¹² Let it be known to the king that the Jews who came from you have returned to us at Jerusalem. They are rebuilding that rebellious and evil city, finishing its walls, and repairing its foundations. ¹³ Let it now be known to the king that if that city is rebuilt and its walls are finished,^(A) they will not pay tribute, duty, or land tax,^(B) and the royal revenue^[a] will suffer.

¹⁶ We advise the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are finished, you will not have any possession west of the Euphrates.

¹³ I went out at night through the Valley Gate toward the Serpent’s^[a] Well and the Dung Gate,^(A) and I inspected the walls of Jerusalem that had been broken down and its gates that had been destroyed by fire.^(B)