They sent him a report, in which was written as follows: This verse formally introduces the report, that is, “the letter” (verse 6). Compare Traduction œcuménique de la Bible “They sent to him a message in which it was written:….” Good News Translation slightly indents the left margin of the letter in verses 7-17 to set it apart from the surrounding text.

The letter opens in the usual formulaic manner, here citing to whom it is addressed, To Darius the king. See the comments on Ezra 4.11 for openings to letters.

All peace: This greeting is not found in other Aramaic letters (see the comment on “greeting” in Ezra 4.17), but according to Blenkinsopp (1988, page 121), it may be the short form for the usual greeting “the health [peace] of your lordship may the God of heaven seek after [it] exceedingly at all times” as is found in Aramaic papyri. A wide variety of translations is found for this greeting. Good News Translation expresses an appropriate interpretation of a wish for peace for a king: “may you rule in peace.” Contemporary English Version uses a very casual contemporary English expression: “we wish you the best!” However, this is not suitable style in a formal context. Revised English Bible has “All greetings,” while Bible en français courant says “all our wishes for prosperity!” Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch says “We offer you our most humble greetings and wishes for blessings!” Translators should use a similar extravagant and yet formal greeting in the receptor language.

Quoted with permission from Noss, Philip A. and Thomas, Kenneth J. A Handbook on Ezra. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2005. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .