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Ezra 4:22

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Ezra 4:22 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And take heed that ye be not slack herein: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And take heed that ye be not slack herein: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?
Ezra 4:22 — American Standard Version

Context — Ezra 4

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
19And I decreed, and search hath been made, and it is found that this city of old time hath made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been made therein.
20There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, who have ruled over all [the country] beyond the River; and tribute, custom, and toll, was paid unto them.
21Make ye now a decree to cause these men to cease, and that this city be not builded, until a decree shall be made by me.
22And take heed that ye be not slack herein: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?
23Then 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.
24Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem; and it ceased until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.
← Ezra 4:21Ezra 4:23 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Take heed now that ye fail not to do this, etc.] To put his orders into execution, and at once, without any loss of time, oblige the Jews to desist from rebuilding the walls of their city, which he was told they were doing, though a great falsehood: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings? of him and his successors, to be deprived of their toll, tribute, and customs, and to have insurrections, mutinies, and rebellions, in the dominions belonging to them.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“why should: Ezr 4:13; Est 3:8, Est 3:9, Est 7:3, Est 7:4 Ezra 4:23”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification