13 “Furthermore, let it be known to the king, that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are completed, no more tribute, taxes or duty will be paid and the royal revenue will suffer.
14 Now since we eat the salt of the palace, and it is not proper for us to see the king dishonored, we are sending this message to inform the king
15 so that a search may be made in the book of records of your fathers and you will discover in the records and know that this city is a rebellious city, harmful to kings and provinces, inciting internal revolts from ancient times. That is why this city was destroyed.
16 We are informing the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls completed, you will no longer have any possession in Trans-Euphrates.”
17 The king sent this reply: “To Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their associates who dwell in Samaria and the others in Trans-Euphrates. “Shalom!
18 “The letter that you sent to us has been translated and read in my presence.
19 At my order a search was made and it was found that this city has from earliest times revolted against kings and that rebellion and sedition continually occur in it.