12 let it be known to the king that the Jews who came up from you have come to us at Jerusalem; they are rebuilding (A)the rebellious and evil city and (B)are finishing the walls and repairing the foundations. 13 Now let it be known to the king, that if that city is rebuilt and the walls are finished, (C)they will not pay tribute, custom tax, or toll, and it will [a]be detrimental to the revenue of the kings. 14 Now because we [b]are in the service of the palace, and it is not fitting for us to see the king’s shame, for this reason we have sent word and informed the king,

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Footnotes

  1. Ezra 4:13 Or certainly be...to the kings
  2. Ezra 4:14 Lit eat the salt of

12 The king should know that the people who came up to us from you have gone to Jerusalem and are rebuilding that rebellious and wicked city. They are restoring the walls and repairing the foundations.(A)

13 Furthermore, the king should know that if this city is built and its walls are restored, no more taxes, tribute or duty(B) will be paid, and eventually the royal revenues will suffer.[a] 14 Now since we are under obligation to the palace and it is not proper for us to see the king dishonored, we are sending this message to inform the king,

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Footnotes

  1. Ezra 4:13 The meaning of the Aramaic for this clause is uncertain.