Ezra 4:15
New International Version
so that a search may be made in the archives of your predecessors. In these records you will find that this city is a rebellious city, troublesome to kings and provinces, a place with a long history of sedition. That is why this city was destroyed.

New Living Translation
We suggest that a search be made in your ancestors’ records, where you will discover what a rebellious city this has been in the past. In fact, it was destroyed because of its long and troublesome history of revolt against the kings and countries who controlled it.

English Standard Version
in order that search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers. You will find in the book of the records and learn that this city is a rebellious city, hurtful to kings and provinces, and that sedition was stirred up in it from of old. That was why this city was laid waste.

Berean Standard Bible
that a search should be made of the record books of your fathers. In these books you will discover and verify that the city is a rebellious city, harmful to kings and provinces, inciting sedition from ancient times. That is why this city was destroyed.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
that search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers. And you will find in the book of the records and know that this city is a rebellious city, harmful to kings and provinces, and that they have incited sedition within the city in former times, for which cause this city was destroyed.

New American Standard Bible
so that a search may be conducted in the record books of your fathers. And you will discover in the record books and learn that that city is a rebellious city and detrimental to kings and provinces, and that they have revolted within it in past days; for this reason that city was laid waste.

NASB 1995
so that a search may be made in the record books of your fathers. And you will discover in the record books and learn that that city is a rebellious city and damaging to kings and provinces, and that they have incited revolt within it in past days; therefore that city was laid waste.

NASB 1977
so that a search may be made in the record books of your fathers. And you will discover in the record books, and learn that that city is a rebellious city and damaging to kings and provinces, and that they have incited revolt within it in past days; therefore that city was laid waste.

Legacy Standard Bible
that a search be made in the record books of your fathers. And you will find in the record books and come to know that that city is a rebellious city and damaging to kings and provinces, and that they have incited revolt within it in past days; therefore that city was laid waste.

Amplified Bible
in order that a search may be made in the record books of your fathers. And you will discover in the record books and learn that this is a rebellious city, damaging to kings and provinces, and that in the past they have incited rebellion within it. That is why that city was laid waste (destroyed).

Christian Standard Bible
that a search should be made in your predecessors’ record books. In these record books you will discover and verify that the city is a rebellious city, harmful to kings and provinces. There have been revolts in it since ancient times. That is why this city was destroyed.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
that a search should be made in your fathers’ record books. In these record books you will discover and verify that the city is a rebellious city, harmful to kings and provinces. There have been revolts in it since ancient times. That is why this city was destroyed.

American Standard Version
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 laid waste.

Contemporary English Version
If you look up the official records of your ancestors, you will find that Jerusalem has constantly rebelled and has led others to rebel against kings and provinces. That's why the city was destroyed in the first place.

English Revised Version
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 laid waste.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
that you should search the official records of your predecessors. You will find in those official records that this city has been rebellious and has been a threat to kings and provinces. This city has a history of rebelliousness. That's why this city was destroyed.

Good News Translation
that you order a search to be made in the records your ancestors kept. If you do, you will discover that this city has always been rebellious and that from ancient times it has given trouble to kings and to rulers of provinces. Its people have always been hard to govern. This is why the city was destroyed.

International Standard Version
urging that a search may be made in the official registers of your predecessors. You will discover in the registers that this city is a rebellious city, that it is damaging to both kings and provinces, that it has been moved to sedition from time immemorial, and that because of this it was destroyed.

Majority Standard Bible
that a search should be made of the record books of your fathers. In these books you will discover and verify that the city is a rebellious city, harmful to kings and provinces, inciting sedition from ancient times. That is why this city was destroyed.

NET Bible
so that he may initiate a search of the records of his predecessors and discover in those records that this city is rebellious and injurious to both kings and provinces, producing internal revolts from long ago. It is for this very reason that this city was destroyed.

New Heart English Bible
that search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers: so you shall find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful to kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time; for which cause was this city laid waste.

Webster's Bible Translation
That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so wilt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful to kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed.

World English Bible
that search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers. You will see in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful to kings and provinces, and that they have started rebellions within it in the past. That is why this city was destroyed.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
so that he seeks in the scroll of the records of your fathers, and you find in the scroll of the records, and know, that this city [is] a rebellious city, and causing loss [to] kings and provinces, and makers of sedition [are] in its midst from the days of old, therefore this city has been ruined.

Young's Literal Translation
so that he doth seek in the book of the records of thy fathers, and thou dost find in the book of the records, and dost know, that this city is a rebellious city, and causing loss to kings and provinces, and makers of sedition are in its midst from the days of old, therefore hath this city been wasted.

Smith's Literal Translation
That it shall be sought in the book of the records of thy fathers: and thou wilt find in the book of the records, and thou wilt know that this city a city perverse and endamaging kings and provinces, and working rebellion in the midst of it from days forever: for this, this city was laid waste.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
That search may be made in the books of the histories of thy fathers, and thou shalt find written in the records: and shalt know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful to the kings and provinces, and that wars were raised therein of old time: for which cause also the city was destroyed.

Catholic Public Domain Version
so that you may search in the books of the histories of your fathers, and you may find written in the records, and you may know that this city is a rebellious city, and that it is harmful to the kings and the provinces, and that wars were incited within it from the days of antiquity. For which reason also, the city itself was destroyed.

New American Bible
so that inquiry may be made in the historical records of your fathers. In the historical records you will discover and verify that this is a rebellious city, harmful to kings and provinces; its people have been acting seditiously there since ancient times. That is why this city was destroyed.

New Revised Standard Version
so that a search may be made in the annals of your ancestors. You will discover in the annals that this is a rebellious city, hurtful to kings and provinces, and that sedition was stirred up in it from long ago. On that account this city was laid waste.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
That the book of the records of your fathers may be read; so shall you find in the book of the records and know that this city is a rebellious city and hurtful to kings and provinces, and that great conflicts have taken place in it of old time; that is why this city was destroyed:

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
That you will read the book of the records of your fathers, and you will find in the book of records and you shall know that this city is a rebellious city and harmful of Kings and cities, and great conflicts are made within from the days of ancient time; because of this, the city is devastated.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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 laid waste.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
That examination may be made in thy fathers' book of record; and thou shalt find, and thou shalt know that city is rebellious, and does harm to kings and countries, and there are in the midst of it from very old time refuges for runaway slaves: therefore this city has been made desolate.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Opposition under Xerxes and Artaxerxes
14Now because we are in the service of the palace and it is not fitting for us to allow the king to be dishonored, we have sent to inform the king 15that a search should be made of the record books of your fathers. In these books you will discover and verify that the city is a rebellious city, harmful to kings and provinces, inciting sedition from ancient times. That is why this city was destroyed. 16We advise the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are restored, you will have no dominion west of the Euphrates.…

Cross References
Nehemiah 2:19-20
But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard about this, they mocked us and ridiculed us, saying, “What is this you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?” / So I answered them and said, “The God of heaven is the One who will grant us success. We, His servants, will start rebuilding, but you have no portion, right, or claim in Jerusalem.”

Nehemiah 4:1-3
Now when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he was furious and filled with indignation. He ridiculed the Jews / before his associates and the army of Samaria, saying, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Can they restore the wall by themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they complete it in a day? Can they bring these burnt stones back to life from the mounds of rubble?” / Then Tobiah the Ammonite, who was beside him, said, “If even a fox were to climb up on what they are building, it would break down their wall of stones!”

Nehemiah 6:5-9
The fifth time, Sanballat sent me this same message by his young servant, who had in his hand an unsealed letter / that read: “It is reported among the nations—and Geshem agrees—that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and this is why you are building the wall. According to these reports, you are to become their king, / and you have even appointed prophets in Jerusalem to proclaim on your behalf: ‘There is a king in Judah.’ Soon these rumors will reach the ears of the king. So come, let us confer together.” ...

Daniel 6:4-5
Thus the administrators and satraps sought a charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom, but they could find no charge or corruption, because he was trustworthy, and no negligence or corruption was found in him. / Finally these men said, “We will never find any charge against this Daniel unless we find something against him concerning the law of his God.”

Esther 3:8-9
Then Haman informed King Xerxes, “There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the peoples of every province of your kingdom. Their laws are different from everyone else’s, and they do not obey the king’s laws. So it is not in the king’s best interest to tolerate them. / If it pleases the king, let a decree be issued to destroy them, and I will deposit ten thousand talents of silver into the royal treasury to pay those who carry it out.”

2 Kings 18:31-32
Do not listen to Hezekiah, for this is what the king of Assyria says: Make peace with me and come out to me. Then every one of you will eat from his own vine and his own fig tree and drink water from his own cistern, / until I come and take you away to a land like your own—a land of grain and new wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a land of olive trees and honey—so that you may live and not die. But do not listen to Hezekiah, for he misleads you when he says, ‘The LORD will deliver us.’

2 Kings 19:10-13
“Give this message to Hezekiah king of Judah: ‘Do not let your God, in whom you trust, deceive you by saying that Jerusalem will not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria. / Surely you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all the other countries, devoting them to destruction. Will you then be spared? / Did the gods of the nations destroyed by my fathers rescue those nations—the gods of Gozan, Haran, and Rezeph, and of the people of Eden in Telassar? ...

2 Chronicles 32:17-19
He also wrote letters mocking the LORD, the God of Israel, and saying against Him: “Just as the gods of the nations did not deliver their people from my hand, so the God of Hezekiah will not deliver His people from my hand.” / Then the Assyrians called out loudly in Hebrew to the people of Jerusalem who were on the wall, to frighten and terrify them in order to capture the city. / They spoke against the God of Jerusalem as they had spoken against the gods of the peoples of the earth—the work of human hands.

Jeremiah 29:7
Seek the prosperity of the city to which I have sent you as exiles. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for if it prospers, you too will prosper.”

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.

Acts 4:18-21
Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. / But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God. / For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” ...

Acts 5:27-29
They brought them in and made them stand before the Sanhedrin, where the high priest interrogated them. / “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us responsible for this man’s blood.” / But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.

Acts 6:12-14
So they stirred up the people, elders, and scribes and confronted Stephen. They seized him and brought him before the Sanhedrin, / where they presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. / For we have heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.”

Acts 24:5-9
We have found this man to be a pestilence, stirring up dissension among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes, / and he even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him. / but Lysias the commander came with great force and took him out of our hands, ...

Acts 25:7
When Paul arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many serious charges that they could not prove.


Treasury of Scripture

That search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers: so shall you find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful to kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed.

this city

Ezra 4:12
Be it known unto the king, that the Jews which came up from thee to us are come unto Jerusalem, building the rebellious and the bad city, and have set up the walls thereof, and joined the foundations.

Nehemiah 2:19
But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king?

Nehemiah 6:6
Wherein was written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words.

moved.

2 Kings 24:20
For through the anger of the LORD it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, until he had cast them out from his presence, that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon.

2 Kings 25:1,4
And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came, he, and all his host, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it; and they built forts against it round about…

Jeremiah 52:3
For through the anger of the LORD it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, till he had cast them out from his presence, that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon.

Jump to Previous
Book Cause City Destroyed Fathers Find Hurtful Kings Laid Moved Provinces Rebellious Records Search Sedition Time Waste Wilt Within
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Book Cause City Destroyed Fathers Find Hurtful Kings Laid Moved Provinces Rebellious Records Search Sedition Time Waste Wilt Within
Ezra 4
1. The adversaries, being not accepted in the building of the temple with the Jews,
4. endeavor to hinder it
7. Their letter to Artaxerxes
17. The answer and decree of Artaxerxes
23. The building is hindered














so that a search may be made
This phrase suggests a deliberate and thorough investigation. The Hebrew root for "search" (בָּקַשׁ, baqash) implies seeking with intent and purpose. Historically, this reflects the Persian administrative practice of maintaining detailed records, which were often consulted to make informed decisions. The call for a search underscores the importance of truth and evidence in governance, reminding us of the biblical principle that truth is foundational to justice.

in the archives of your fathers
The "archives" refer to the royal records or chronicles, which were meticulously kept by ancient civilizations, including the Persians. The phrase "of your fathers" connects the present with the past, emphasizing the continuity of history and the importance of learning from it. This highlights the biblical theme of generational legacy and the impact of past actions on present circumstances.

In these records you will discover and verify
The act of discovery and verification points to the reliability and authority of written records. The Hebrew concept of "verify" (אָמַן, aman) conveys a sense of faithfulness and trustworthiness. This reflects the biblical value of integrity and the necessity of confirming facts before making judgments, a principle that is vital in both spiritual and secular matters.

that this city is a rebellious city
The term "rebellious" (מָרָד, marad) is significant in the biblical context, often associated with defiance against divine or royal authority. Jerusalem's history of rebellion is well-documented in the Scriptures, where the city frequently strayed from God's commandments. This serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disobedience and the importance of aligning with God's will.

harmful to kings and provinces
This phrase indicates the broader impact of Jerusalem's rebellion, affecting not just the city itself but also the surrounding regions and rulers. The historical context reveals that Jerusalem's insurrections often led to instability and conflict, which threatened the peace and prosperity of the entire empire. This underscores the biblical principle that sin and rebellion have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the individual but also the community.

a place with a long history of revolt
The "long history of revolt" highlights the persistent nature of Jerusalem's defiance. The Hebrew word for "revolt" (פֶּשַׁע, pesha) conveys a sense of willful transgression. This serves as a reminder of the human tendency to resist authority and the need for repentance and renewal. The biblical narrative consistently calls for a return to righteousness and faithfulness to God.

That is why this city was destroyed
The destruction of Jerusalem is presented as a direct consequence of its rebellion. This reflects the biblical theme of divine justice, where sin leads to judgment. However, it also points to the hope of restoration, as God's discipline is always aimed at bringing His people back to Himself. The destruction serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin, but also as an invitation to seek God's mercy and grace.

(15) The book of the records of thy fathers.--"The book of the records of the Chronicles" which in Esther 6:1 is "read before the king." This extended beyond his own fathers back to the times of the predecessors of the Median dynasty.

Of old time.--From the days of eternity, or time immemorial. The spirit of exaggeration if not of falsehood appears in every word here.

Verse 15. - That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers. It was the practice at the Persian court to register all important events in a book, which from time to time was read to the kings (Esther 2:23; Esther 6:1). The Samaritans suggest a consultation of this book, which would at any rate contain their own previous accusations against Jerusalem (supra, vers. 5, 6), and might make some mention of the revolts from Babylon (see the comment on ver. 12). For which cause was this city destroyed. This was the great fact on which the Samaritans relied. Nebuchadnezzar had only destroyed Jerusalem in consequence of repeated rebellions. True; but no sufficient indication that there would be revolt from Persia, which was anti-idolatrous, and had proved herself so true a friend to the Jews.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
that
דִּ֡י (dî)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 1768: Who, which, that, because

a search should be made
יְבַקַּר֩ (yə·ḇaq·qar)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1240: To plough, break forth, to inspect, admire, care for, consider

of the record
דָּכְרָ֨נַיָּ֜א (dā·ḵə·rā·nay·yā)
Noun - masculine plural determinate
Strong's 1799: Memorandum, record

books
בִּֽסְפַר־ (bis·p̄ar-)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5609: A book

of
דִּ֣י (dî)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 1768: Who, which, that, because

your fathers.
אֲבָהָתָ֗ךְ (’ă·ḇā·hā·ṯāḵ)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 2: Father

[In these]
דָּכְרָנַיָּא֮ (dā·ḵə·rā·nay·yā)
Noun - masculine plural determinate
Strong's 1799: Memorandum, record

books
בִּסְפַ֣ר (bis·p̄ar)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5609: A book

you will discover
וּ֠תְהַשְׁכַּח (ū·ṯə·haš·kaḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7912: To discover

and verify
וְתִנְדַּע֒ (wə·ṯin·da‘)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3046: To know

that
דִּי֩ (dî)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 1768: Who, which, that, because

the city
קִרְיְתָ֨א (qir·yə·ṯā)
Noun - feminine singular determinate
Strong's 7149: Building

is a rebellious
מָֽרָדָ֗א (mā·rā·ḏā)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 4779: Rebellious

city,
קִרְיָ֣א (qir·yā)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7149: Building

harmful
וּֽמְהַנְזְקַ֤ת (ū·mə·han·zə·qaṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Participle - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5142: To suffer injury

to kings
מַלְכִין֙ (mal·ḵîn)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4430: A king

and provinces,
וּמְדִנָ֔ן (ū·mə·ḏi·nān)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 4083: A judgeship, jurisdiction, a district, a region

inciting
עָבְדִ֣ין (‘ā·ḇə·ḏîn)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 5648: To do, make, prepare, keep

sedition
וְאֶשְׁתַּדּוּר֙ (wə·’eš·tad·dūr)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 849: Rebellion

from
מִן־ (min-)
Preposition
Strong's 4481: From, out of, by, by reason of, at, more than

ancient
עָלְמָ֑א (‘ā·lə·mā)
Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 5957: Remote time, the future, past, forever

times.
יוֹמָ֖ת (yō·w·māṯ)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3118: A day

That is why
עַ֨ל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5922: Above, over, upon, against

this
דָ֜ךְ (ḏāḵ)
Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 1791: This

city
קִרְיְתָ֥א (qir·yə·ṯā)
Noun - feminine singular determinate
Strong's 7149: Building

was destroyed.
הָֽחָרְבַֽת׃ (hā·ḥā·rə·ḇaṯ)
Verb - Hofal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 2718: To be a waste


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OT History: Ezra 4:15 That search may be made (Ezr. Ez)
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