Ezra 4:17-23

17Then the king sent this reply: To Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their group living in Samaria, and to others west of the Euphrates River: I wish you peace and prosperity!

18The letter you sent me has been read word for word in my presence.

19I gave the order, and a search was made. I discovered that this city has a long history of uprisings against kings. Its inhabitants are guilty of treason and rebellion.

20Jerusalem has had powerful kings who have ruled the whole ⌞province⌟ west of the Euphrates. Taxes, fees, and tolls were paid to them.

21So order these men to stop rebuilding. Keep this city from being rebuilt until I give the order.

22Be careful not to neglect your duty in this matter. Why should I, the king, suffer any more harm?

23Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and their group hurried to Jerusalem after hearing a copy of King Artaxerxes’ letter. They forced the Jews to stop rebuilding.