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.
20 Mighty kings have ruled over Jerusalem governing all the Trans-Euphrates, and tribute, taxes, and duty were paid to them.
21 “So now, issue a decree to stop these men—this city is not to be rebuilt until I issue a decree.