This verse tells us that Rehum and Shimshai wrote a letter to King Artaxerxes criticizing Jerusalem. They were likely trying to stop the rebuilding of the city.
شرح للأطفال
Imagine two kids writing a letter to the principal to complain about their school's playground being fixed up. That's what Rehum and Shimshai did, but they were writing to a king about the city of Jerusalem.
السياق التاريخي
This letter was written during the time of the Persian Empire, around the 5th century BCE, when King Artaxerxes ruled. The letter aimed to discourage the king from supporting the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
التطبيق اليوم
When faced with opposition to a good cause, remember that it's important to stand firm in your beliefs and not let detractors stop you from doing what is right.
The letter was written by Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe.
Why did Rehum and Shimshai write this letter?
They wrote to oppose the rebuilding of Jerusalem and possibly halt the construction activities.
What was King Artaxerxes' role in this context?
Artaxerxes was the Persian king who received the letter and had the authority to influence the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of rebuilding in the Old Testament?
This verse shows the challenges faced by the people of Israel in rebuilding Jerusalem after their exile, highlighting the ongoing opposition they encountered.