עזרא, פרק ד׳, פסוק כ״ב

The Persian king's firm decision to halt the rebuilding of Jerusalem culminates in a severe warning to his officials, serving as the conclusion to his official letter of response [רש״י]. He demands absolute obedience, stressing the political and security risks involved if his administrators neglect their duties and fail to stop the construction.

To ensure his directives are taken seriously, the king issues a strict demand for caution, insisting that his orders be carried out fully and without compromise [אבן עזרא, מצודת ציון]. Commentators explore the exact nature of the failure the king wants to prevent. The primary approach understands his words as a warning against accidental errors. According to this view, the officials must be incredibly careful not to make any misstep that might inadvertently allow the building to continue [רש״י, אבן עזרא, רלב״ג, מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון]. Another perspective views the warning as a command against negligence and delay. In this light, the king demands immediate action, warning his officials not to waste time or be distracted, but to halt the work instantly without any postponement [רב סעדיה גאון, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The king justifies the extreme urgency of his command by pointing out the severe consequences of any mistake or delay. He warns that any failure on the part of his officials could allow the residents of Jerusalem to increase their rebellious and destructive activities. His central fear is that if the Jewish people manage to overcome the obstacles and complete the city, they will cause massive damage to the kings of Media and Persia, potentially endangering all the surrounding kingdoms [רש״י, רלב״ג, מצודת דוד, רב סעדיה גאון].