CINXE.COM
Ezra 4:14 Now 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
<!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 4:14 Now 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</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ezra/4-14.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/15_Ezr_04_14.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ezra 4:14 - Opposition under Xerxes and Artaxerxes" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now 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" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ezra/4-14.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ezra/4-14.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ezra/">Ezra</a> > <a href="/ezra/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 14</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad14.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ezra/4-13.htm" title="Ezra 4:13">◄</a> Ezra 4:14 <a href="/ezra/4-15.htm" title="Ezra 4:15">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/ezra/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/ezra/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Now since we are under obligation to the palace and it is not proper for us to see the king dishonored, we are sending this message to inform the king,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ezra/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Since we are your loyal subjects and do not want to see the king dishonored in this way, we have sent the king this information.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ezra/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Now because we eat the salt of the palace and it is not fitting for us to witness the king’s dishonor, therefore we send and inform the king,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ezra/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now 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<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ezra/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Now because we have maintenance from <i>the king's</i> palace, and it was not meet for us to see the king's dishonour, therefore have we sent and certified the king;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ezra/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now because we receive support from the palace, it was not proper for us to see the king’s dishonor; therefore we have sent and informed the king,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ezra/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now because we are in the service of the palace, and it is not fitting for us to see the king’s shame, for this reason we have sent <i>word</i> and informed the king,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ezra/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />“Now because we are in the service of the palace, and it is not fitting for us to see the king’s dishonor, therefore we have sent and informed the king,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ezra/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Now because we are in the service of the palace, and it is not fitting for us to see the king’s dishonor, therefore we have sent and informed the king,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ezra/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now because we are in the service of the palace, and it is not fitting for us to see the king’s dishonor, therefore we have sent and made known to the king,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ezra/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now because we are in the service of the palace, and it is not proper for us to witness the king’s dishonor, for that reason we have sent <i>word</i> and informed the king,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ezra/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Since we have taken an oath of loyalty to the king, and it is not right for us to witness his dishonor, we have sent to inform the king<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ezra/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Since we have taken an oath of loyalty to the king, and it is not right for us to witness his dishonor, we have sent to inform the king<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ezra/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Now because we eat the salt of the palace, and it is not meet for us to see the king's dishonor, therefore have we sent and certified the king;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ezra/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />We are telling you this, because you have done so much for us, and we want everyone to respect you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ezra/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Now because we eat the salt of the palace, and it is not meet for us to see the king's dishonour, therefore have we sent and certified the king;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ezra/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Now, because we are paid by your palace, it isn't right for us to watch something happen that will dishonor the king. So we are sending this letter to inform you<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ezra/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Now, because we are under obligation to Your Majesty, we do not want to see this happen, and so we suggest <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ezra/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Now, because we are royal employees and are committed to preserving the reputation of the king, we have written to the king and have declared its contents to be true,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ezra/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now 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<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ezra/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />In light of the fact that we are loyal to the king, and since it does not seem appropriate to us that the king should sustain damage, we are sending the king this information<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ezra/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Now because we eat the salt of the palace, and it is not appropriate for us to see the king's dishonor, therefore have we sent and informed the king;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ezra/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Now because we have maintenance from the king's palace, and it was not meet for us to see the king's dishonor, therefore have we sent and certified the king;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ezra/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Now because we eat the salt of the palace and it is not appropriate for us to see the king’s dishonor, therefore we have sent and informed the king, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ezra/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Now because that the salt of the palace [is] our salt, and we have no patience to see the nakedness of the king, therefore we have sent and made known to the king;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ezra/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Now, because that the salt of the palace is our salt, and the nakedness of the king we have no patience to see, therefore we have sent and made known to the king;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ezra/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Now for the cause that we were salted with the salt of the temple, and not being fit to us to see the king's nakedness, for this we sent and made known to the king;<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ezra/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But we remembering the salt that we have eaten in the palace, and because we count it a crime to see the king wronged, have therefore sent and certified the king, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ezra/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But, remembering the salt that we have eaten in the palace, and because we are led to believe that it a crime to see the king harmed, we have therefore sent and reported to the king,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ezra/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Now, since we eat the salt of the palace and it is not fitting for us to look on while the king is being dishonored, we have sent this message to inform the king,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ezra/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Now because we share the salt of the palace and it is not fitting for us to witness the king’s dishonor, therefore we send and inform 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 />Now because we have eaten the salt of the palace, and it was not meet for us to see the king's dishonor, therefore we have sent and informed 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 now since we have eaten the salt of the temple, it is not for us to see the dishonor of the King, therefore we sent and we have made known<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ezra/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Now because we eat the salt of the palace, and it is not meet for us to see the king's dishonour, therefore have we sent and announced to the king,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ezra/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And it is not lawful for us to see the dishonour of the king: therefore have we sent and made known <i>the matter</i> to the king;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ezra/4-14.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=938" 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">Opposition under Xerxes and Artaxerxes</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">13</span>Let it now be known to the king that if that city is rebuilt and its walls are restored, they will not pay tribute, duty, or toll, and the royal treasury will suffer. <span class="reftext">14</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3705.htm" title="3705: kə·‘an (Adv) -- Now. (Aramaic) probably from ken; now.">Now</a> <a href="/hebrew/3606.htm" title="3606: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. (Aramaic) corresponding to kol.">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/6903.htm" title="6903: qo·ḇêl (Prep) -- (Aramaic) or qobel (Aramaic); (corresponding to qabal; in front of; usually on account of, so as, since, hence."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1768.htm" title="1768: dî- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that, because. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/4416.htm" title="4416: mə·laḥ (N-msc) -- Salt. (Aramaic) from mlach; salt."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4415.htm" title="4415: mə·laḥ·nā (V-Qal-Perf-1cp) -- To eat salt. (Aramaic) corresponding to malach; to eat salt, i.e. (generally) subsist.">we are in the service</a> <a href="/hebrew/1965.htm" title="1965: hê·ḵə·lā (N-msd) -- A palace, temple. (Aramaic) corresponding to heykal.">of the palace</a> <a href="/hebrew/3809.htm" title="3809: lā (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. (Aramaic) or lah (Aramaic) (Dan. 4:32); corresponding to lo'."></a> <a href="/hebrew/749.htm" title="749: ’ărîḵ- (Adj-ms) -- (Aramaic) properly, corresponding to 'arak, but used only in the sense of reaching to a given point; to suit.">and it is not fitting</a> <a href="/hebrew/la·nā (Prep:: 1cp) -- ">for us</a> <a href="/hebrew/2370.htm" title="2370: lə·me·ḥĕ·zê (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- See, behold. (Aramaic) or chazah (Aramaic); corresponding to chazah; to gaze upon; mentally to dream, be usual (i.e. Seem).">to allow</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."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4430.htm" title="4430: mal·kā (N-msd) -- King. (Aramaic) corresponding to melek; a king.">the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/6173.htm" title="6173: wə·‘ar·waṯ (Conj-w:: N-fsc) -- Dishonor. (Aramaic) corresponding to ervah; nakedness, i.e. (figuratively) impoverishment.">to be dishonored,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7972.htm" title="7972: šə·laḥ·nā (V-Qal-Perf-1cp) -- To send. (Aramaic) corresponding to shalach.">we have sent</a> <a href="/hebrew/3046.htm" title="3046: wə·hō·w·ḏa‘·nā (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-1cp) -- To know. (Aramaic) corresponding to yada'.">to inform</a> <a href="/hebrew/4430.htm" title="4430: lə·mal·kā (Prep-l:: N-msd) -- King. (Aramaic) corresponding to melek; a king.">the king</a> </span><span class="reftext">15</span>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.…<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/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="/nehemiah/6-5.htm">Nehemiah 6:5-9</a></span><br />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.” ...<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="/1_kings/21-8.htm">1 Kings 21:8-13</a></span><br />Then Jezebel wrote letters in Ahab’s name, sealed them with his seal, and sent them to the elders and nobles who lived with Naboth in his city. / In the letters she wrote: “Proclaim a fast and give Naboth a seat of honor among the people. / But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them testify, ‘You have cursed both God and the king!’ Then take him out and stone him to death.” ...<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="/acts/17-6.htm">Acts 17:6-7</a></span><br />But when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some other brothers before the city officials, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have now come here, / and Jason has welcomed them into his home. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, named Jesus!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/22-17.htm">Matthew 22:17-21</a></span><br />So tell us what You think: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” / But Jesus knew their evil intent and said, “You hypocrites, why are you testing Me? / Show Me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought Him a denarius. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1-7</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. / For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13-17</a></span><br />Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, / or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. / For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men. ...<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="/proverbs/24-21.htm">Proverbs 24:21-22</a></span><br />My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with the rebellious. / For they will bring sudden destruction. Who knows what ruin they can bring?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/2-1.htm">1 Timothy 2:1-2</a></span><br />First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— / for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/3-1.htm">Titus 3:1</a></span><br />Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/10-3.htm">2 Samuel 10:3</a></span><br />the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun their lord, “Just because David has sent you comforters, do you really believe he is showing respect for your father? Has not David instead sent his servants to explore the city, spy it out, and overthrow it?”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Now because we have maintenance from the king's palace, and it was not meet for us to see the king's dishonor, therefore have we sent and certified the king;</p><p class="hdg">have maintenance, etc.</p><p class="hdg">and it was</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/33-31.htm">Ezekiel 33:31</a></b></br> And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee <i>as</i> my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, <i>but</i> their heart goeth after their covetousness.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/12-5.htm">John 12:5,6</a></b></br> Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/19-12.htm">John 19:12-15</a></b></br> And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ruth/4-9.htm">Announced</a> <a href="/exodus/8-26.htm">Appropriate</a> <a href="/john/3-33.htm">Certified</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/34-10.htm">Damaged</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-30.htm">Dishonor</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-34.htm">Dishonored</a> <a href="/james/2-6.htm">Dishonour</a> <a href="/ezra/2-63.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/exodus/36-22.htm">Fitting</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/32-33.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-19.htm">Inform</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/34-18.htm">Informed</a> <a href="/numbers/35-23.htm">Injury</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/35-15.htm">King's</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/26-27.htm">Maintenance</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/35-20.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-30.htm">Nakedness</a> <a href="/numbers/32-22.htm">Obligation</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/36-7.htm">Palace</a> <a href="/ezra/1-2.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/34-2.htm">Right</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/25-11.htm">Salt</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/36-15.htm">Sending</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/35-16.htm">Service</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/24-19.htm">Witness</a> <a href="/ezra/1-1.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/68-11.htm">Announced</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-24.htm">Appropriate</a> <a href="/esther/2-22.htm">Certified</a> <a href="/psalms/74-3.htm">Damaged</a> <a href="/psalms/4-2.htm">Dishonor</a> <a href="/psalms/35-4.htm">Dishonored</a> <a href="/psalms/35-26.htm">Dishonour</a> <a href="/ezra/6-21.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/psalms/33-1.htm">Fitting</a> <a href="/esther/1-4.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/ezra/4-16.htm">Inform</a> <a href="/esther/2-22.htm">Informed</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-8.htm">Injury</a> <a href="/ezra/4-22.htm">King's</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-27.htm">Maintenance</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-9.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/isaiah/20-4.htm">Nakedness</a> <a href="/nehemiah/10-32.htm">Obligation</a> <a href="/ezra/6-2.htm">Palace</a> <a href="/ezra/5-9.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/ezra/7-18.htm">Right</a> <a href="/ezra/6-9.htm">Salt</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-17.htm">Sending</a> <a href="/ezra/4-24.htm">Service</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-26.htm">Witness</a> <a href="/ezra/4-16.htm">Word</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 /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <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>Now because we are in the service of the palace</b><br>This phrase indicates the position and responsibility of the speakers, who are likely officials or subjects within the Persian Empire. The Persian Empire was known for its vast bureaucracy and administrative efficiency. Being in the service of the palace implies a duty to uphold the interests of the king and the empire. This reflects the hierarchical structure of ancient Near Eastern societies, where loyalty to the king was paramount. The palace, as a symbol of royal authority, underscores the importance of their role in maintaining order and allegiance.<p><b>and it is not fitting for us to allow the king to be dishonored</b><br>The concept of honor and shame was central in ancient cultures, including the Persian Empire. Dishonoring the king would not only be a personal failure but could also have broader political implications. The king was seen as a divine or semi-divine figure, and maintaining his honor was crucial for the stability of the realm. This phrase suggests a deep sense of duty and the potential consequences of failing to protect the king's reputation. It also reflects the biblical theme of respecting authority, as seen in passages like <a href="/romans/13.htm">Romans 13:1-7</a>, which emphasizes submission to governing authorities.<p><b>we have sent to inform the king</b><br>This action demonstrates the protocol of communication within the empire. Sending a message to the king was a formal process, often involving written correspondence or envoys. The act of informing the king suggests a proactive approach to governance and the importance of keeping the monarch aware of potential threats or issues. This aligns with the biblical principle of accountability and transparency, as seen in other scriptural narratives where leaders are informed of significant events or challenges, such as in the story of Nehemiah, who also communicated with the Persian king regarding the rebuilding of Jerusalem.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_adversaries_of_judah_and_benjamin.htm">The Adversaries of Judah and Benjamin</a></b><br>These are the people who opposed the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. They were the ones who wrote the letter to King Artaxerxes, trying to halt the work.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_artaxerxes.htm">King Artaxerxes</a></b><br>The Persian king to whom the adversaries wrote, seeking to stop the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The city where the temple was being rebuilt, central to Jewish worship and identity.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_palace.htm">The Palace</a></b><br>Refers to the Persian royal court, from which the adversaries claimed to receive their sustenance or maintenance.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_rebuilding_of_the_temple.htm">The Rebuilding of the Temple</a></b><br>The event that the adversaries were trying to stop by sending a letter to the king, claiming it would lead to the king's dishonor.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/o/opposition_to_god's_work.htm">Opposition to God's Work</a></b><br>Expect resistance when engaging in God's work. The adversaries' actions remind us that spiritual endeavors often face opposition.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_allegiances.htm">Discernment in Allegiances</a></b><br>Be cautious of those who claim to have your best interests at heart but may have ulterior motives. The adversaries claimed loyalty to the king but sought their own agenda.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_adversity.htm">Faithfulness in Adversity</a></b><br>Remain steadfast in your mission despite opposition. Like the Jews rebuilding the temple, we must continue in our God-given tasks.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_authority.htm">The Role of Authority</a></b><br>Understand the influence of earthly authorities and how they can be swayed by misinformation. Pray for wisdom for leaders to discern truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/integrity_and_honor.htm">Integrity and Honor</a></b><br>Uphold integrity and honor in all dealings, as the adversaries falsely claimed to protect the king's honor while seeking their own gain.<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/is_being_wealthy_considered_sinful.htm">Who was Azariah in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_ezra_4_6-7_conflict_with_history.htm">Why does Ezra 4:6-7 mention Persian kings in a sequence that appears to conflict with known historical Persian records?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_rehoboam's_reply_only_harsh.htm">Why does 1 Kings 12:14 present Rehoboam's answer as solely harsh, despite other biblical accounts that sometimes provide a balancing perspective?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_was_zerubbabel's_rebuilding_slow.htm">If the Holy Spirit truly empowered Zerubbabel to rebuild (Zechariah 4:6), why was the process slow and fraught with opposition instead of miraculously effortless?</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>(14) <span class= "bld">Maintenance.</span>--more exactly, <span class= "ital">we eat the salt of the palace.</span> This seems to be a general expression for dependence on the king, whose dishonour or loss they profess themselves unwilling to behold.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ezra/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 14.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">We have maintenance from the king's palace</span>. The marginal rendering is better, and shows the true sense. "Eating a man's salt" in the East is deriving one's subsistence from him. The man who eats another's salt is bound to look after his interests<span class="cmt_word">. It was not meet for us to see the king's dishonour.</span> Rather, "the king's <span class="accented">detriment</span> or <span class="accented">loss"</span> - it was not meet for us to stand by tamely and see the king stript of his due. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ezra/4-14.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">Now</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּעַ֗ן</span> <span class="translit">(kə·‘an)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3705.htm">Strong's 3705: </a> </span><span class="str2">Now</span><br /><br /><span class="word">because</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3606.htm">Strong's 3606: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">we are in the service</span><br /><span class="heb">מְלַ֔חְנָא</span> <span class="translit">(mə·laḥ·nā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4415.htm">Strong's 4415: </a> </span><span class="str2">To eat salt, subsist</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the palace</span><br /><span class="heb">הֵֽיכְלָא֙</span> <span class="translit">(hê·ḵə·lā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular determinate<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1965.htm">Strong's 1965: </a> </span><span class="str2">A large public building, palace, temple</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and it is not fitting</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲ‍ֽרִֽיךְ</span> <span class="translit">(’ărîḵ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_749.htm">Strong's 749: </a> </span><span class="str2">Fitting, proper</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for us</span><br /><span class="heb">לַ֖נָא</span> <span class="translit">(la·nā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">to allow</span><br /><span class="heb">לְמֶֽחֱזֵ֑א</span> <span class="translit">(lə·me·ḥĕ·zê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2370.htm">Strong's 2370: </a> </span><span class="str2">To gaze upon, mentally to dream, be usual</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the king</span><br /><span class="heb">מַלְכָּ֔א</span> <span class="translit">(mal·kā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular determinate<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">to be dishonored,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְעַרְוַ֣ת</span> <span class="translit">(wə·‘ar·waṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6173.htm">Strong's 6173: </a> </span><span class="str2">Nakedness, impoverishment</span><br /><br /><span class="word">we have sent</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁלַ֖חְנָא</span> <span class="translit">(šə·laḥ·nā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7972.htm">Strong's 7972: </a> </span><span class="str2">To send away, for, out</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to inform</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהוֹדַ֥עְנָא</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hō·w·ḏa‘·nā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3046.htm">Strong's 3046: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the king</span><br /><span class="heb">לְמַלְכָּֽא׃</span> <span class="translit">(lə·mal·kā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular determinate<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4430.htm">Strong's 4430: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ezra/4-14.htm">Ezra 4:14 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ezra/4-14.htm">Ezra 4:14 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ezra/4-14.htm">Ezra 4:14 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ezra/4-14.htm">Ezra 4:14 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ezra/4-14.htm">Ezra 4:14 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ezra/4-14.htm">Ezra 4:14 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ezra/4-14.htm">Ezra 4:14 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ezra/4-14.htm">Ezra 4:14 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ezra/4-14.htm">Ezra 4:14 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ezra/4-14.htm">Ezra 4:14 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ezra/4-14.htm">OT History: Ezra 4:14 Now because we eat the salt (Ezr. Ez) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ezra/4-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ezra 4:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ezra 4:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ezra/4-15.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ezra 4:15"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ezra 4:15" /></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>