Ezra 4:13-15

Common English Bible

¹³ May it be known to the king that if this city is rebuilt and the walls completed, they will not pay tribute or tax or dues, and the royal revenue will be reduced.

¹⁴ Since we receive our salary from the palace,^[a] and since it is not fitting for us to witness the king’s dishonor, we now send this letter^[b] and inform the king ¹⁵ so that you may search the records of your ancestors. You will discover in the records that this is a rebellious city, harmful to kings and provinces, and that it has been in revolt over a long period of time. As a result, this city was laid waste.