Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power.
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Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
Gill's Exposition
Then ceased the work of the house of God, which is at Jerusalem,.... How far they had proceeded is not said, whether any further than laying the foundation of it; though probably, by this time, it…
Adam Clarke
Made them to cease by force and power - Commanded them on pain of the king's displeasure not to proceed, obliging all to remit their labors, and probably bringing an armed force to prevent them from…
Here we have,
I. The orders which the king of Persia gave, in answer to the information sent him by the Samaritans against the Jews. He suffered himself to be imposed upon by their fraud and…
Cambridge Bible
Now R.V. Then, i.e. Thereupon.
read before cf. 18.
they went up in haste R.V. they went in haste. Far from being slack in executing the king's decree: gratified malice made them prompt as well as…
Cross References
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