Ezra 4:13-20

13Be it knownH3046 therefore unto the kingH4430, that, if this cityH7149 be builtH1124 and the wallsH7792 be completed, they will not pay tributeH4061, tax, and tollH1983, and in the end it will bring damage to the kingsH4430.

14NowH3705, since we eat the saltH4416 of the palaceH1965, and it is not right for us to seeH2370 the king's injury, therefore have we sent and informed the kingH4430;

15that searchH1240 may be madeH3046 in the bookH5609 of the annals of thy fathersH2: so shalt thou findH7912 in the bookH5609 of the annals and knowH3046 that this cityH7149 is a rebellious cityH7149, which has done damage to kingsH4430 and provincesH4083, and that they have raised sedition within the same of old time, for which cause this cityH7149 was destroyed.

16We inform the kingH4430 that if this cityH7149 be builtH1124 and its wallsH7792 be completed, by this means thou shalt have no portionH2508 on this side the riverH5103.

17The kingH4430 sent an answer to RehumH7348 the chancellor, and ShimshaiH8124 the scribeH5613, and the restH7606 of their companions that dwell in SamariaH8115, and the other places beyond the riverH5103: PeaceH8001, and so forth.

18The letter that ye sent to us has been readH7123 before me distinctly.

19And I gave orders, and searchH1240 has been made, and it has been foundH7912 that this cityH7149 of old time has made insurrection against the kingsH4430, and that rebellion and sedition have been raised therein.

20And there have been mighty kingsH4430 over JerusalemH3390, who have ruled over all beyond the riverH5103; and tributeH4061, tax, and tollH1983 were paid to them.