Charles Ellicott Commentary Ezra 4:15

"that search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time; for which cause was this city laid waste." — Ezra 4:15 (ASV)

The book of the records of your fathers. —The book of the records of the Chronicles which in Esther 6:1 is read before the king. This extended beyond his own fathers back to the times of the predecessors of the Median dynasty.

Of old time. —From the days of eternity, or time immemorial. The spirit of exaggeration if not of falsehood appears in every word here.