Ezra 4:15

“That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers, etc.] That is, his predecessors in the Babylonian monarchy; though, as the Medes and Persians were included in that, and joined the Babylonians in their wars with others, and particularly with the Jews, the records of the Medes and Persians might also be applied to: so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time; against the king of Babylon, particularly in the times of Jehoiakim and Zedekiah: for which cause was this city destroyed; as it was by Nebuchadnezzar; (see <122401> 2…”

“The book of the records - Compare Esther 2:23; Esther 6:1; Esther 10:2. The existence of such a “book” at the Persian court is attested also by Ctesias. Of thy fathers - i. e., thy predecessors ripen the throne, Cambyses, Cyrus, etc. If Artaxerxes was the Pseudo-Smerdis (Ezra 4:7 note), these persons were not really his “fathers” or ancestors; but the writers of the letter could not venture to call the king an impostor. return to 'Top of Page'”

“4:15-16 The Persians had access to Babylonian records, which described Jerusalem’s revolts against Nebuchadnezzar (see 2 Kgs 24:1-7). • The claim that the Persians would lose the whole province west of the Euphrates was an exaggeration: The Jews actually comprised a small minority in that province.”

“made: within the same, Chal, in the midst thereof this city: Ezr 4:12; Neh 2:19, Neh 6:6; Est 3:5-8; Dan 6:4-13; Act 17:6, Act 17:7 moved: Chal for which: Kg2 24:20, Kg2 25:1, Kg2 25:4; Jer. 52:3-34 Ezra 4:16”