Ezra 4:11-16

11this is the copy of the letter that they sent to him, even to Artaxerxes the king; Thy servants the men on this side of the river, and now. 12let it be known to the king, that the Jews who came from thee to us are come to Jerusalem, building the rebellious and the evil city, and have set up the walls, and joined the foundations.12 13Be it known now to the king, that, if this city shall be built, and the walls set up again, then they will not pay toll, tribute, and custom, and so thou shalt diminish the revenue of the kings.34 14Now because we have maintenance from the king’s palace, and it was not good for us to see the king’s dishonour, therefore have we sent and informed the king;5 15That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful to kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same from of old: for which cause was this city destroyed.67 16We inform the king that, if this city shall be built again, and the walls set up, by this means thou shalt have no portion on this side of the river.