fsc) -- To suffer injury. (Aramaic) corresponding to the root of nezeq; to suffer (causatively, inflict) loss.">harmful</a> <a href="/hebrew/4430.htm" title="4430: mal·ḵîn (N-mp) -- King. (Aramaic) corresponding to melek; a king.">to kings</a> <a href="/hebrew/4083.htm" title="4083: ū·mə·ḏi·nān (Conj-w:: N-fp) -- A district, province. (Aramaic) corresponding to mdiynah.">and provinces,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5648.htm" title="5648: ‘ā·ḇə·ḏîn (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To make, do. (Aramaic) corresponding to abad; to do, make, prepare, keep, etc.">inciting</a> <a href="/hebrew/849.htm" title="849: wə·’eš·tad·dūr (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- A revolt. (Aramaic) from shdar (in a bad sense); rebellion.">sedition</a> <a href="/hebrew/1459.htm" title="1459: bə·ḡaw·wah (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 3fs) -- Midst, middle. (Aramaic) corresponding to gev; the middle."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4481.htm" title="4481: min- (Prep) -- From, out of, by, by reason of, at, more than. (Aramaic) corresponding to min.">from</a> <a href="/hebrew/5957.htm" title="5957: ‘ā·lə·mā (N-msd) -- (Aramaic) corresponding to owlam; remote time, i.e. The future or past indefinitely; often adverb, forever.">ancient</a> <a href="/hebrew/3118.htm" title="3118: yō·w·māṯ (N-mpc) -- Day. (Aramaic) corresponding to yowm; a day.">times.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5922.htm" title="5922: ‘al- (Prep) -- Upon, over, above. (Aramaic) corresponding to al.">That is why</a> <a href="/hebrew/1836.htm" title="1836: də·nāh (Pro-ms) -- This. (Aramaic) an orthographical variation of dek; this.">this</a> <a href="/hebrew/7149.htm" title="7149: qir·yə·ṯā (N-fsd) -- A city. (Aramaic) or qiryah (Aramaic); corresponding to qiryah.">city</a> <a href="/hebrew/1791.htm" title="1791: ḏāḵ (Pro-fs) -- This. (Aramaic) or dak (Aramaic); prolonged from da'; this."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2718.htm" title="2718: hā·ḥā·rə·ḇaṯ (V-Hofal-Perf-3fs) -- To be a waste. (Aramaic) a root corresponding to charab; to demolish.">was destroyed.</a> 16We advise the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are restored, you will have no dominion west of the Euphrates.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/nehemiah/2-19.htm">Nehemiah 2:19-20</a> 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.” <a href="/nehemiah/4-1.htm">Nehemiah 4:1-3</a> Now when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he was furious and filled with indignation. He ridiculed the Jews / before his associates and the army of Samaria, saying, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Can they restore the wall by themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they complete it in a day? Can they bring these burnt stones back to life from the mounds of rubble?” / Then Tobiah the Ammonite, who was beside him, said, “If even a fox were to climb up on what they are building, it would break down their wall of stones!” <a href="/nehemiah/6-5.htm">Nehemiah 6:5-9</a> The fifth time, Sanballat sent me this same message by his young servant, who had in his hand an unsealed letter / that read: “It is reported among the nations—and Geshem agrees—that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and this is why you are building the wall. According to these reports, you are to become their king, / and you have even appointed prophets in Jerusalem to proclaim on your behalf: ‘There is a king in Judah.’ Soon these rumors will reach the ears of the king. So come, let us confer together.” ... <a href="/daniel/6-4.htm">Daniel 6:4-5</a> Thus the administrators and satraps sought a charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom, but they could find no charge or corruption, because he was trustworthy, and no negligence or corruption was found in him. / Finally these men said, “We will never find any charge against this Daniel unless we find something against him concerning the law of his God.” <a href="/esther/3-8.htm">Esther 3:8-9</a> Then Haman informed King Xerxes, “There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the peoples of every province of your kingdom. Their laws are different from everyone else’s, and they do not obey the king’s laws. So it is not in the king’s best interest to tolerate them. / If it pleases the king, let a decree be issued to destroy them, and I will deposit ten thousand talents of silver into the royal treasury to pay those who carry it out.” <a href="/2_kings/18-31.htm">2 Kings 18:31-32</a> Do not listen to Hezekiah, for this is what the king of Assyria says: Make peace with me and come out to me. Then every one of you will eat from his own vine and his own fig tree and drink water from his own cistern, / until I come and take you away to a land like your own—a land of grain and new wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a land of olive trees and honey—so that you may live and not die. But do not listen to Hezekiah, for he misleads you when he says, ‘The LORD will deliver us.’ <a href="/2_kings/19-10.htm">2 Kings 19:10-13</a> “Give this message to Hezekiah king of Judah: ‘Do not let your God, in whom you trust, deceive you by saying that Jerusalem will not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria. / Surely you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all the other countries, devoting them to destruction. Will you then be spared? / Did the gods of the nations destroyed by my fathers rescue those nations—the gods of Gozan, Haran, and Rezeph, and of the people of Eden in Telassar? ... <a href="/2_chronicles/32-17.htm">2 Chronicles 32:17-19</a> He also wrote letters mocking the LORD, the God of Israel, and saying against Him: “Just as the gods of the nations did not deliver their people from my hand, so the God of Hezekiah will not deliver His people from my hand.” / Then the Assyrians called out loudly in Hebrew to the people of Jerusalem who were on the wall, to frighten and terrify them in order to capture the city. / They spoke against the God of Jerusalem as they had spoken against the gods of the peoples of the earth—the work of human hands. <a href="/jeremiah/29-7.htm">Jeremiah 29:7</a> Seek the prosperity of the city to which I have sent you as exiles. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for if it prospers, you too will prosper.” <a href="/jeremiah/29-11.htm">Jeremiah 29:11</a> For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope. <a href="/acts/4-18.htm">Acts 4:18-21</a> Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. / But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God. / For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” ... <a href="/acts/5-27.htm">Acts 5:27-29</a> They brought them in and made them stand before the Sanhedrin, where the high priest interrogated them. / “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us responsible for this man’s blood.” / But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men. <a href="/acts/6-12.htm">Acts 6:12-14</a> So they stirred up the people, elders, and scribes and confronted Stephen. They seized him and brought him before the Sanhedrin, / where they presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. / For we have heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.” <a href="/acts/24-5.htm">Acts 24:5-9</a> We have found this man to be a pestilence, stirring up dissension among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes, / and he even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him. / but Lysias the commander came with great force and took him out of our hands, ... <a href="/acts/25-7.htm">Acts 25:7</a> When Paul arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many serious charges that they could not prove.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>That search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers: so shall you find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful to kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed.this city<a href="/ezra/4-12.htm">Ezra 4:12</a> 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.<a href="/nehemiah/2-19.htm">Nehemiah 2:19</a> But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king?<a href="/nehemiah/6-6.htm">Nehemiah 6:6</a> Wherein was written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words.moved.<a href="/2_kings/24-20.htm">2 Kings 24:20</a> For through the anger of the LORD it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, until he had cast them out from his presence, that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon.<a href="/2_kings/25-1.htm">2 Kings 25:1,4</a> And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came, he, and all his host, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it; and they built forts against it round about… <a href="/jeremiah/52-3.htm">Jeremiah 52:3</a> For through the anger of the LORD it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, till he had cast them out from his presence, that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_chronicles/36-8.htm">Book</a> <a href="/ezra/4-13.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/ezra/4-13.htm">City</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/36-19.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/ezra/4-3.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/32-4.htm">Find</a> <a href="/ezra/4-13.htm">Hurtful</a> <a href="/ezra/4-13.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/ezra/3-10.htm">Laid</a> <a href="/ezra/1-5.htm">Moved</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-19.htm">Provinces</a> <a href="/ezra/4-12.htm">Rebellious</a> <a href="/ezra/2-62.htm">Records</a> <a href="/ezra/2-62.htm">Search</a> <a href="/acts/24-12.htm">Sedition</a> <a href="/ezra/4-11.htm">Time</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/36-21.htm">Waste</a> <a href="/ezra/4-13.htm">Wilt</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/29-18.htm">Within</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ezra/6-18.htm">Book</a> <a href="/ezra/4-21.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/ezra/4-16.htm">City</a> <a href="/ezra/5-12.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/ezra/5-12.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/ezra/7-16.htm">Find</a> <a href="/psalms/139-24.htm">Hurtful</a> <a href="/ezra/4-19.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/ezra/5-8.htm">Laid</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-14.htm">Moved</a> <a href="/ezra/4-17.htm">Provinces</a> <a href="/job/23-2.htm">Rebellious</a> <a href="/ezra/6-1.htm">Records</a> <a href="/ezra/4-19.htm">Search</a> <a href="/ezra/4-19.htm">Sedition</a> <a href="/ezra/4-17.htm">Time</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-3.htm">Waste</a> <a href="/ezra/4-16.htm">Wilt</a> <a href="/ezra/6-2.htm">Within</a><div class="vheading2">Ezra 4</div>1. <a href="/ezra/4-1.htm">The adversaries, being not accepted in the building of the temple with the Jews, </a> 4. <a href="/ezra/4-4.htm">endeavor to hinder it</a> 7. <a href="/ezra/4-7.htm">Their letter to Artaxerxes</a> 17. <a href="/ezra/4-17.htm">The answer and decree of Artaxerxes</a> 23. <a href="/ezra/4-23.htm">The building is hindered</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezra/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezra/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ezra/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>that a search should be made of the record books of your fathers. The phrase suggests an appeal to historical records, emphasizing the importance of documented history in decision-making. In the ancient Near East, record-keeping was a common practice among empires like Babylon and Persia. These records were often stored in archives and could include decrees, treaties, and historical accounts. The reference to "your fathers" indicates reliance on ancestral wisdom and past governance, highlighting the continuity and authority of tradition. This appeal to records underscores the importance of truth and evidence in governance, a principle echoed in other biblical passages that emphasize the value of truth and justice (e.g., <a href="/proverbs/14-25.htm">Proverbs 14:25</a>).In these books you will discover and verify that the city is a rebellious city, The city in question is Jerusalem, known for its tumultuous history with various empires. The accusation of rebellion is rooted in historical events, such as the revolts against Babylonian and Assyrian rule. Jerusalem's reputation as a rebellious city is documented in other biblical texts, including <a href="/2_kings/24.htm">2 Kings 24:1</a> and <a href="/jeremiah/52-3.htm">Jeremiah 52:3</a>, where the city's resistance against foreign powers is noted. This characterization serves as a warning to the Persian king about the potential threat posed by allowing the city to rebuild.harmful to kings and provinces, This phrase highlights the perceived threat Jerusalem posed to imperial stability. Historically, Jerusalem's strategic location made it a focal point for trade and military campaigns, which could disrupt regional control. The city's influence extended beyond its borders, affecting neighboring provinces. This concern for stability is a recurring theme in the Bible, where the actions of one city or nation can have broader implications, as seen in the narratives of Nineveh (Jonah 3) and Babylon (Revelation 18).inciting sedition from ancient times. The claim of inciting sedition reflects a long-standing view of Jerusalem as a center of resistance. This perception is supported by various biblical accounts of Israel's defiance against foreign domination, such as the Maccabean Revolt (1 Maccabees 1-4) and earlier conflicts with Philistines and Canaanites. The idea of ancient sedition ties into the broader biblical theme of God's people often being at odds with worldly powers, as seen in the lives of prophets like Elijah and Daniel, who stood against corrupt authorities.That is why this city was destroyed. The destruction of Jerusalem is a significant event in biblical history, occurring in 586 BC by the Babylonians. This destruction is seen as both a consequence of political rebellion and a divine judgment for the people's unfaithfulness, as prophesied in books like Jeremiah and Lamentations. Theologically, the destruction serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the need for repentance, a theme that resonates throughout the Bible and is fulfilled in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who offers restoration and hope beyond judgment.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/e/ezra.htm">Ezra</a> A scribe and priest who led the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem and was instrumental in the rebuilding of the temple and the reestablishment of the Law. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The city central to Jewish identity and worship, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians and was in the process of being rebuilt by the returning exiles. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_persian_empire.htm">The Persian Empire</a> The ruling empire at the time, under which the Jews were allowed to return to Jerusalem. The empire's archives were being referenced in this verse. 4. <a href="/topical/r/rehum_and_shimshai.htm">Rehum and Shimshai</a> Officials who wrote to King Artaxerxes to halt the rebuilding of Jerusalem, claiming it was a rebellious city. 5. <a href="/topical/k/king_artaxerxes.htm">King Artaxerxes</a> The Persian king who received the letter from Rehum and Shimshai and ordered a halt to the rebuilding efforts based on their claims.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_historical_records.htm">The Power of Historical Records</a> Understanding the past is crucial for making informed decisions in the present. The search of the archives in <a href="/ezra/4-15.htm">Ezra 4:15</a> reminds us of the importance of historical context in our spiritual lives. <a href="/topical/o/opposition_to_god's_work.htm">Opposition to God's Work</a> Just as the rebuilding of Jerusalem faced opposition, believers today should expect resistance when pursuing God's purposes. This calls for perseverance and faith. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_reputation.htm">The Importance of Reputation</a> The accusations against Jerusalem were based on its past. As Christians, we should strive to maintain a good reputation, knowing that our past actions can impact our present witness. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_adversity.htm">God's Sovereignty in Adversity</a> Despite the opposition, God's plans for Jerusalem ultimately prevailed. This encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when facing setbacks. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_leadership.htm">The Role of Leadership</a> Leaders like Ezra and Nehemiah played crucial roles in overcoming opposition. This highlights the importance of godly leadership in advancing God's kingdom.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ezra_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ezra 4</a> <a href="/q/key_themes_in_ezra.htm">What are the key themes in the Book of Ezra?</a> <a href="/q/any_non-biblical_proof_of_absalom's_plot.htm">Are there extra-biblical or archaeological records confirming Absalom's conspiracy as detailed in 2 Samuel 15?</a> <a href="/q/what_do_ezra_and_nehemiah_teach.htm">What lessons do Ezra and Nehemiah's stories teach us?</a> <a href="/q/how_do_ezra_2_64-65_totals_match_estimates.htm">How can the reported totals in Ezra 2:64-65 align with known population estimates of the region at that time?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ezra/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) The book of the records of thy fathers.--"The book of the records of the Chronicles" which in <a href="/esther/6-1.htm" title="On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.">Esther 6:1</a> is "read before the king." This extended beyond his own fathers back to the times of the predecessors of the Median dynasty.Of old time.--From the days of eternity, or time immemorial. The spirit of exaggeration if not of falsehood appears in every word here.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ezra/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 15. - That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers. It was the practice at the Persian court to register all important events in a book, which from time to time was read to the kings (<a href="/esther/2-23.htm">Esther 2:23</a>; <a href="/esther/6-1.htm">Esther 6:1</a>). The Samaritans suggest a consultation of this book, which would at any rate contain their own previous accusations against Jerusalem (supra, vers. 5, 6), and might make some mention of the revolts from Babylon (see the comment on ver. 12). For which cause was this city destroyed. This was the great fact on which the Samaritans relied. Nebuchadnezzar had only destroyed Jerusalem in consequence of repeated rebellions. True; but no sufficient indication that there would be revolt from Persia, which was anti-idolatrous, and had proved herself so true a friend to the Jews. <a href="/commentaries/ezra/4-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>that דִּ֡י (dî) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1768.htm">Strong's 1768: </a> Who, which, that, because a search should be made יְבַקַּר֩ (yə·ḇaq·qar) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1240.htm">Strong's 1240: </a> To plough, break forth, to inspect, admire, care for, consider of the record דָּכְרָ֨נַיָּ֜א (dā·ḵə·rā·nay·yā) Noun - masculine plural determinate <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1799.htm">Strong's 1799: </a> Memorandum, record books בִּֽסְפַר־ (bis·p̄ar-) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5609.htm">Strong's 5609: </a> A book of דִּ֣י (dî) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1768.htm">Strong's 1768: </a> Who, which, that, because your fathers. אֲבָהָתָ֗ךְ (’ă·ḇā·hā·ṯāḵ) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2.htm">Strong's 2: </a> Father [In these] דָּכְרָנַיָּא֮ (dā·ḵə·rā·nay·yā) Noun - masculine plural determinate <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1799.htm">Strong's 1799: </a> Memorandum, record books בִּסְפַ֣ר (bis·p̄ar) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5609.htm">Strong's 5609: </a> A book you will discover וּ֠תְהַשְׁכַּח (ū·ṯə·haš·kaḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7912.htm">Strong's 7912: </a> To discover and verify וְתִנְדַּע֒ (wə·ṯin·da‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3046.htm">Strong's 3046: </a> To know that דִּי֩ (dî) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1768.htm">Strong's 1768: </a> Who, which, that, because the city קִרְיְתָ֨א (qir·yə·ṯā) Noun - feminine singular determinate <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7149.htm">Strong's 7149: </a> Building is a rebellious מָֽרָדָ֗א (mā·rā·ḏā) Adjective - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4779.htm">Strong's 4779: </a> Rebellious city, קִרְיָ֣א (qir·yā) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7149.htm">Strong's 7149: </a> Building harmful וּֽמְהַנְזְקַ֤ת (ū·mə·han·zə·qaṯ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Participle - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5142.htm">Strong's 5142: </a> To suffer injury to kings מַלְכִין֙ (mal·ḵîn) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4430.htm">Strong's 4430: </a> A king and provinces, וּמְדִנָ֔ן (ū·mə·ḏi·nān) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4083.htm">Strong's 4083: </a> A judgeship, jurisdiction, a district, a region inciting עָבְדִ֣ין (‘ā·ḇə·ḏîn) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5648.htm">Strong's 5648: </a> To do, make, prepare, keep sedition וְאֶשְׁתַּדּוּר֙ (wə·’eš·tad·dūr) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_849.htm">Strong's 849: </a> Rebellion from מִן־ (min-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4481.htm">Strong's 4481: </a> From, out of, by, by reason of, at, more than ancient עָלְמָ֑א (‘ā·lə·mā) Noun - masculine singular determinate <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5957.htm">Strong's 5957: </a> Remote time, the future, past, forever times. יוֹמָ֖ת (yō·w·māṯ) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3118.htm">Strong's 3118: </a> A day That is why עַ֨ל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5922.htm">Strong's 5922: </a> Above, over, upon, against this דָ֜ךְ (ḏāḵ) Pronoun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1791.htm">Strong's 1791: </a> This city קִרְיְתָ֥א (qir·yə·ṯā) Noun - feminine singular determinate <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7149.htm">Strong's 7149: </a> Building was destroyed. הָֽחָרְבַֽת׃ (hā·ḥā·rə·ḇaṯ) Verb - Hofal - Perfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2718.htm">Strong's 2718: </a> To be a waste <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ezra/4-15.htm">Ezra 4:15 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ezra/4-15.htm">Ezra 4:15 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ezra/4-15.htm">Ezra 4:15 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ezra/4-15.htm">Ezra 4:15 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ezra/4-15.htm">Ezra 4:15 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ezra/4-15.htm">Ezra 4:15 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ezra/4-15.htm">Ezra 4:15 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ezra/4-15.htm">Ezra 4:15 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ezra/4-15.htm">Ezra 4:15 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ezra/4-15.htm">Ezra 4:15 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ezra/4-15.htm">OT History: Ezra 4:15 That search may be made (Ezr. Ez) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ezra/4-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ezra 4:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ezra 4:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ezra/4-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ezra 4:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ezra 4:16" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>