1 Esdras 2:21-23

Common English Bible

²¹ Consequently, I ordered a search to be made. It was discovered that this city has indeed rallied against kings in the past, that the people in it revolted frequently and started wars, ²² and that powerful and cruel kings have ruled in Jerusalem and exacted taxes from Coele-Syria and Phoenicia. ²³ Therefore, I issued orders to prevent these people from rebuilding the city