Ezra 4:17-24
The Decree of Artaxerxes

17 [Then] sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and [to] Shimshai the scribe, and [to] the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and [unto] the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time.

17:

18 The letter which ye sent unto us hath been plainly read before me.

18:

19 And I commanded, and search hath been made, and it is found that this city of old time hath made insurrection against kings, and [that] rebellion and sedition have been made therein.

19:

20 There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all [countries] beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto them.

20:

21 Give ye now commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this city be not builded, until [another] commandment shall be given from me.

21:

22 Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?

22:

23 Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes’ letter [was] read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power.

23:

24 Then ceased the work of the house of God which [is] at Jerusalem. So it ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.

24:

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