King James Version

What Does Ezra 4:15 Mean?

Ezra 4:15 in the King James Version says “That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and kn...” — study this verse from Ezra chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed. moved: Cald. made within: Chald. in the midst thereof”

Ezra 4:15 · KJV

Context

13

Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the walls set up again, then will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom, and so thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings. pay: Chal. give revenue: or, strength

14

Now because we have maintenance from the king's palace, and it was not meet for us to see the king's dishonour, therefore have we sent and certified the king; we have: Chal. we are salted with the salt of the palace

15

That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed. moved: Cald. made within: Chald. in the midst thereof

16

We certify the king that, if this city be builded again, and the walls thereof set up, by this means thou shalt have no portion on this side the river.

17

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. companions: Chal. societies

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed. The opponents appeal to historical records, suggesting verification would confirm their accusations. Ancient Near Eastern empires maintained extensive archives documenting subject peoples' histories, treaties, rebellions, and tax records. The 'book of the records of thy fathers' refers to royal archives inherited from previous rulers, including Babylonian records acquired when Persia conquered Babylon.

The phrase 'rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces' characterizes Jerusalem as chronically dangerous. The Aramaic mared ('moved sedition') intensifies the accusation beyond mere occasional rebellion to habitual insurrection. The claim 'of old time' suggests long-standing pattern rather than isolated incidents. By portraying Jerusalem as inherently rebellious, opponents argued its restoration inevitably threatened Persian interests.

The reference to the city's destruction—'for which cause was this city destroyed'—alluded to Nebuchadnezzar's demolition of Jerusalem in 586 BC. This historical fact gave credibility to opponents' narrative: Jerusalem had indeed been destroyed for rebellion. However, this selective history ignored crucial context: God had ordained that destruction as judgment on covenant unfaithfulness, and God had now ordained restoration. The opponents understood political history but missed theological reality.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jerusalem had indeed rebelled against Babylon multiple times. King Jehoiakim initially submitted to Nebuchadnezzar but rebelled (2 Kings 24:1). Later, Zedekiah broke his oath to Babylon, provoking the final siege and destruction (2 Kings 24-25, Jeremiah 52). These rebellions resulted in deportations and eventually Jerusalem's complete destruction. Persian archives would have contained Babylonian records documenting these events.

However, the opponents' historical summary was selective. They ignored that Cyrus himself had authorized the return and temple rebuilding (Ezra 1:1-4). They also ignored that the destruction occurred under completely different circumstances—Judah was then an independent kingdom rebelling against foreign rule, while the current community consisted of exiles voluntarily returning under Persian authority with imperial permission.

Ancient empires did maintain extensive archives. The Persians inherited comprehensive Babylonian records when they conquered Babylon. Archaeological discoveries of administrative tablets from various ancient Near Eastern sites confirm sophisticated record-keeping. The opponents' confidence that archival research would support their claims suggests these records did document Jerusalem's rebellious past, even though this history didn't support their current accusations' relevance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does selective historical memory distort truth by emphasizing some facts while ignoring crucial context?
  2. What does this appeal to archives teach about the importance of accurate historical record-keeping?
  3. How should believers respond when opponents cite real historical problems while ignoring God's redemptive purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 29 words
דִּ֡י1 of 29
H1768

that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of

יְבַקַּר֩2 of 29

“That search”

H1240

properly, to plough, or (generally) break forth, i.e., (figuratively) to inspect, admire, care for, consider

בִּסְפַ֣ר3 of 29

“in the book”

H5609

a book

דָּכְרָֽנַיָּא֮4 of 29

“of the records”

H1799

a register

דִּ֣י5 of 29
H1768

that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of

אֲבָֽהָתָ֗ךְ6 of 29

“of thy fathers”

H2

father

וּ֠תְהַשְׁכַּח7 of 29

“so shalt thou find”

H7912

to discover (literally or figuratively)

בִּסְפַ֣ר8 of 29

“in the book”

H5609

a book

דָּכְרָֽנַיָּא֮9 of 29

“of the records”

H1799

a register

וְתִנְדַּע֒10 of 29

“and know”

H3046

to inform

דִּי֩11 of 29
H1768

that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of

קִרְיְתָ֥א12 of 29

“city”

H7149

building; a city

דָ֖ךְ13 of 29

“cause was this”

H1791

this

קִרְיְתָ֥א14 of 29

“city”

H7149

building; a city

מָֽרָדָ֗א15 of 29

“is a rebellious”

H4779

rebellious

וּֽמְהַנְזְקַ֤ת16 of 29

“and hurtful”

H5142

to suffer (causatively, inflict) loss

מַלְכִין֙17 of 29

“unto kings”

H4430

a king

וּמְדִנָ֔ן18 of 29

“and provinces”

H4083

properly, a judgeship, i.e., jurisdiction; by implication, a district (as ruled by a judge); generally, a region

וְאֶשְׁתַּדּוּר֙19 of 29

“sedition”

H849

rebellion

עָֽבְדִ֣ין20 of 29

“and that they have moved”

H5648

to do, make, prepare, keep, etc

בְּגַוַּ֔הּ21 of 29

“the same”

H1459

the middle

מִן22 of 29

“within”

H4481

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of

יוֹמָ֖ת23 of 29

“time”

H3118

a day

עָֽלְמָ֑א24 of 29

“of old”

H5957

remote time, i.e., the future or past indefinitely; often adverb, forever

עַ֨ל25 of 29

“for”

H5922

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

דְּנָ֔ה26 of 29

“which”

H1836

this

קִרְיְתָ֥א27 of 29

“city”

H7149

building; a city

דָ֖ךְ28 of 29

“cause was this”

H1791

this

הָֽחָרְבַֽת׃29 of 29

“destroyed”

H2718

to demolish

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezra. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezra 4:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezra 4:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezra 4:12Daniel 6:4-13Nehemiah 2:19Acts 17:6-7Nehemiah 6:62 Kings 24:20-25:1

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