Definition: This [is] the copy of the letter that they sent unto him, [even] unto Artaxerxes the king; Thy servants the men on this side the river, and at such a time.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezra 4:11. It’s a really interesting piece of history! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse is about a record left behind after a significant event – a battle or a period where the Jewish people were under siege. It’s like a letter, but it’s not just any letter; it’s a copy of a message sent to King Artaxerxes of Persia. Let's unpack it: “Ezra 4:11 This [is] the copy of the letter that they sent unto him…” This tells us this is a record from someone who was involved in a previous event, likely related to the time when the Jewish people were under attack by enemies. “[even] unto Artaxerxes the king” – This identifies the recipient of the message. It's speaking specifically to King Artaxerxes of Persia, who ruled over a large empire at that time. “Thy servants the men on this side the river, and at such a time.” This is a bit more detailed. “Thy servants” refers to the Jewish people who were protecting the city of Jerusalem. "The men on this side the river" – This means they were soldiers and defenders positioned along the river Jordan that bordered Jerusalem. “At such a time” – This refers to a specific moment in time when the battle or crisis was happening. In short, it’s telling us that there's a written record of a message sent to King Artaxerxes about what happened during a difficult period. It’s essentially a historical document passed down through time. What does this tell us about the past? This verse helps us understand: The severity of the situation: It shows that the Jewish people were facing a serious threat and needed to communicate with someone in power. The role of leadership: It highlights the importance of leaders like King Artaxerxes and the efforts of the Jewish defenders. Do you want me to explain any part of this in more detail, or perhaps connect it to a specific historical event? For example, are you curious about why this record might be important?