22 Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?
22 Be careful not to neglect this matter. Why let this threat grow, to the detriment of the royal interests?
22 And take care not to be slack in this matter. Why should damage grow to the hurt of the king?"
22 Act quickly and firmly; they've done enough damage to kings!
22 Take heed now that you do not fail to do this. Why should damage increase to the hurt of the kings?
22 Be diligent, and don't neglect this matter, for we must not permit the situation to harm the king's interests."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ezra 4:22
Commentary on Ezra 4:6-24
(Read Ezra 4:6-24)
It is an old slander, that the prosperity of the church would be hurtful to kings and princes. Nothing can be more false, for true godliness teaches us to honour and obey our sovereign. But where the command of God requires one thing and the law of the land another, we must obey God rather than man, and patiently submit to the consequences. All who love the gospel should avoid all appearance of evil, lest they should encourage the adversaries of the church. The world is ever ready to believe any accusation against the people of God, and refuses to listen to them. The king suffered himself to be imposed upon by these frauds and falsehoods. Princes see and hear with other men's eyes and ears, and judge things as represented to them, which are often done falsely. But God's judgment is just; he sees things as they are.