Ezra 4:18-20

Complete Jewish Bible

¹⁸ “The letter you sent us has now been translated for me. ¹⁹ I ordered a search made, and it was found that this city has a long history of revolt against kings, that rebellion and sedition have been fostered there; ²⁰ also that there have been powerful kings over Yerushalayim who ruled all the territory beyond the River; and tribute, taxes and tolls were paid to them.