Geneva Bible Notes (1560): Ezra 4

^{1 a} Meaning, the inhabitants of Samaria, whome the King of Assyria had placed in the steade of the ten tribes {2 King. 17,24} & {19,37}. These professed God, but worshiped idoles also, and therefore were the greatest enemies to the true seruants of God.

^{2 !} The buylding of the Temple is hindred & how.

^{3 b} For thei perceiued what their pretence was, to wit, to erect idolatrie in steade of true religion.

^{4 /} Ebr. made their hands weake.

^{5 c} They bribed the gouerners vnder the King, to hinder their worke. thus they that halte can not abide that God shulde be purely serued.

^{6 d} He was also called Artaxerxes, which is a Persian name. some thinke it was Cambese Cyrus sonne, or Darius, as {vers 5}.

^{7 e} Called Artaxerxes, which signifieth in the Persian tongue, an excellent warriour.

^{8 /} Or, counseleur.

^{9 f} These were certeine people, which the Assyrians placed in Samaria in stead of the ten tribes.

^{10 g} Some thinke it was Sanneherib, but rather Salmanasar.

^{10 h} To wit, Euphrates, & he meaneth in respect of Babel that they dwelt beyonde it.

^{10 i} Which were a certeine people that enuyed the Jewes.

^{11 !} Letters to Artaxerxes, and the answer.

^{13 k} Meaning, the gifts that are wonte to be giuen to Kings when they passe by any countrey.

^{14 /} Ebr. In the Chalde, we haue eaten the salt of the palace.

^{24 n} Not all together: for the Prophetes exhorted them to contineu, but they vsed lesse diligence because of the troubles.