Ezra 4:14-16

New Century Version

¹⁴ Since we must be loyal to the government, we don’t want to see the king dishonored. So we are writing to let the king know. ¹⁵ We suggest you search the records of the kings who ruled before you. You will find out that the city of Jerusalem refuses to obey and makes trouble for kings and areas controlled by Persia. Since long ago it has been a place where disobedience has started. That is why it was destroyed. ¹⁶ We want you to know, King Artaxerxes, that if this city is rebuilt and its walls fixed, you will be left with nothing in Trans-Euphrates.