Then wrote Rehum the chancellor, and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions; the Dinaites, the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Susanchites, the Dehavites, and the Elamites,

EZRA 4:9KJV
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Ezra 4:9 (KJV)

What does Ezra 4:9 mean?

Ezra 4:9 identifies the officials and groups associated with a letter opposing the rebuilding of Jerusalem. The verse presents their complaint as coming from a group of people, not from Rehum and Shimshai alone.

The verse continues the introduction to the letter begun in verse 8. Rehum is called the “chancellor,” an official title, and Shimshai is the “scribe,” a person responsible for writing. The list also names companions identified with several places and peoples.

Why Ezra 4:9 matters

  • The letter speaks with a collective voice. The phrase “the rest of their companions” connects the named groups with the two officials.
  • The names point to a varied group within the Persian Empire. “Babylonians,” “Susanchites,” and “Elamites,” for example, are associated with Babylon, Susa, and Elam.
  • The recipients of the letter appear in verse 11: it is addressed to King Artaxerxes. The writers’ warning about Jerusalem follows in the same letter.

Where else these words appear

“chancellor” Hebrew H1169 · used in 3 verses

  • Ezra 4:8 Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king in this sort:
  • Ezra 4:17 Then sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and unto the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time.

“Apharsathchites” Hebrew H671 · used in 3 verses

  • Ezra 5:6 The copy of the letter that Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and his companions the Apharsachites, which were on this side the river, sent unto Darius the king:
  • Ezra 6:6 Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence:

“Shimshai” Hebrew H8124 · used in 4 verses

  • Ezra 4:8 Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king in this sort:
  • Ezra 4:17 Then sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and unto the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time.
  • Ezra 4:23 Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power.

“scribe” Hebrew H5613 · used in 6 verses

  • Ezra 4:8 Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king in this sort:
  • Ezra 4:17 Then sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and unto the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time.
  • Ezra 7:12 Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time.