Ezra 4:13-20

13Be it knownH3046 nowH3705 unto the kingH4430, that, if this cityH7149 be builded, and the wallsH7792 finishedH3635, they will not pay tributeH4061, custom, or tollH1983, and in the end it will be hurtful unto the kingsH4430. 14NowH3705 because we eat the saltH4416 of the palaceH1965, and it is not meet for us to seeH2370 the king’sH4430 dishonor, therefore have we sent and certified the kingH4430; 15that searchH1240 may be madeH3046 in the bookH5609 of the records of thy fathersH2: so shalt thou findH7912 in the bookH5609 of the records, and knowH3046 that this cityH7149 is a rebellious cityH7149, and hurtful unto kingsH4430 and provincesH4083, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time; for which cause was this cityH7149 laid waste. 16We certify the kingH4430 that, if this cityH7149 be builded, and the wallsH7792 finishedH3635, by this means thou shalt have no portionH2508 beyond the RiverH5103.

17Thensent the kingH4430 an answer unto RehumH7348 the chancellor, and to ShimshaiH8124 the scribeH5613, and to the restH7606 of their companions that dwell in SamariaH8115, and in the restH7606 of the country beyond the RiverH5103: PeaceH8001, and so forth. 18The letter which ye sent unto us hath been plainly readH7123 before me. 19And I decreed, and searchH1240 hath been made, and it is foundH7912 that this cityH7149 of old time hath made insurrection against kingsH4430, and that rebellion and sedition have been made therein. 20There have been mighty kingsH4430 also over JerusalemH3390, who have ruled over all the country beyond the RiverH5103; and tributeH4061, custom, and tollH1983, was paid unto them.