Ezra 4:17-23 - Artaxerxes' Reply
17 [Then] the king sent an answer to Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions who dwell in Samaria, and in the rest beyond the River: Peace, and so forth. 18 The letter which ye sent to us has been plainly read before me. 19 And I decreed, and search has been made. And it is found that this city of old time has made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been made in it. 20 There have also been mighty kings over Jerusalem who have ruled over all [the country] beyond the River, and tribute, custom, and toll, was paid to them. 21 Make ye now a decree to cause these men to cease, and that this city not be built until a decree shall be made by me. 22 And take heed that ye be not slack in this matter. Why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?
23 Then when the copy of king Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went in haste to Jerusalem to the Jews, and made them cease by force and power.