Ezra 4:7-23
Artaxerxes .............. Artaxerxes <0783> [A.M. 3482. B.C. 522. Artaxerxes.]
This Artaxerxes was one of the Magi, who usurped the throne after the death of Cambyses, for seven months, feigning himself to be Smerdis, brother of Cambyses: he is called Oropoestus by Justin, Smerdis by Herodotus, Mardus by AEschylus, and Sphendatates by Ctesias.
Bishlam <01312> [Bishlam. or, in peace. companions. Heb. societies.]
Aramaic ..... Aramaic <0762> [the Syrian tongue.]
That is, probably, both the language and character were Syrian or Chaldaic; and therefore, from the 8th verse of this chapter, to ch. 7:27, the original is not Hebrew, but Chaldee, in those parts which consist of letters, decrees, etc., originally written in that language.
scribe <05613> [scribe. or, secretary.]
colleagues <03675> [companions. Chal. societies. the Dinaites.]
rulers <0671> [Apharsathchites.]
[Apharsachites. Susanchites.]
Elamites <05962> [Elamites.]
rest ................... other places <07606> [And the rest.]
noble Ashurbanipal <0620 03358> [noble Asnappar.]
<03706> [at such a time. Chal. Cheeneth.]
rebellious <04779> [rebellious.]
odious city <07149 0873> [bad city.]
<03635> [set up. or, finished.]
repairing <02338> [joined. Chal. sewed together.]
if this city <01791 07149 02006> [if this city.]
paid <05415> [pay. Chal. give. toll.]
treasury <0674> [revenue. or, strength.]
that ..................... sustain <04415 01768> [have maintenance, etc. Chal. are salted with the salt of the palace.]
Salt is reckoned among the principal necessaries of life, (Ecclus. 39:26 or 31;) hence, by a very natural figure, salt is used for food or maintenance in general. I am well informed, says Mr. Parkhurst, that it is a common expression of the natives in the East Indies, "I eat such a one's salt," meaning, I am fed by him. Salt was also, as it still is, among eastern nations, a symbol of friendship and hospitality; and hence, to eat a man's salt, is to be bound to him by the ties of friendship.
not <03809> [and it was.]
this city ........................ this city <07149 01791> [this city.]
producing <05648> [moved. Chal. made. within the same. Chal. in the midst thereof. for which.]
will <0383> [thou shalt have.]
colleagues <03675> [companions. Chal. societies.]
Greetings <08001> [Peace.]
<03706> [at such a time.]
[I commanded. Chal. by me a decree is set. search.]
determined <07912> [and it is found.]
engaging in insurrection <05376> [made insurrection. Chal. lifted up itself.]
Powerful <08624> [mighty king.]
Trans-Euphrates <05675> [beyond.]
tribute <04061> [toll.]
Now give ...................... instruct <07761 03705> [Give ye, etc. Chal. Make a decree.]
Why ... danger <04101 02257> [why should.]
Rehum <07348> [Rehum.]
proceeded <0236> [they went up.]
with threat <0153> [force. Chal. arm.]
Ezra 5:6-17
copy <06573> [A.M. 3485. B.C. 519. copy.]
officials <0671> [Apharsachites.]
[Apharsathchites.]
as follows <01459> [wherein. Chal. in the midst whereof. all peace.]
province <04083> [the province.]
great God <0426 07229> [the great God.]
large stones <069 01560> [great stones. Chal. stones of rolling.]
Who gave <04479 07761> [Who commanded.]
inquired <07593> [asked.]
great <07229> [which a great.]
But after <03861 04481> [A.M. 3408. B.C. 536. But after.]
delivered <03052> [he gave.]
hands <03028> [into the hand.]
vessels <03984> [the vessels.]
King <04430> [the king.]
Sheshbazzar <08340> [Sheshbazzar.]
appointed <07761> [whom.]
governor <06347> [governor. or, deputy.]
house <01005> [let the house.]
Sheshbazzar <08340> [Sheshbazzar.]
laid <03052> [laid.]
not ... finished <08000 03809> [A.M. 3468-3485. B.C. 536-519. it is not finished.]
search be conducted <01240> [A.M. 3485. B.C. 519. let there be.]
orders <02942> [a decree.]
