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Why let this threat grow, to the detriment of the royal interests?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ezra/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Be diligent, and don’t neglect this matter, for we must not permit the situation to harm the king’s interests.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ezra/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And take care not to be slack in this matter. Why should damage grow to the hurt of the king?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ezra/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />See that you do not neglect this matter. Why allow this threat to increase and the royal interests to suffer?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ezra/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ezra/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Take heed now that you do not fail to do this. Why should damage increase to the hurt of the kings?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ezra/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And beware of being negligent in carrying out this <i>matter;</i> why should there be great damage, to the detriment of the kings?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ezra/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Beware of being negligent in carrying out this matter; why should damage increase to the detriment of the kings?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ezra/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“And beware of being negligent in carrying out this <i>matter;</i> why should damage increase to the detriment of the kings?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ezra/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And beware of being negligent in doing this <i>matter</i>; why should harm increase to damage the kings?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ezra/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Beware of being negligent in carrying out this <i>matter</i>. Why should damage increase to the detriment of the kings?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ezra/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />See that you not neglect this matter. Otherwise, the damage will increase and the royal interests will suffer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ezra/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />See that you not neglect this matter. Otherwise, the damage will increase and the royal interests will suffer. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ezra/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And take heed that ye be not slack herein: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ezra/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Do this at once, so that no harm will come to the kingdom. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ezra/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And take heed that ye be not slack herein: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ezra/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Be careful not to neglect your duty in this matter. Why should I, the king, suffer any more harm?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ezra/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Do this at once, so that no more harm may be done to my interests." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ezra/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Be diligent and take precautions so that you do not neglect your responsibility in this matter. Why should the kingdom sustain any more damage?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ezra/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Exercise appropriate caution so that there is no negligence in this matter. Why should danger increase to the point that kings sustain damage?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ezra/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Take heed that you not be slack herein: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ezra/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ezra/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />See that you do not neglect this matter. Why allow this threat to increase and the royal interests to suffer?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ezra/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Be careful that you not be slack doing so. Why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ezra/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And beware of negligence in doing this; why does the hurt become great to the loss of the kings?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ezra/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And beware ye of negligence in doing this; why doth the hurt become great to the loss of the kings?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ezra/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And be ye warned from doing wrong upon this: wherefore shall harm overtake to endamage the kings?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ezra/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />See that you be not negligent in executing this, lest by little and little the evil grow to the hurt of the kings. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ezra/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />See to it that you are not negligent in fulfilling this, otherwise, little by little, the evil may increase against the kings.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ezra/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Take care that you do not neglect this matter. Why should evil increase to harm the throne?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ezra/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Moreover, take care not to be slack in this matter; why should damage grow to the hurt of the king?”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ezra/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Take heed now that you fail not to do this, lest the damage should increase to the hurt of the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ezra/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And be vigilant concerning this work lest damage would increase to damage the King.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ezra/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And take heed that ye be not slack herein; why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ezra/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br /><i>See</i> that ye be careful of the decree, <i>not</i> to be remiss concerning this matter, lest at any time destruction should abound to the harm of kings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ezra/4-22.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sh6ec6iQe9M?start=1032" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ezra/4.htm">The Decree of Artaxerxes</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">21</span>Now, therefore, issue an order for these men to stop, so that this city will not be rebuilt until I so order. <span class="reftext">22</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2095.htm" title="2095: ū·zə·hî·rîn (Conj-w:: V-Qal-QalPassPrtcpl-mp) -- To warn. (Aramaic) corresponding to zahar; (passively) be admonished.">See that you</a> <a href="/hebrew/1934.htm" title="1934: hĕ·wōw (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To become, come to pass, be. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/7960.htm" title="7960: šā·lū (N-fs) -- Neglect, remissness. (Aramaic) or shaluwth (Aramaic); from the same as shalah; a fault.">do not neglect</a> <a href="/hebrew/5648.htm" title="5648: lə·me‘·baḏ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To make, do. (Aramaic) corresponding to abad; to do, make, prepare, keep, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5922.htm" title="5922: ‘al- (Prep) -- Upon, over, above. (Aramaic) corresponding to al."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1836.htm" title="1836: də·nāh (Pro-ms) -- This. (Aramaic) an orthographical variation of dek; this.">this matter.</a> <a href="/hebrew/4101.htm" title="4101: lə·māh (Interrog) -- What?. (Aramaic) corresponding to mah.">Why</a> <a href="/hebrew/2257.htm" title="2257: ḥă·ḇā·lā (N-msd) -- A hurt, injury. (Aramaic) from chabal; harm (personal or pecuniary).">allow this threat</a> <a href="/hebrew/7680.htm" title="7680: yiś·gê (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To grow great. (Aramaic) corresponding to saga'; to increase.">to increase</a> <a href="/hebrew/4430.htm" title="4430: mal·ḵîn (N-mp) -- King. (Aramaic) corresponding to melek; a king.">and the royal</a> <a href="/hebrew/5142.htm" title="5142: lə·han·zā·qaṯ (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- To suffer injury. (Aramaic) corresponding to the root of nezeq; to suffer (causatively, inflict) loss.">interests to suffer?</a> </span><span class="reftext">23</span>When the text of the letter from King Artaxerxes was read to Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their associates, they went immediately to the Jews in Jerusalem and forcibly stopped them.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/6-9.htm">Nehemiah 6:9</a></span><br />For they were all trying to frighten us, saying, “Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will never be finished.” But now, my God, strengthen my hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/4-11.htm">Nehemiah 4:11</a></span><br />And our enemies said, “Before they know or see a thing, we will come into their midst, kill them, and put an end to the work.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/2-19.htm">Nehemiah 2:19-20</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/3-8.htm">Esther 3:8-9</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/6-4.htm">Daniel 6:4-5</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/haggai/1-2.htm">Haggai 1:2-4</a></span><br />that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “These people say, ‘The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the LORD.’” / Then the word of the LORD came through Haggai the prophet, saying: / “Is it a time for you yourselves to live in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/17-24.htm">2 Kings 17:24-26</a></span><br />Then the king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath, and Sepharvaim and settled them in the towns of Samaria to replace the Israelites. They took possession of Samaria and lived in its towns. / Now when the settlers first lived there, they did not worship the LORD, so He sent lions among them, which killed some of them. / So they spoke to the king of Assyria, saying, “The peoples that you have removed and placed in the cities of Samaria do not know the requirements of the God of the land. Because of this, He has sent lions among them, which are indeed killing them off.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/18-36.htm">2 Kings 18:36-37</a></span><br />But the people remained silent and did not answer a word, for Hezekiah had commanded, “Do not answer him.” / Then Hilkiah’s son Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Asaph’s son Joah the recorder came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and they relayed to him the words of the Rabshakeh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/32-18.htm">2 Chronicles 32:18-19</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/29-7.htm">Jeremiah 29:7</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/4-18.htm">Acts 4:18-20</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/5-28.htm">Acts 5:28-29</a></span><br />“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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/6-13.htm">Acts 6:13-14</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/24-5.htm">Acts 24:5-6</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1-2</a></span><br />Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Take heed now that you fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?</p><p class="hdg">why should</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezra/4-13.htm">Ezra 4:13</a></b></br> Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the walls set up <i>again, then</i> will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom, and <i>so</i> thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/3-8.htm">Esther 3:8,9</a></b></br> And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws <i>are</i> diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it <i>is</i> not for the king's profit to suffer them… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/7-3.htm">Esther 7:3,4</a></b></br> Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request: … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_kings/6-9.htm">Beware</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/29-11.htm">Care</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/19-7.htm">Careful</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/9-21.htm">Carrying</a> <a href="/ezra/4-13.htm">Damage</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/7-18.htm">Fail</a> <a href="/ezra/4-20.htm">Great</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/19-5.htm">Grow</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/16-22.htm">Harm</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/33-10.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/16-9.htm">Herein</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/25-19.htm">Hurt</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/32-28.htm">Increase</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/36-14.htm">Increased</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-1.htm">Interests</a> <a href="/ezra/4-20.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/ezra/4-14.htm">King's</a> <a href="/ezra/4-13.htm">Loss</a> <a href="/ezra/3-4.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/joshua/18-3.htm">Neglect</a> <a href="/daniel/6-4.htm">Negligence</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/29-11.htm">Negligent</a> <a href="/ezra/4-13.htm">Royal</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/15-7.htm">Slack</a> <a href="/acts/9-1.htm">Threat</a> <a href="/ezra/4-19.htm">Trouble</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/job/32-13.htm">Beware</a> <a href="/ezra/6-13.htm">Care</a> <a href="/job/36-18.htm">Careful</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-3.htm">Carrying</a> <a href="/esther/7-4.htm">Damage</a> <a href="/ezra/6-9.htm">Fail</a> <a href="/ezra/5-8.htm">Great</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-21.htm">Grow</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-2.htm">Harm</a> <a href="/job/23-6.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/john/4-37.htm">Herein</a> <a href="/esther/9-2.htm">Hurt</a> <a href="/ezra/10-10.htm">Increase</a> <a href="/ezra/9-6.htm">Increased</a> <a href="/psalms/119-122.htm">Interests</a> <a href="/ezra/6-12.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/ezra/5-17.htm">King's</a> <a href="/esther/7-4.htm">Loss</a> <a href="/ezra/5-5.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/psalms/119-16.htm">Neglect</a> <a href="/daniel/6-4.htm">Negligence</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-4.htm">Negligent</a> <a href="/ezra/6-4.htm">Royal</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-4.htm">Slack</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-9.htm">Threat</a> <a href="/nehemiah/1-3.htm">Trouble</a><div class="vheading2">Ezra 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezra/4-1.htm">The adversaries, being not accepted in the building of the temple with the Jews, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezra/4-4.htm">endeavor to hinder it</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezra/4-7.htm">Their letter to Artaxerxes</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezra/4-17.htm">The answer and decree of Artaxerxes</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezra/4-23.htm">The building is hindered</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>See that you do not neglect this matter.</b><br>This phrase is a directive from King Artaxerxes to his officials, emphasizing the importance of addressing the issue at hand. In the context of <a href="/ezra/4.htm">Ezra 4</a>, the matter refers to the halting of the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. The king's command reflects the urgency and seriousness with which he views the potential threat posed by the Jews' construction efforts. Historically, this period was marked by political tension and power struggles in the Persian Empire, with local governors often having significant autonomy. The phrase underscores the importance of vigilance and obedience to royal decrees, a common theme in the governance of ancient empires.<p><b>Why allow this threat to increase</b><br>The "threat" mentioned here refers to the perceived danger that a fortified Jerusalem could pose to the stability and control of the Persian Empire over its territories. Jerusalem, with its strategic location, had the potential to become a center of rebellion. This reflects the broader historical context of the Persian Empire's efforts to maintain control over its vast and diverse territories. The fear of rebellion was a constant concern for empires, as seen in other biblical accounts such as the Roman Empire's dealings with Judea. This phrase highlights the political and military considerations that influenced decisions during this period.<p><b>and the royal interests to suffer?</b><br>The "royal interests" pertain to the economic, political, and strategic priorities of the Persian Empire. The empire relied on the loyalty and tribute of its provinces to maintain its power and wealth. Any disruption, such as a fortified and potentially rebellious Jerusalem, could threaten these interests. This concern for royal interests is echoed in other parts of the Bible, where the welfare of the kingdom is often linked to the obedience and loyalty of its subjects. The phrase also reflects the broader biblical theme of the consequences of disobedience and rebellion against divinely appointed authority, as seen in the narratives of Israel's kings and prophets.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/e/ezra.htm">Ezra</a></b><br>A scribe and priest who led the second group of exiles back to Jerusalem. He was instrumental in the spiritual and religious restoration of the Jewish people.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/artaxerxes.htm">Artaxerxes</a></b><br>The Persian king during the time of Ezra. He issued decrees that affected the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/o/opponents_of_the_jews.htm">Opponents of the Jews</a></b><br>Local adversaries who opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple, fearing the loss of their influence and power.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The city central to Jewish identity and worship, which was in the process of being rebuilt after the Babylonian exile.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/r/royal_interests.htm">Royal Interests</a></b><br>Refers to the interests of the Persian Empire, which could be threatened by the resurgence of a strong Jerusalem.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/v/vigilance_in_faith.htm">Vigilance in Faith</a></b><br>Just as the Jews were instructed not to neglect the matter at hand, Christians are called to be vigilant in their faith and not allow spiritual threats to grow.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_leadership.htm">Discernment in Leadership</a></b><br>Leaders must discern threats to their mission and take proactive steps to protect their community and interests.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_cost_of_neglect.htm">The Cost of Neglect</a></b><br>Neglecting spiritual duties can lead to increased threats and suffering, emphasizing the importance of diligence in our walk with God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/opposition_as_a_test_of_faith.htm">Opposition as a Test of Faith</a></b><br>Opposition can serve as a test of faith and commitment, encouraging believers to rely on God's strength and wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/balancing_earthly_and_divine_interests.htm">Balancing Earthly and Divine Interests</a></b><br>While earthly authorities have their interests, believers must prioritize God's kingdom and seek His guidance in balancing these interests.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ezra_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ezra 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_athaliah_miss_joash.htm">2 Kings 11:1: How could Athaliah have overlooked or failed to find Joash if she was determined to kill all royal heirs?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_haggai_1_4's_temple_rebuild_urgent.htm">Why does the command to rebuild the Temple (Haggai 1:4) seem urgent here, while other biblical passages suggest a more prolonged period of delay and opposition?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_verify_jeremiah_22_5's_judgment.htm">In Jeremiah 22:5, how can one verify historically or archaeologically that God's promised judgment on the house of David came to pass exactly as stated?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_no_persian_record_of_mordecai's_act.htm">Esther 6:2--Why is there no extra-biblical record of Mordecai's act to foil an assassination plot, if such an event would likely have been recorded by Persian scribes?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ezra/4-22.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">See that you</span><br /><span class="heb">וּזְהִירִ֥ין</span> <span class="translit">(ū·zə·hî·rîn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2095.htm">Strong's 2095: </a> </span><span class="str2">Be admonished</span><br /><br /><span class="word">do not neglect</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁל֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(šā·lū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7960.htm">Strong's 7960: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neglect, remissness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this matter.</span><br /><span class="heb">דְּנָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(də·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1836.htm">Strong's 1836: </a> </span><span class="str2">This</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Why</span><br /><span class="heb">לְמָה֙</span> <span class="translit">(lə·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4101.htm">Strong's 4101: </a> </span><span class="str2">Interrogative what?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">allow this threat</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲבָלָ֔א</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·ḇā·lā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular determinate<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2257.htm">Strong's 2257: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hurt, injury</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to increase</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂגֵּ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·gê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7680.htm">Strong's 7680: </a> </span><span class="str2">To grow great</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and the royal</span><br /><span class="heb">מַלְכִֽין׃</span> <span class="translit">(mal·ḵîn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4430.htm">Strong's 4430: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">interests to suffer?</span><br /><span class="heb">לְהַנְזָקַ֖ת</span> <span class="translit">(lə·han·zā·qaṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5142.htm">Strong's 5142: </a> </span><span class="str2">To suffer injury</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ezra/4-22.htm">Ezra 4:22 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ezra/4-22.htm">Ezra 4:22 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ezra/4-22.htm">Ezra 4:22 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ezra/4-22.htm">Ezra 4:22 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ezra/4-22.htm">Ezra 4:22 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ezra/4-22.htm">Ezra 4:22 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ezra/4-22.htm">Ezra 4:22 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ezra/4-22.htm">Ezra 4:22 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ezra/4-22.htm">Ezra 4:22 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ezra/4-22.htm">Ezra 4:22 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ezra/4-22.htm">OT History: Ezra 4:22 Take heed that you not be slack (Ezr. Ez) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ezra/4-21.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ezra 4:21"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ezra 4:21" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ezra/4-23.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ezra 4:23"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ezra 4:23" /></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>