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1
A King with a Short Reign
Commentators widely agree that the 'Artaxerxes' in this verse is likely Gomates, an impostor also known as Pseudo-Smerdis, who reigned for only seven months. This short reign helps place this specific act of opposition within the complex history of the Persian Empire, distinct from the later Artaxerxes who interacts with Nehemiah.
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Ezra
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4
Albert Barnes
On Ezra 4:7
18th Century
Theologian
Artaxerxes - Gomates, the Pseudo-Smerdis. He succeeded Cambyses (521 B.C.), and reigned for seven months, when he was deposed and executed …
Charles Ellicott
On Ezra 4:7
19th Century
Bishop
In the days of Artaxerxes. —This must be Gomates, the Magian priest who impersonated Smerdis, the dead son of Cyrus, and reigned o…
John Gill
On Ezra 4:7
17th Century
Pastor
And in the days of Artaxerxes
The same with Ahasuerus, in the preceding verse; and who also is Cambyses, which is hi…
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Matthew Henry
On Ezra 4:6–24
17th Century
Minister
It is an old slander, that the prosperity of the church would be hurtful to kings and princes. Nothing can be more false, for true godliness teache…