Ezra 4:18-20

Living Bible

¹⁸ “Gentlemen: Greetings! The letter you sent has been translated and read to me. ¹⁹ I have ordered a search made of the records and have indeed found that Jerusalem has in times past been a hotbed of insurrection against many kings; in fact, rebellion and sedition are normal there! ²⁰ I find, moreover, that there have been some very great kings in Jerusalem who have ruled the entire land beyond the Euphrates River and have received vast tribute, custom, and toll.