Ezra 4:17-23 - Artaxerxes' Reply
17 The king sent, a message, unto Rehum holder of judicial authority, and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their associates, who were dwelling in Samaria, and the rest Beyond the River, Peace and so forth. 18 The letter which ye sent unto us, was distinctly read before me; 19 And, from me, went forth an edict, and they have made search and found, that, this city, since the days of age-past time, against kings, hath lifted herself up, - and, sedition and rebellion, have been made therein; 20 and, mighty kings, have there been over Jerusalem, and bearing rule everywhere Beyond the River, - and, tribute, excise, and toll, have been given to them. 21 Now, issue ye an edict, to forbid these men, - that, this city, be not built, until, from me, the edict be issued. 22 Beware, then, of failure to do thus, - wherefore should the damage increase, to inflict loss on the kings?
23 Then, when, the copy of the letter of Artaxerxes the king, had been read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their associates, they journeyed in haste to Jerusalem, unto the Jews, and forbade them, with arm and force.