Ezra 4:17-23 - Artaxerxes' Reply
17 And the king sent word to Rehum, lord of judgment, and to Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their colleagues who dwelt in Shomeron, and the rest beyond the river, Peace and as now. 18 The epistle that ye sent to us being read distinctly before me. 19 And a decree being set from me, and they sought and found that this city from days forever lifting itself up against kings, and perverseness and rebellion being made in it 20 And strong kings were over Jerusalem, and ruling over all beyond the river: and tribute, excise, and, toll, being given to them. 21 Now set up a decree to cause these men to cease, and this city shall not be built till a decree shall be set up from me. 22 And be ye warned from doing wrong upon this: wherefore shall harm overtake to endamage the kings?
23 Then after the copy of the epistle of Arthasatha the king being read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their colleagues, they went away to Jerusalem to the Jews, and caused them to cease by arm and strength.