Ezra 4:15 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The letter urges the king to consult the royal archives, claiming the records will prove Jerusalem a habitually rebellious city.
What Does Ezra 4:15 Mean?
The accusers invite the king to search the book of the records of his predecessors, confident the archives will confirm their charge. They claim history shows Jerusalem to be a rebellious city, harmful to kings and provinces, that has stirred sedition of old time, and that this is why it was destroyed. They mix a measure of fact, the city had indeed resisted Babylon, with a sweeping condemnation meant to seal their case.
Truth woven with malice can be more dangerous than an open lie. The city's past struggles, which often arose from faithfulness to God against pagan overlords, are recast here as mere troublemaking. So the enemies of God's people learn to read history against them. Yet there is another book of records, kept in heaven, where the city of God and its people are remembered differently. The verdict of earthly archives is not the verdict that finally stands.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezra 4:15
What does Ezra 4:15 mean?
The letter urges the king to consult the royal archives, claiming the records will prove Jerusalem a habitually rebellious city.