Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version As soon as the copy of the letter of King Artaxerxes was read to Rehum and Shimshai the secretary and their associates, they went immediately to the Jews in Jerusalem and compelled them by force to stop. New Living Translation When this letter from King Artaxerxes was read to Rehum, Shimshai, and their colleagues, they hurried to Jerusalem. Then, with a show of strength, they forced the Jews to stop building. English Standard Version Then, when the copy of King Artaxerxes’ letter was read before Rehum and Shimshai the scribe and their associates, they went in haste to the Jews at Jerusalem and by force and power made them cease. Berean Standard Bible 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. Berean Literal Bible Then from the time that the copy of the letter of King Artaxerxes was read before Rehum and Shimshai the scribe and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem against the Jews, and made them cease by force and strength. King James Bible Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power. New King James Version Now when the copy of King Artaxerxes’ letter was read before Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem against the Jews, and by force of arms made them cease. New American Standard Bible Then as soon as the copy of King Artaxerxes’ decree was read before Rehum and Shimshai the scribe and their colleagues, they went in a hurry to Jerusalem to the Jews and stopped them by military force. NASB 1995 Then as soon as the copy of King Artaxerxes’ document was read before Rehum and Shimshai the scribe and their colleagues, they went in haste to Jerusalem to the Jews and stopped them by force of arms. NASB 1977 Then as soon as the copy of King Artaxerxes’ document was read before Rehum and Shimshai the scribe and their colleagues, they went in haste to Jerusalem to the Jews and stopped them by force of arms. Legacy Standard Bible Then as soon as the copy of King Artaxerxes’ document was read before Rehum and Shimshai the scribe and their colleagues, they went in haste to Jerusalem to the Jews and stopped them by force and military. Amplified Bible Then as soon as the copy of King Artaxerxes’ document was read before Rehum and Shimshai the scribe, and their colleagues, they went up hurriedly to Jerusalem to the Jews, and made them stop [work] by force of arms. Berean Annotated Bible When the text of the letter from King Artaxerxes (I will make the spoiled to boil) was read to Rehum (compassion), Shimshai (sunny) the scribe, and their associates, they went immediately to the Jews in Jerusalem (city of peace) and forcibly stopped them. Christian Standard Bible As soon as the text of King Artaxerxes’s letter was read to Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their colleagues, they immediately went to the Jews in Jerusalem and forcibly stopped them. Holman Christian Standard Bible As soon as the text of King Artaxerxes’ letter was read to Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their colleagues, they immediately went to the Jews in Jerusalem and forcibly stopped them. American Standard Version Then when the copy of king Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went in haste to Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power. Contemporary English Version As soon as this letter was read, Governor Rehum, Secretary Shimshai, and their advisors went to Jerusalem and forced everyone to stop rebuilding the city. English Revised Version Then when the copy of king Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went in haste to Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power. GOD'S WORD® Translation Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and their group hurried to Jerusalem after hearing a copy of King Artaxerxes' letter. They forced the Jews to stop rebuilding. Good News Translation As soon as this letter from Emperor Artaxerxes was read to Rehum, Shimshai, and their associates, they hurried to Jerusalem and forced the Jews to stop rebuilding the city. International Standard Version As soon as a copy of the letter from King Artaxerxes was read to Rehum, to Shimshai the scribe, and to their colleagues, they traveled quickly to Jerusalem and compelled the Jews to cease by force of arms. NET Bible Then, as soon as the copy of the letter from King Artaxerxes was read in the presence of Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their colleagues, they proceeded promptly to the Jews in Jerusalem and stopped them with threat of armed force. New Heart English Bible Then when the copy of king Artachshasta' letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went in haste to Jerusalem to the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power. Webster's Bible Translation Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem to the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen 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. World English Bible Then when the copy of King Artaxerxes’ letter was read before Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went in haste to Jerusalem to the Jews, and made them to cease by force of arms. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThen from the time that a copy of the letter of King Artaxerxes is read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they have gone in haste to Jerusalem, to the Jews, and caused them to cease by force and strength; Berean Literal Bible Then from the time that the copy of the letter of King Artaxerxes was read before Rehum and Shimshai the scribe and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem against the Jews, and made them cease by force and strength. Young's Literal Translation Then from the time that a copy of the letter of king Artaxerxes is read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they have gone in haste to Jerusalem, unto the Jews, and caused them to cease by force and strength; Smith's Literal Translation Then after the copy of the epistle of Arthasatha the king being read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their colleagues, they went away to Jerusalem to the Jews, and caused them to cease by arm and strength. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleNow the copy of the edict of king Artaxerxes was read before Reum Beelteem, and Samsai the scribe, and their counsellors: and they went up in haste to Jerusalem to the Jews, and hindered them with arm and power. Catholic Public Domain Version And so a copy of the edict of king Artaxerxes was read before Rehum, the commander, and Shimshai, the scribe, and their counselors. And they went away hurriedly to Jerusalem, to the Jews. And they prohibited them by force and by strength. New American Bible As soon as a copy of King Artaxerxes’ letter had been read before Rehum, the governor, Shimshai, the scribe, and their fellow officials, they immediately went to the Jews in Jerusalem and stopped their work by force of arms. New Revised Standard Version Then when the copy of King Artaxerxes’ letter was read before Rehum and the scribe Shimshai and their associates, they hurried to the Jews in Jerusalem and by force and power made them cease. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleNow when the copy of King Artakhshisht's letter came, they read it before Arkhom; then the chancellor and Shamshai the scribe and their companions went in haste to Jerusalem against the Jews, and by a strong army made them cease building. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Then when a copy of the letter of Artakhshesht the King came, they read it before Arkhum, Master Taster, and Shemshi the Scribe and in front of those who were their equals. They came in quietness against Yehudah to Jerusalem, and they stopped them with a mighty army. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then when the copy of king Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went in haste to Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power. Brenton Septuagint Translation Then the tribute-gatherer of king Arthasastha read the letter before Reum the chancellor, and Sampsa the scribe, and his fellow-servants: and they went in haste to Jerusalem and through Juda, and caused them to cease with horses and an armed force. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Decree of Artaxerxes…22See that you do not neglect this matter. Why allow this threat to increase and the royal interests to suffer? 23When 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. 24Thus the construction of the house of God in Jerusalem ceased, and it remained at a standstill until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.… Cross References When the text of the letter from King Artaxerxes was read Jeremiah 36:8-10 So Baruch son of Neriah did everything that Jeremiah the prophet had commanded him. In the house of the LORD he read the words of the LORD from the scroll. / Now in the ninth month of the fifth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, a fast before the LORD was proclaimed to all the people of Jerusalem and all who had come there from the cities of Judah. / From the chamber of Gemariah son of Shaphan the scribe, which was in the upper courtyard at the opening of the New Gate of the house of the LORD, Baruch read from the scroll the words of Jeremiah in the hearing of all the people. 2 Kings 22:10-11 Moreover, Shaphan the scribe told the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read it in the presence of the king. / When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes 2 Chronicles 34:18-19 Moreover, Shaphan the scribe told the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read it in the presence of the king. / When the king heard the words of the Law, he tore his clothes to Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their associates, Esther 3:12-13 On the thirteenth day of the first month, the royal scribes were summoned and the order was written exactly as Haman commanded the royal satraps, the governors of each province, and the officials of each people, in the script of each province and the language of every people. It was written in the name of King Xerxes and sealed with the royal signet ring. / And the letters were sent by couriers to each of the royal provinces with the order to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the Jews—young and old, women and children—and to plunder their possessions on a single day, the thirteenth day of Adar, the twelfth month. Esther 8:9-10 At once the royal scribes were summoned, and on the twenty-third day of the third month (the month of Sivan), they recorded all of Mordecai’s orders to the Jews and to the satraps, governors, and princes of the 127 provinces from India to Cush—writing to each province in its own script, to every people in their own language, and to the Jews in their own script and language. / Mordecai wrote in the name of King Xerxes and sealed it with the royal signet ring. He sent the documents by mounted couriers riding on swift horses bred from the royal mares. Daniel 6:1-2 Now it pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, / and over them three administrators, including Daniel, to whom these satraps were accountable so that the king would not suffer loss. they went immediately to the Jews in Jerusalem Ezra 5:3-4 At that time Tattenai the governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates went to the Jews and asked, “Who authorized you to rebuild this temple and restore this structure?” / They also asked, “What are the names of the men who are constructing this building?” Esther 3:15 The couriers left, spurred on by the king’s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa. Then the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was in confusion. Nehemiah 4:1-2 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?” and forcibly stopped them. Nehemiah 6:9 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. Acts 5:40-42 At this, they yielded to Gamaliel. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them. / The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. / Every day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ. Acts 16:22-24 The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered that they be stripped and beaten with rods. / And after striking them with many blows, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to guard them securely. / On receiving this order, he placed them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. Nehemiah 4:7-8 When Sanballat and Tobiah, together with the Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdodites, heard that the repair to the walls of Jerusalem was progressing and that the gaps were being closed, they were furious, / and all of them conspired to come and fight against Jerusalem and create a hindrance. Nehemiah 6:5-9 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.” … Daniel 6:4-9 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.” / So the administrators and satraps went together to the king and said, “O King Darius, may you live forever! … Esther 3:8-11 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.” / So the king removed the signet ring from his finger and gave it to Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews. … Treasury of Scripture Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem to the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power. Rehum Ezra 4:8,9,17 Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king in this sort: … they went up Proverbs 4:16 For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. Micah 2:1 Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand. Romans 3:15 Their feet are swift to shed blood: force. Jump to Previous Arms Artaxerxes Ar-Ta-Xerx'es Cease Companions Compelled Copy Force Friends Haste Immediately Jerusalem Jews Letter Power Read Reading Rehum Scribe Secretary Shimshai Shim'shai Soon StoppedJump to Next Arms Artaxerxes Ar-Ta-Xerx'es Cease Companions Compelled Copy Force Friends Haste Immediately Jerusalem Jews Letter Power Read Reading Rehum Scribe Secretary Shimshai Shim'shai Soon StoppedEzra 4 1. The adversaries, being not accepted in the building of the temple with the Jews, 4. endeavor to hinder it 7. Their letter to Artaxerxes 17. The answer and decree of Artaxerxes 23. The building is hindered When the text of the letter from King Artaxerxes was read This phrase indicates the authority and influence of the Persian king, Artaxerxes, over the region, including Jerusalem. Artaxerxes I reigned from 465-424 BC, and his decrees were binding across the vast Persian Empire. The reading of the letter signifies the formal and official nature of the communication, emphasizing the power of written royal edicts in the ancient world. This reflects the centralized control of the Persian administration and the importance of documentation in governance. to Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their associates they went immediately to the Jews in Jerusalem and forcibly stopped them Persons / Places / Events 1. King ArtaxerxesThe Persian king who issued the decree to halt the rebuilding of Jerusalem. His authority was significant in the Persian Empire, and his decisions impacted the Jewish community's efforts to restore their city. 2. Rehum The commanding officer who, along with others, opposed the rebuilding efforts of the Jews. He played a key role in enforcing the king's decree. 3. Shimshai the Scribe An official who assisted Rehum in communicating and implementing the king's orders. His role was crucial in the administrative process of halting the construction. 4. The Jews in Jerusalem The community striving to rebuild the temple and the city. Their efforts were met with opposition, reflecting the broader theme of perseverance amidst adversity. 5. Jerusalem The central place of worship and identity for the Jewish people. The rebuilding of Jerusalem was not just a physical task but a spiritual and cultural restoration. Teaching Points Understanding OppositionRecognize that opposition is a common experience for those seeking to fulfill God's purposes. Just as the Jews faced resistance, believers today may encounter challenges when pursuing God's will. The Role of Authority Consider how earthly authorities can impact spiritual endeavors. While respecting authority, believers must discern when to stand firm in their faith. Perseverance in Faith The Jews' experience teaches the importance of perseverance. Despite setbacks, maintaining faith and commitment to God's calling is crucial. Community Support The Jewish community's collective effort underscores the importance of unity and support among believers when facing challenges. Divine Timing Trust in God's timing and sovereignty. The halt in construction was temporary, reminding us that God's plans will ultimately prevail. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ezra 4:23?2. How does Ezra 4:23 illustrate the impact of opposition on God's work? 3. What strategies can we use to overcome opposition like in Ezra 4:23? 4. How does Ezra 4:23 connect to spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6:12? 5. In what ways can we remain steadfast when facing resistance, as in Ezra 4:23? 6. How can Ezra 4:23 inspire us to pray for perseverance in ministry? 7. How does Ezra 4:23 reflect the challenges of rebuilding faith amidst opposition? 8. What historical context led to the decree in Ezra 4:23? 9. How does Ezra 4:23 illustrate the power of political influence over religious practices? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezra 4? 11. In Ezra 4:23–24, how can the abrupt cessation of the rebuilding project be fully attributed to local opposition without considering wider Persian imperial policy? 12. What lessons do Ezra and Nehemiah's stories teach us? 13. 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? 14. Does Ezra 4:6's reference to Xerxes followed immediately by Artaxerxes in verse 7 create a chronological problem with established Persian timelines? What Does Ezra 4:23 Mean When the copy of King Artaxerxes’ letter was read before Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their associates• The imperial decree is now public record. Just as in Esther 3:12–14 and Daniel 6:8–9, once a Persian edict is read aloud, it carries unquestioned authority. • The text underscores that the adversaries waited for official sanction before moving; their hostility (Ezra 4:1–5) becomes “lawful.” • God is not caught off guard by governments (Proverbs 21:1; Romans 13:1). He permits this pause in rebuilding, yet His larger purpose for the temple remains certain (Isaiah 46:10). They went in haste to the Jews in Jerusalem • “Went in haste” reveals eagerness to suppress God’s work—echoing the relentless opposition God’s people have often faced (Nehemiah 4:7–9; Psalm 129:1–2). • The journey from Samaria to Jerusalem is roughly a day’s walk, so the reaction is immediate. Delay is the enemy’s ally; the Jews are to be caught off-guard. • Still, Jerusalem is the city God chose for His name (1 Kings 11:36). Even when hostile forces march toward it, the Lord’s covenant promises stand firm (Psalm 125:2). And forcibly stopped them • The phrase “forcibly stopped them” shows physical intimidation—likely armed men, echoing the “force of arms” noted in Ezra 4:23’s margin and similar tactics in Acts 4:17–18. • Work on the temple ceases until the second year of Darius (Ezra 4:24), yet the story does not end here. God raises prophets Haggai and Zechariah to rekindle courage (Ezra 5:1–2; Zechariah 4:6–7). • Opposition often intensifies just before a fresh move of God (1 Corinthians 16:9; Acts 5:39). summary Ezra 4:23 records a real-time clash between earthly authority and God’s redemptive plan. An official edict is read, enemies rush to Jerusalem, and the rebuilding halts under threat of force. Yet the pause is temporary; the Lord will soon restart the work and fulfill His promise. The verse reminds us that human power can delay but never defeat what God has decreed. Verse 23. - They went up in haste. The "adversaries" lost no time. Having obtained the decree which forbad further building, they proceeded with it to Jerusalem, and by a display of force compelled the Jews to submission. No doubt resistance might have been made, but resistance would have been rebellion.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Whenאֱדַ֗יִן (’ĕ·ḏa·yin) Adverb Strong's 116: Then, thereupon the text פַּרְשֶׁ֤גֶן (par·še·ḡen) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 6573: A transcript of the letter נִשְׁתְּוָנָא֙ (niš·tə·wā·nā) Noun - masculine singular determinate Strong's 5407: An epistle from King מַלְכָּ֔א (mal·kā) Noun - masculine singular determinate Strong's 4430: A king Artaxerxes אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֣שְׂתְּ (’ar·taḥ·šaśt) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 783: Artaxerxes -- a son and successor of Xerxes, king of Persia was read קֱרִ֧י (qĕ·rî) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7123: To call, read out or aloud to קֳדָם־ (qo·ḏām-) Preposition Strong's 6925: Before Rehum, רְח֛וּם (rə·ḥūm) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7348: Rehum -- 'compassion', the name of several Israelites Shimshai וְשִׁמְשַׁ֥י (wə·šim·šay) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 8124: Shimshai -- a scribe who opposed Israel the scribe, סָפְרָ֖א (sā·p̄ə·rā) Noun - masculine singular determinate Strong's 5613: A secretary, scribe and their associates, וּכְנָוָתְה֑וֹן (ū·ḵə·nā·wā·ṯə·hō·wn) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 3675: An associate they went אֲזַ֨לוּ (’ă·za·lū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 236: To go, go off immediately בִבְהִיל֤וּ (ḇiḇ·hî·lū) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 924: A hurry, hastily to עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5922: Above, over, upon, against the Jews יְה֣וּדָיֵ֔א (yə·hū·ḏā·yê) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3062: Jews -- inhabitants of Judah in Jerusalem לִירֽוּשְׁלֶם֙ (lî·rū·šə·lem) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 3390: Jerusalem -- the capital city of all Israel and forcibly בְּאֶדְרָ֥ע (bə·’eḏ·rā‘) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 153: An arm, power stopped וּבַטִּ֥לוּ (ū·ḇaṭ·ṭi·lū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 989: To cease them. הִמּ֖וֹ (him·mōw) Pronoun - third person masculine plural Strong's 1994: They Links Ezra 4:23 NIVEzra 4:23 NLT Ezra 4:23 ESV Ezra 4:23 NASB Ezra 4:23 KJV Ezra 4:23 BibleApps.com Ezra 4:23 Biblia Paralela Ezra 4:23 Chinese Bible Ezra 4:23 French Bible Ezra 4:23 Catholic Bible OT History: Ezra 4:23 Then when the copy of king Artaxerxes' (Ezr. 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