Ezra 8:36

They delivered. The change in pronouns from the first to the third person plural is no evidence of difference in authorship (see on Ezra 7:28). It is possible that this verse summarizes what Ezra had already done on his journey from the east to Jerusalem.

Lieutenants. Hebrew ’achashdarpenim, the equivalent of the Persian term translated “satrap” (see on Esther 3:12). The satrap of “Beyond the River” had his seat at either Aleppo or Damascus, and it seems more than probable that Ezra’s caravan had stopped at the residence of the satrap and presented to him the royal authorization for his mission. After his arrival at Jerusalem Ezra must also have informed the local governor of his commission and delivered to the revenue officers the financial decree of the king (Ezra 7:21, 22). Ezra adds that he received the cooperation of all these officials. The Persians are seldom found in opposition to Jewish interests.