1 Esdras 2:22-24

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

²² “I have read the letter that you sent me. So I ordered search to be made, and it has been found that this city from of old has fought against kings, ²³ that the people in it were given to rebellion and war, and that mighty and cruel kings ruled in Jerusalem and exacted tribute from Coelesyria and Phoenicia.^{(A) 24} Therefore I have now issued orders to prevent these people from building the city and to take care that nothing more be done and that such wicked proceedings go no further to the annoyance of kings.”