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

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Ezra 4:8. It's a bit complex, but I’ll try to explain it clearly. Here's what it means: This verse describes a disagreement between two officials – Rehum and Shimshai – who wrote a letter criticizing Jerusalem and Artaxerxes the king. Let’s unpack each part: “Ezra 4:8 Rehum and Shimshai…” : This tells us who wrote the letter. Ezra was the ruler of Judah, and Rehum and Shimshai were two officials within his administration. “…wrote a letter against Jerusalem…” : They weren’t just writing about anything; they were focused on something specific: Jerusalem. It suggests there was a problem or grievance with the city. “Artaxerxes the king…” : This is the person being addressed – the king of Persia (modern-day Iran). Artaxerxes was a powerful ruler who ruled over a vast empire. “…in this sort:” This is where it gets interesting. “Sort” in Hebrew means "a way" or "manner." So, they wrote this letter in a certain way . So, the overall message of the verse is: Two officials – Rehum and Shimshai – were complaining about something that was happening in Jerusalem and criticizing Artaxerxes the king. They likely felt something wasn't right and expressed their dissatisfaction through a written letter. What does this verse tell us about the historical context? This passage is important because it’s part of a larger story within the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). It points to a time when there was a crisis in Jerusalem, and the leaders were trying to address it. It highlights: Disagreement & Conflict: The letter reveals a conflict between different groups – the people of Jerusalem and the rulers of Persia. Concern for Jerusalem’s Welfare: The officials are worried about the state of Jerusalem, suggesting a desire to see it safe and prosperous. The Role of Officials: This verse shows that even powerful figures like kings had individuals who acted as messengers and expressed opinions – highlighting the importance of governance and communication. In short, this verse is a snapshot of a moment in history where people were arguing about a problem in Jerusalem, and two officials played a role in trying to resolve it. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific aspect in more detail? Connect this passage to a particular biblical story or theme?