Ezra 4:19-21

Good News Translation

¹⁹ I gave orders for an investigation to be made, and it has indeed been found that from ancient times Jerusalem has revolted against royal authority and that it has been full of rebels and troublemakers. ²⁰ Powerful kings have reigned there and have ruled over the entire province of West-of-Euphrates, collecting taxes and revenue. ²¹ Therefore you are to issue orders that those men are to stop rebuilding the city until I give further commands.