The Pulpit Commentary on Ezra 4:8

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Rehum the chancellor. Literally, "the lord of judgment." It may be conjectured that Rehum was the sub-satrap ( ὑποσατράπης, Xen.), of the province of Samaria. And Shimshai the scribe. Or "secretary."

Herodotus tells us that in every Persian province the governor had a secretary attached to him, who was appointed by the crown, and acted as a check upon his nominal master (Herod; 3:128). The position assigned to Shim-shai in this chapter (see especially Ezra 4:9, Ezra 4:17, Ezra 4:23) is such as might be expected under these circumstances.

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