Ezra 4:20-22

New Living Translation

²⁰ Powerful kings have ruled over Jerusalem and the entire province west of the Euphrates River, receiving tribute, customs, and tolls. ²¹ Therefore, issue orders to have these men stop their work. That city must not be rebuilt except at my express command. ²² Be diligent, and don’t neglect this matter, for we must not permit the situation to harm the king’s interests.”