Ezra 4:21-23

New Catholic Bible

²¹ “Therefore, now give orders that these men must cease their work, and make it clear that this city is not to be rebuilt until I issue a decree to that effect. ²² And take care that you do not act negligently in this regard, lest the damage increase, to the detriment of the royal house.”

²³ As soon as the text of the letter from King Artaxerxes was read before Rehum the governor, Shimshai the secretary, and their colleagues, they traveled immediately to Jerusalem and compelled the Jews by force of arms to stop their work.