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Scripture focus
[Then] sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and [to] Shimshai the scribe, and [to] the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and [unto] the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time.
Ezra 4:17 — KJV
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Ezra 4:17
King James Version (KJV)
“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody
Ezra 4:17
Verse 17 of 24
Commentary
Commentary on Ezra 4:17
Theological / DevotionalAn answer. The fact that the king corresponded directly with provincial officials, by-passing the satrap, points to a most unusual political situation. Under ordinary circumstances the king would never have written directly to lower state officials in a distant province. Such a message would have been transmitted through regular diplomatic channels, in this instance the office of the satrap.
Rehum. On Rehum and Shimshai and their titles, see on Ezra 4:8.
Peace, and at such a time. The Aramaic word shelam, translated “peace,” is the universal greeting used in most parts of the Near East to the present day, whether it be pronounced “salam,” “shlama,” or some other way. The Aramaic word translated “and at such a time” has been found in short Aramaic letters written on potsherds (ostraca) from the 5th century B.C., and apparently was part of a common formula of greeting. It should be translated “And now” (RSV), and introduces the message of the letter.
By SdaBc