That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers. It was the practice at the Persian court to register all important events in a book, which from time to time was read to the kings (Esther 2:23; Esther 6:1).
The Samaritans suggest a consultation of this book, which would at any rate contain their own previous accusations against Jerusalem (supra, Ezra 4:5, Ezra 4:6), and might make some mention of the revolts from Babylon (see the comment on Ezra 4:12).
For which cause was this city destroyed. This was the great fact on which the Samaritans relied. Nebuchadnezzar had only destroyed Jerusalem in consequence of repeated rebellions. True; but no sufficient indication that there would be revolt from Persia, which was anti-idolatrous, and had proved herself so true a friend to the Jews.