The governor told them that they should not eat of the most holy things [the priests’ food] until a priest stood up with Urim and Thummim [who by consulting these articles in his breastplate could determine God’s will in the matter].

The king may be certain that when the building of this town and its walls is complete, they will give no tax or payment in goods or forced payments, and in the end it will be a cause of loss to the kings.

We give you word, that if the building of this town and its walls is made complete, there will be an end of your power in the country across the river.

They replied, ‘We are servants of the God of heaven and earth, and are rebuilding the temple which was erected many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and finished.

Since the days of our fathers, we, have been in great guilt, until this day, - and, for our iniquities, have we been given up - we, our kings, our priests, - into the hand of the kings of the lands, by sword and by captivity and by spoiling and by a turning pale of face, as at this day.