Charles Ellicott Commentary Ezra 4:17

"[Then] sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and in the rest [of the country] beyond the River: Peace, and so forth." — Ezra 4:17 (ASV)

Peace, and at such a time. — Salutation, and so forth. The account of the reply and the beginning of it are strangely blended, as before.