Ezra 4:17-23 - Artaxerxes' Reply
17 The king sent an answer to Rehum, the chief ruler, and Shimshai the scribe, and their friends living in Samaria, and to the rest of those across the river, saying, Peace to you: 18 The meaning of the letter you sent to us has been made clear to me, 19 I gave orders for a search to be made, and it is certain that in the past this town has made trouble for kings, and that outbursts against authority have taken place there. 20 Further, there have been great kings in Jerusalem. They ruled over all the country across the river. Taxes and tribute was paid to them. 21 Give an order now that these men are to do no more work and that the building of the town is to be stopped till I give an order. 22 Be sure to do this with all care. Do not let trouble increase to damage the king.
23 Then, after reading the king's letter, Rehum and Shimshai the scribe and their friends went quickly to Jerusalem, to the Jews to compel them by force to stop.