Ezra 4:17-23

17The king sent an answer: "To Rehum the commander and Shimshai the scribe and the rest of their associates who live in Samaria and in the rest of the province Beyond the River, greeting. And now

18the letter that you sent to us has been plainly read before me.

19And I made a decree, and search has been made, and it has been found that this city from of old has risen against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been made in it.

20And mighty kings have been over Jerusalem, who ruled over the whole province Beyond the River, to whom tribute, custom, and toll were paid.

21Therefore make a decree that these men be made to cease, and that this city be not rebuilt, until a decree is made by me.

22And take care not to be slack in this matter. Why should damage grow to the hurt of the king?"

23Then, when the copy of King Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum and Shimshai the scribe and their associates, they went in haste to the Jews at Jerusalem and by force and power made them cease.