King James Version

What Does Ezra 4:8 Mean?

Ezra 4:8 in the King James Version says “Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king in this sort: scrib...” — study this verse from Ezra chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king in this sort: scribe: or, secretary”

Ezra 4:8 · KJV

Context

6

And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, wrote they unto him an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem. Ahasuerus: Heb. Ahashverosh

7

And in the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of their companions, unto Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the writing of the letter was written in the Syrian tongue, and interpreted in the Syrian tongue. Bishlam: or, in peace companions: Heb. societies

8

Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king in this sort: scribe: or, secretary

9

Then wrote Rehum the chancellor , and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions; the Dinaites, the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Susanchites, the Dehavites, and the Elamites, companions: Chald. societies

10

And the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Asnappar brought over, and set in the cities of Samaria, and the rest that are on this side the river, and at such a time. at such: Chaldee, Cheeneth

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king in this sort: This verse introduces the letter's authors—Rehum the 'chancellor' (be'el te'em, בְּעֵל טְעֵם, literally 'master of decree' or 'commander') and Shimshai the 'scribe' (safar, סָפַר). These were provincial officials with authority to communicate directly with the king. Their positions gave their accusations credibility and ensured serious consideration.

The phrase 'wrote a letter against Jerusalem' reveals hostile intent. The preposition 'against' (al, עַל) indicates opposition and hostility, not neutral reporting. This was prosecutorial correspondence designed to damage, not honest administrative communication. The specificity 'against Jerusalem' rather than 'about Jerusalem' exposes their agenda—they weren't seeking information but destruction of the city and its rebuilding efforts.

Theologically, this demonstrates how positions of authority can be abused to oppose God's purposes. Rehum and Shimshai possessed legitimate administrative roles but weaponized them against covenant purposes. This pattern repeats—Pharisees and Sadducees held religious authority yet opposed Jesus; Roman governors held legal authority yet crucified the Lord of Glory. Authority apart from submission to God's ultimate authority becomes tyranny.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Persian provincial administration relied on local officials like Rehum who understood regional dynamics while representing imperial interests. The 'chancellor' or military commander held significant power, responsible for maintaining order and reporting threats to imperial stability. Scribes like Shimshai possessed bureaucratic expertise, drafting official correspondence and maintaining records.

The letter-writing system connected far-flung provinces to the imperial center. Literacy was restricted, making scribes powerful gatekeepers who shaped how information reached the king. This created opportunity for manipulation—selective reporting or framing could dramatically influence royal perception and policy. The returnees faced not just local opposition but systematic exploitation of imperial administrative systems against them.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can Christians recognize when legitimate authority is being abused to oppose God's work?
  2. What responsibility do believers have to respect civil authority while maintaining ultimate allegiance to God?
  3. How should churches respond when governmental or institutional powers become hostile to Christian mission?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
רְח֣וּם1 of 13

“Rehum”

H7348

rechum, the name of a persian

בְּעֵל2 of 13

“the chancellor”

H1169

a master; hence, a husband

טְעֵ֗ם3 of 13
H2942

properly, flavor; figuratively, judgment (both subjective and objective); hence, account (both subjectively and objectively)

וְשִׁמְשַׁי֙4 of 13

“and Shimshai”

H8124

shimshai, a samaritan

סָֽפְרָ֔א5 of 13

“the scribe”

H5613

a scribe (secular or sacred)

כְּתַ֛בוּ6 of 13

“wrote”

H3790

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

אִגְּרָ֥ה7 of 13

“letter”

H104

an epistle (as carried by a state courier or postman)

חֲדָ֖ה8 of 13

“a”

H2298

as card. one; as article single; as an ordinal, first; adverbially, at once

עַל9 of 13

“against”

H5922

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

יְרֽוּשְׁלֶ֑ם10 of 13

“Jerusalem”

H3390

jerusalem

לְאַרְתַּחְשַׁ֥שְׂתְּא11 of 13

“to Artaxerxes”

H783

artachshasta (or artaxerxes), a title (rather than name) of several persian kings

מַלְכָּ֖א12 of 13

“the king”

H4430

a king

כְּנֵֽמָא׃13 of 13

“in this sort”

H3660

so or thus

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 4:8 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 4:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezra 4:92 Kings 18:182 Samuel 20:252 Samuel 8:17

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Ezra 4 →

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