Ezra 4:14

4:14 In light of the fact that we are loyal to the king, ¹  and since it does not seem appropriate to us that the king should sustain damage, ²  we are sending the king this information ³ 

Ezra 4:20

4:20 Powerful kings have been over Jerusalem who ruled throughout the entire Trans-Euphrates ⁴  and who were the beneficiaries of ⁵  tribute, custom, and toll.

Ezra 7:13-14

7:13 I have now issued a decree ⁶  that anyone in my kingdom from the people of Israel – even the priests and Levites – who wishes to do so may go up with you to Jerusalem. ⁷  7:14 You are authorized ⁸  by the king and his seven advisers to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of your God which is in your possession, ⁹ 

[4:14]  ¹ tn Aram “we eat the salt of the palace.”

[4:14]  ² tn Aram “the dishonor of the king is not fitting for us to see.”

[4:14]  ³ tn Aram “and we have made known.”

[4:20]  ⁴ sn The statement that prior Jewish kings ruled over the entire Trans-Euphrates is an overstatement. Not even in the days of David and Solomon did the kingdom of Israel extend its borders to such an extent.

[4:20]  ⁵ tn Aram “were being given to them.”

[7:13]  ⁷ tn Heb “from me is placed a decree.” So also in v. 21.

[7:13]  ⁸ map For location see Map5 B1; Map6 F3; Map7 E2; Map8 F2; Map10 B3; JP1 F4; JP2 F4; JP3 F4; JP4 F4.

[7:14]  ¹⁰ tn Aram “sent.”

[7:14]  ¹¹ tn Aram “in your hand.”