17 (Then) sent the king an answer to Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions who dwell in Samaria, and in the rest (of the country) beyond the River: Peace, and so forth.
*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
Peace, and at such a time - The word וכעת ucheeth is like that which we have already considered on Ezra 4:10, and probably has the same meaning.
[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 [unto] the rest beyond the river, (l) Peace, and (m) at such a time.
(l) Or Shalom, salvation or greeting.
(m) Or, Cheeth, also called Cheeneth as in (Ezra 4:10).
Then sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe,.... This affair, upon examination, being found to be of importance, the king of Persia thought fit to send an answer to the above letter, which was doing them an honour, and gave them the power and authority they wished to have:
and to the rest of their companions that dwelt in Samaria; in the kingdom, province, and cities of Samaria:
and unto the rest beyond the river; the river Euphrates, the rest of the nations before mentioned, Ezra 4:9.
Peace, and at such a time: that is, all health and prosperity, &c.
*More commentary available at chapter level.