John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ezra 4:23
Now when the copy of King Artaxerxes letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions ,.... By him or them to whom it was particularly directed: they went up in haste to Jerusalem unto the Jews ; not only in obedience to the king's command, but from an eagerness of spirit to put a stop to the proceedings of the Jews, to whom they had an aversion, instigated by the Samaritans: and made them to cease by force and power ; from going on with the building of the... read more
John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ezra 4:22
Take heed now that ye fail not to do this ,.... To put his orders into execution, and at once, without any loss of time, oblige the Jews to desist from rebuilding the walls of their city, which he was told they were doing, though a great falsehood: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings ? of him and his successors, to be deprived of their toll, tribute, and customs, and to have insurrections, mutinies, and rebellions, in the dominions belonging to them. read more